Photo by Billy Amato
Despite ample pushback from groups including NYC Audubon and Wild Bird Fund, a series of flying drone performances took place in Central Park this Saturday in front a massive crowd of spectators.
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Following the announcement that Amsterdam-based Studio Drift would be flying 1,000 illuminated drones over Central Park in a performance dubbed “Freedom Franchise,” in which the drones would mimic flight patterns of starlings in order to “[explore] the relationship between man, nature and technology,” bird advocates swiftly shared their concerns about the show’s impact on actual, living birds.
These advocates were especially dismayed over the timing of the performance, though it isn’t immediately clear if any birds were injured.
“This is a VERY BAD IDEA. #lightpollution during peak #birdmigration, which BTW is happening right now, poses a hazard for the millions of birds traveling over NYC on their migrations. COULD WE MOVE THIS to after fall migration?” @NYCAudubon shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Council Member Gale Brewer spoke out against the performance as well. “Drones in Central Park on Saturday night should be cancelled. It is peak migration season & birds could be harmed or killed. I have conveyed my opposition to @nycparks and @nycmayorsoffice. I am not opposed to drones, but not in CP at height of migration.”
According to CBS News, “Drift said it consulted with wildlife groups and City Hall to limit any possible dangers.”
Franchise Freedom – Tonight’s Drone Show above The Lake in Central Park inspired by the graceful movements of starlings pic.twitter.com/t8erjqevcH
— Noel Y. Calingasan • NYC (@nyclovesnyc) October 22, 2023
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Happening right now in Central Park. 1,000 drones will fly over Central Park this evening. Dubbed “Franchise Freedom,” the open-air public art performance is created by Dutch studio DRIFT pic.twitter.com/89YdiSAgA6
— Alex Chavez (@captiv_8_) October 22, 2023
Anyone who went to watch would probably agree it wasn’t worth it. In addition to it being hard to view from some of the suggested locations (the bandshell for example), it only lasted a few minutes whereas the potential impact to our treasured wildlife could last indefinitely.
Honestly, I’m not a “crank” who just complains about everything, but this was poorly executed.
Could have been rescheduled to a more appropriate time and not during peak migration. Disappointed by the actions of the city and Central Park, just more arrogant actions by humans. I am glad to see it was not well attended.
It was packed. Hundreds of people and that was just one local
Yes, there were a lot of people who couldn’t see a thing because black clothed guards pushed everyone away from the viewing areas that would have worked, i.e. any place around the lake. The suggested viewing areas were only Bethesda Fountain (packed) and the Band Shell (couldn’t see because of trees. The “show” itself was completely underwhelming. I think people had expectations that the drones would make figures or something. Instead, in a six minute show they just appeared to be wandering around. In my opinion drones anywhere in NYC should NEVER be allowed. The danger to birds and aviation is just too great. Very poorly thought out and executed.
Agree. The whole thing lasted 5 mins at max including breaks and was more a try out than show. Not worth the track to the park with the equally disappointed crowds. We actually thought they experienced a technical glitch
The drone show was a total flop. Police blocked the best clear viewing spots. Hundreds of people were left to watch the drones through the trees. What a waste of time. Terrible planning!!
Adams and NYC parks, they care. /s
It’s a plan it’s a plan to acclimate the public to swarms of NYPD drones. not sarc.
Jay – Educate us what a swarm of drones = typically associated with attack drones used in war zones, as opposed to a single surveillance drone – will accomplish for the NYPD in our neighborhoods.
Very curious to hear what’s coming and my imagination seems to be failing me.
It was ok and something different. I was on Cherry Hill and had a great view.. Some of the drones went down in the lake, IJBOL
They were hitting each other and some people lost their drones somewhere in the woods, I found two of them both were about 36in. in the rambles this morning.
Maybe its just me but it seems like this was not really for the public given that a huge swath of the area was closed to public. It totally escapes me why they publicized this so much. I’m sure Drift got exactly what they wanted which is great for them just like it was great for Global Citizen.
Also why was it okay to shut down Bethesda fountain and the surrounding areas at 2 pm on Saturday afternoon for this extremely short show that was at 7 pm. Who signed off on such a plan and where is the accountability?
The security guys in black shirts started kicking everyone out from the area around 2 pm. This shouldn’t be allowed. It was a weekend and in addition to locals there were people visiting who had to leave that area.