The filming of high-profile fantasy and sci-fi productions like the new Harry Potter HBO series in the UK has highlighted a significant legal gap regarding drone use over film sets. UK property and privacy laws, rooted in centuries-old principles such as the Magna Carta, do not extend land ownership rights sufficiently into the airspace above properties, allowing tabloids and influencers to legally fly drones over open sets and capture spoilers. Unlike the US, where property rights extend above the land, UK law permits aerial filming unless it causes direct interference or damage, making it difficult for studios to prevent leaks or take legal action against drone operators.

In response, Warner Bros and other studios are lobbying the UK government to update legislation to grant production companies greater control over the airspace above their sets, enabling them to prevent unauthorized drone filming and protect their intellectual property. The Harry Potter series, with its extensive filming schedule and high profile, has become the catalyst for this push. However, political instability and differing party priorities may delay or complicate the passage of such laws. Meanwhile, studios are also leveraging social media platforms to remove leaked content and exploring creative solutions like training eagles to intercept drones.