GAME OF DRONES

Fantasy fans buzzing the set of Game of Thrones with drones are ‘putting stars at risk’

The hit show's security bosses are now considering new measures to take out the rogue gadgets

Jon Lockett

Published: 9:05, 19 Nov 2016
Updated: 2:29, 20 Nov 2016

FANTASY fans are so keen to keep up with the latest plot lines on the hit show Game of Thrones they are buzzing the set with drones to film up-to-date spoilers.

The problem is now so bad, the security bosses are considering a string of radical ways to tackle the offenders over fears they are risking the safety of the show's stars.

There are fears the drones could fall on stars like Kit Harington who plays Jon SnowCredit: AP:Associated Press

Specially-trained birds of prey can be used to take out rogue dronesCredit: ANP

G4S, the security company that guards the sets of the HBO show in Northern Ireland said drones are being flown over the set by fans and others hoping to sell spoilers.

Many are desperate to get early footage of the seventh season - due to air next summer.

Noah Price, head of solutions development at G4S UK, said at the moment it dealt with the intruders by informing the Civil Aviation Authority, which sets the rules for drone flying.

These include a ban on drones with cameras from going within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or other structures, and requiring drones to stay clear of congested areas or large gatherings such as concerts and sports events.

G4S — which says there is a clear risk to cast members and production crew from drones falling on them — tries to pre-empt drone pilots by patrolling the area around premises it guards.

Other anti-drone measures include shooting them down, snaring them in nets or sending up other drones to capture or collide with them — though all these raise safety issues.

One option being considered is the use of birds of prey to safely grab drones out of the sky, reports the Financial Times.

“We are trying to keep up with the technology just like everyone else,” said Mr Price.

“It is a huge challenge for everyone in the security industry.”

The problem has got worse as drones get cheaper and more sophisticated.

A simple, lightweight drone can be bought online for £30, while it costs about £200 for a drone that can stay in the air for around 15 minutes.

Last year, footage of filming captured at Ballintoy Harbour, Antrim, went viral, although the recording did not betray any plot details.

In the past, footage from the show has been leaked onlineCredit: Fame Flynet

This year there were reports that the production company making Star Wars: Episode VIII had hired squadrons of so-called good drones to see off any unwanted drones above their film sets in Croatia.

Drones have also become a big problem for production companies, with AMC Studios even shooting dummy scenes of The Walking Dead on its sets in Georgia, US, to help protect plot security.

Common problems include drones being used to deliver drugs, mobile phones and food to prisoners and to capture footage of football matches and concerts from open-air stadiums.

It emerged this week that an Airbus A320 passenger jet missed colliding with a drone above the Shard this summer by just metres. Near-misses take place once every six days, on average.

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