About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
The Impact of Aerial Cinematography on Modern Sports Broadcasting
Sports are exciting to watch, but how we see them on TV has changed a lot over the years. In the past, cameras could only show simple angles from the sidelines or stands. Now, thanks to aerial cinematography, we see sports from the sky.
Drones, helicopters, and special cameras give us amazing views of games, races, and extreme sports. These views make us feel closer to the action and show details we might miss from ground-level cameras.
This article will explore how aerial cinematography has changed sports broadcasting.
What is Aerial Cinematography in Sports?
Aerial cinematography uses drones, helicopters, or other flying cameras to film from the sky. These tools let broadcasters show views that ground cameras can’t capture.
For example:
- In football, drones can show the entire field from above to highlight player movements.
- In car racing, aerial cameras can follow cars speeding down tracks.
- In surfing, drones can follow surfers as they ride massive waves.
Aerial shots don’t just make sports broadcasts look cool—they help tell better stories. They give fans a better view of the game, the crowd, and the moment’s emotions.
“Aerial cinematography isn’t just about showing high views. It’s about capturing moments that make viewers feel like they’re right there in the middle of the action.” – says Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth.
The Evolution of Aerial Shots in Sports
Sports broadcasting hasn’t always had drones and high-tech cameras. Years ago, helicopters were the main tools for aerial filming. They were good for capturing wide views of marathons or outdoor sports but had problems. Helicopters are expensive, noisy, and can’t fly too close to the action.
Then came drones. Drones are smaller, quieter, and much more affordable. They can fly close to athletes, move quickly, and capture angles that were impossible before.
For example:
- Stadium Sports: Drones give us sweeping views of stadiums and up-close shots of players.
- Motorsports: Drones follow cars and bikes as they race around tight corners.
- Extreme Sports: Whether skateboarding or snowboarding, drones capture every thrilling moment.
“Drones changed everything. They made aerial shots possible for smaller events, not just the big leagues. Now, even local sports can have world-class footage.” – says Rodrigo.
How Aerial Cinematography Improves Sports Broadcasting
When we watch sports on TV, we want to feel connected to the action. Aerial cinematography helps make that connection stronger. It shows us more of the game, more of the players, and more of the crowd.
How Aerial Cameras Make Sports Better:
- Better Storytelling: Aerial shots show the entire stadium, the crowd cheering, and the players’ strategies.
- Exciting Angles: Drones can fly overhead to capture unique angles, like a penalty kick in football.
- Game Analysis: Coaches and analysts can use aerial shots to study player movements and game plans.
- More Engagement: Aerial views keep fans interested with fresh, exciting visuals.
“When you see a stadium packed with fans from above or a drone following a player’s sprint, it feels more personal. It’s not just watching—it’s experiencing the game.” – says Rodrigo.
The Technology Behind Aerial Cinematography
Aerial cinematography wouldn’t be possible without advanced technology. High high-tech cameras and software provide every smooth drone shot or steady aerial view.
Important Technologies in Aerial Sports Filming:
- High-Resolution Cameras: 4K and 8K quality cameras capture super-clear footage.
- Stabilisation Tools: Special tools keep cameras steady, even when drones are moving fast.
- AI Tracking: Some drones can follow a specific athlete or car automatically.
- Live Streaming: Cameras send live footage to broadcasters with almost no delay.
These tools make sure aerial shots look sharp, smooth, and professional.
“Today’s technology allows us to capture sports like never before. Smart drones and advanced cameras mean we can tell better stories, even in fast-paced games.” – says Rodrigo.
Real Examples of Aerial Cinematography in Sports
We’ve all seen aerial shots in sports, but where are they most impressive? Here are some examples:
- Super Bowl: Aerial shots show the stadium, the halftime show, and key game moments.
- Formula 1 Racing: Drones follow cars speeding around tight corners and long stretches.
- Winter Olympics: Skiing and snowboarding events use drones to follow athletes down snowy slopes.
These examples show how aerial cinematography brings excitement and detail to broadcasts.
Challenges of Aerial Cinematography in Sports
Even though aerial cinematography is impressive, it comes with challenges. Flying cameras during live sports isn’t always easy.
Common Challenges:
- Weather Issues: Rain, strong winds, or fog can make flying drones difficult.
- Safety Concerns: Drones flying over crowds must be operated carefully to avoid accidents.
- Rules and Regulations: Each country has strict rules for flying drones.
- Cost: Drones are cheaper than helicopters but still require skilled pilots and regular maintenance.
“Safety is always our top priority. Every drone flight is planned carefully, and every operator must stay alert during the entire shoot.”
Can I Fly Drones in Stadiums and Populated Areas
Flying drones in overcrowded stadiums or busy public areas comes with risks. If a drone malfunctions, loses control or collides with another object, it could fall and injure people below or damage property.
There are also concerns about noise, privacy, and potential interference with other broadcasting equipment.
In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has set strict rules to address these risks, especially when operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) near or over people.
According to CASA’s Temporary Management Instruction (TMI) 2024-01, operators must meet clear safety standards when flying drones near people. Some key requirements include:
- Controlled Environments: Flights must occur in controlled spaces with restricted access to ensure safety.
- Written Consent: In some cases, people involved in the activity must provide written consent after being fully briefed about the risks.
- Energy Limits: Drones must not exceed certain energy thresholds in case of impact. Parachute systems or speed restrictions may also be required.
- Safety Plans: Operators must prepare detailed safety plans, including emergency procedures and risk management strategies.
For populous areas, additional exemptions might be required under CASR 101.280, and these are only issued when operators can prove they meet strict safety standards.
“Operating drones over stadiums or crowded spaces isn’t something you take lightly. CASA has laid out clear guidelines to minimise risks, and every operator must follow them carefully. Proper planning, training, and adherence to regulations are non-negotiable for safe operations.” – Rodrigo said.
These regulations ensure that while drones enhance sports broadcasting, they do so without compromising the safety of spectators, athletes, or staff. For drone operators, meeting these standards requires careful preparation, skilled piloting, and a strong focus on safety protocols.
The Future of Aerial Cinematography in Sports
The future of aerial cinematography looks exciting. Technology keeps improving, and new ideas are changing how we film sports.
What’s Next for Aerial Sports Filming?
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR graphics might be added to live aerial shots for better analysis.
- 360-Degree Cameras: Viewers might soon control camera angles while watching live broadcasts.
- Smarter Drones: Future drones will be faster, smarter, and safer.
These innovations will make sports broadcasts even more exciting and interactive.
“We’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible. The future will bring smarter drones, better cameras, and more creative ways to tell sports stories.” – says Rodrigo.
Aerial cinematography has changed sports broadcasting forever. It’s not just about filming from the sky. It’s about bringing fans closer to the action. From massive events like the Super Bowl to smaller local games, aerial shots have become a key part of storytelling.
As technology gets better, we’ll see even more creative uses of aerial cinematography in sports. The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
The next time you watch your favourite sport, look for those stunning aerial shots. They’re changing the way we experience the game.
