France's second most-visited theme park (after Disneyland Paris) allows visitors to witness history being brought to life through over 60 shows - from the Vikings and Knights of the Round Table, to Richelieu's Musketeers and Gallo-Roman gladiator games.
The park's flagship show Cinéscénie - which, at over 23 hectares is also the world's largest night show - provides a look through the ages and utilises the latest advances in technology and artistry. It was for this show that the drone technology was created.
Nicolas de Villiers, President, Puy du Fou, says: "The team was searching for a way to incorporate new heights to Cinéscénie. We wanted to create the biggest chandelier in the world in the sky, moving and then disappearing. One of the trialed solutions was to suspend part of the set 30 metres high, and another was to use helium balloons.
"A turning point came when the artistic team joined forces with lighting designer Koert Vermeuleun, founder of ACT Lighting Design. At the start of 2013, the two combined their experience to find a technological solution that would transform the sky into an additional part of the set."
The Neopter is the result of a 2 million investment, the work of 50 engineers over two years and four patents. The Neopter fleet of 50 at Puy du Fou is the first drone fleet capable of flying outdoors while synchronising with music, video and lights alongside over 3,400 actors.
With embedded intelligence and GPS, the Neopters fly autonomously, in wind and rain, can take off from and land on water, and carry loads of 3kg. They can also autonomously decide to leave the choreography and return 'home' if they experience motor or battery problems.
Nicolas de Villiers adds: "We're seeing drone technology become increasingly prominent outside of its military origins, and by exploring the new opportunities opened up by the Neopters, we are excited to be pioneering a new way in the world of entertainment. At Puy du Fou, we aim to transport visitors out of the 21st century into the past and this technology is truly enabling us to push the boundaries further."
(Lee Baldock)
