
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 Magic After Landing
Capturing stunning aerial footage is only the beginning. The real magic happens after the drone lands. Through thoughtful editing, raw drone clips transform into cinematic stories that captivate viewers. Post-production is where emotion, movement, and storytelling come together.
Every choice—from colour grading to sound design—makes a difference.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth, believes editing is the heart of video storytelling. “Capturing the shot is just half the story. Editing brings it to life,” he says. His approach to post-production proves that how you edit matters just as much as what you film.
Let’s explore the key techniques that turn good drone footage into unforgettable videos.
Why Post-Production Is Essential
Even the most beautiful aerial shots need refining. Without editing, footage can feel flat and disconnected. Post-production adds flow, emotion, and rhythm to every video.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto explains, “Editing lets you control how viewers feel. It’s not just about what they see but how they experience it.” From colours to cuts, each choice leads the viewer through a story.
Colour Grading: Setting the Mood
Colour grading shapes the mood of a video. Adjusting tones, shadows, and highlights can turn an ordinary shot into something extraordinary.
Simple Colour Grading Tips:
- Cool tones (blues and greys) create calm, dramatic moods.
- Warm tones (reds and golds) add energy and excitement.
- Balanced contrast keeps details sharp and vivid.
Rodrigo says, “Colour grading isn’t about making footage look fake. It’s about enhancing natural beauty and guiding emotions.”
Seamless Transitions: Guiding the Story
Transitions connect scenes smoothly, keeping viewers engaged. Jarring cuts can disrupt the flow, but well-placed transitions help tell the story.
Best Transitions for Drone Footage:
- Cross Dissolves: Blend similar scenes softly.
- Speed Ramps: Slow down or speed up footage for drama.
- Whip Pans: Quick moves between scenes for energy.
- Fade to Black/White: Shift between emotional tones or close scenes.
“Transitions should feel invisible,” says Rodrigo. “They should guide the viewer, not distract them.”
Music: The Emotional Backbone
Music gives the video its emotional rhythm. The right soundtrack can turn simple shots into powerful stories.
Choosing the Right Music:
- Match tempo with movement: Fast drone shots need upbeat tracks; slow shots need gentle sounds.
- Balance volume: Music should enhance, not overpower, the visuals.
- Use licensed tracks: Choose royalty-free or licensed music to avoid legal issues.
“Music gives your footage rhythm. It makes a peaceful flight feel adventurous or turns a quiet scene into something powerful,” Rodrigo explains.
Sound Design: The Missing Piece
Beyond music, subtle sound effects make videos feel real. Sounds like wind, water, or city noise pull viewers deeper into the scene.
Sound Design Tips:
- Natural sounds: Add wind, waves, or rustling leaves for realism.
- Whooshes: Use soft swooshes for drone movements.
- Use silence: Pauses can add suspense or highlight a scene.
“Sound completes the picture,” says Rodrigo. “It’s the difference between watching a video and feeling it.”
Storytelling Through Editing
Beautiful shots need a story. Without it, the footage feels random. A good edit leads viewers through a journey.
Building a Story with Drone Footage:
- Start strong: Open with an eye-catching shot.
- Create flow: Arrange clips to build emotion or show progress.
- End with impact: Finish with a memorable or emotional scene.
“A good edit doesn’t just look nice—it makes people feel something,” says Rodrigo. “Every cut, transition, and effect should tell a story.”
Speed and Motion: Adding Drama
Playing with speed adds excitement. Fast motion energises a scene, while slow motion adds drama.
Speed Editing Techniques:
- Slow Motion: Highlights details and adds grandeur.
- Speed Ramping: Mix fast and slow for dramatic reveals.
- Time-Lapse: Show the passage of time with moving clouds or shifting city lights.
Used wisely, these techniques make drone footage more engaging.
Simplicity Wins: Avoid Over-Editing
With so many editing tools, it’s easy to go overboard. Too many effects, filters, or transitions can overwhelm viewers.
“Less is more,” says Rodrigo. “Let the footage breathe. Use editing to enhance, not overshadow, your story.”
Editing Tools for Drone Footage
You don’t need expensive software to edit well. Many accessible programs offer powerful features.
Popular Editing Software:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Great for advanced editing and colour grading.
- DaVinci Resolve: Best for professional colour grading.
- Final Cut Pro: Fast and user-friendly for Apple users.
- LumaFusion: A mobile app for editing on the go.
It’s not the tool; it’s how you use it that matters.
Easy FAQ for Quick Answers
What is the best editing software for drone videos?
The top choices are Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro.
How do I choose music for drone footage?
Match the music tempo with the drone’s movement. Use licensed or royalty-free tracks.
Why is colour grading important?
It sets the mood and enhances the story by adjusting tones and contrast.
Post-production turns drone footage into stories. Colour grading shapes the mood, transitions build flow, and music and sound design create emotion.
Rodrigo reminds us that editing is about feeling. “Aerial footage shows the world from a new view, but editing gives it meaning.”
Ready to elevate your drone videos? Start editing today and bring your stories to life.