Jeffrey Katzenberg, best known for his role in creating iconic film franchises like Shrek and The Lion King, is venturing into a bold new frontier: sky-based entertainment through drones. In partnership with Kimbal Musk, co-founder and CEO of Nova Sky Stories, Katzenberg is pushing the boundaries of live performance and storytelling by transforming the nighttime sky into an immersive canvas for spectators.

Nova Sky Stories has pioneered the use of state-of-the-art drone technology to craft “Sky Stories,” a new genre of long-form visual narratives that blend light, music, and motion. By combining creative storytelling with technical innovation, the company has captivated audiences around the world. Now, with Katzenberg joining as a strategic advisor and board member, Nova is poised to elevate this emerging entertainment medium, extending both its creative scope and global reach.

Katzenberg’s involvement comes alongside WndrCo, his technology investment firm, which has taken a significant stake in Nova. This partnership is part of a broader $50 million funding round targeting the expansion of Nova’s in-house creative studio comprised of animators, producers, and engineers. The strategic infusion of capital and expertise aims to accelerate Nova’s ability to produce larger, more complex, and interactive aerial performances.

“One of the things I’m most excited by is how Nova is using cutting-edge technology to create something entirely new—stories that are only possible in the sky,” Katzenberg remarked. He sees drones as a revolutionary tool for storytelling, with the potential to create characters and narratives that are uniquely suited to this dimension. Unlike traditional media, where stories unfold on a screen or stage, Nova’s drone shows unfold above the audience, making the sky itself part of the experience.

Nova was founded by Musk during the pandemic, born from the acquisition of Intel’s drone unit and its fleet of 9,000 sophisticated drones in 2022. Since then, the company has worked tirelessly to refine both the technical and creative aspects of its performances. Among Nova’s notable early shows was a spellbinding event at Burning Man 2022, where a swarm of 1,000 drones formed a giant morphing face hovering above festival-goers—a display of technological artistry that highlighted the platform’s endless possibilities.

These dynamic displays go far beyond simple light shows. Nova’s productions are long-form narratives, often featuring original characters and story arcs designed specifically for the sky. The company’s vision is to engage audiences interactively, using both programming and live feedback to shape performances in real time.

What sets Nova apart is the ambition to make sky storytelling a mainstream form of family entertainment. Rather than short, isolated spectacles, Nova aims for episodes that unfold over time, drawing families, communities, and even entire cities to witness events that blend art, technology, and collective experience. The fusion of drone hardware innovations with rich storytelling unlocks unparalleled complexity and immersion, pushing live entertainment into new territory.

Kimbal Musk, whose entrepreneurial career spans food, technology, and philanthropy, brings a unique perspective to Nova’s approach. Under his leadership, Nova has sought to democratize access to grand performances, making awe-inspiring experiences available to broader audiences outside traditional entertainment venues.

For Katzenberg, who has spent decades at the forefront of Hollywood innovation, this venture represents the next evolution in how stories are told. “We’re going to create original characters and original stories that can only be told with this technology. The only way you can tell these stories will be up in the sky, in dimension, hopefully engaging interactively with the audience,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Nova Sky Stories plans to harness advances in drone technology to further enhance its performances, extending their duration, sophistication, and interactivity. Backed by investment and visionary leadership, the company is well-positioned to redefine what live entertainment means for families and communities worldwide.

The sky, once merely a backdrop for human endeavors, is now becoming a vibrant stage. As Nova Sky Stories continues to innovate, spectators can expect to be transported by breathtaking visuals, immersive storytelling, and experiences that unite art and technology at unprecedented scale. The age of drone-powered sky storytelling is just beginning, and with visionaries like Katzenberg and Musk at the helm, the next chapter promises to be transformative.