In Wuxi, Jiangsu province, an image was worth 1,000 drones. There, the machines converged in the sky to form a Buddha’s hand reaching down to illuminate a tower, making an all-out display out of what began as an AI-generated concept video that had garnered a like from Elon Musk.

Such massive drone formations, which can include thousands of synchronized aircrafts, are now transforming skylines across China. Yet behind every eye-popping display are flight planners who design and oversee every maneuver. These people help design, oversee, and implement drone designs, even testing flight conditions before a show begins.

The role is relatively new, having been recently granted official recognition on the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security’s list of 17 new occupations, which those in the industry see as an important endorsement that may attract more talent and funding.

The recognition comes amid an increased demand for skilled drone workers as China’s “low-altitude economy” booms. With drones now being implemented in agriculture, emergency response, and more, prospective pilots are flocking to drone work, seeing it as their next big break. For those in the industry, drone flight planners and dazzling light shows are only the beginning.