In the near future, a drone could be responsible for both delivering and filming that DVD box-set you just ordered. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering granting regulatory exemptions to seven aerial photo and video production companies that would allow the television and film industry to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – i.e., drones – during filming for the first time.

“To receive the exemptions, the firms must show that their UAS operations will not adversely affect safety,” the FAA said in a news release. “They would also need to show why granting the exemption would be in the public interest.”

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) facilitated the exemption requests on behalf of their membership. The firms are requesting the FAA grant them relief from regulations addressing general flight rules, pilot certificate requirements, manuals, maintenance and equipment mandates.

“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) offer the motion picture and television industry an innovative and safer option for filming,” said Neil Fried, Senior VP for Government and Regulatory Affairs at the MPAA, in a statement. “This new tool for storytellers will allow for creative and exciting aerial shots, and is the latest in a myriad of new technologies being used by our industry to further enhance the viewer experience.”

Currently, exemptions for drones are typically available to public entities such as law enforcement, firefighting, border patrol, disaster relief, search and rescue, military training, and other government operational missions that need to fly a UAS in civil airspace. The FAA authorizes commercial operations on a case-by-case basis.

“We welcome the FAA’s leadership and support their guidance to safely authorize the use of UAS’s for the motion picture and television industry,” said Fried.