
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

Why Drone Collaborations Matter
The drone industry is booming, with new technology, regulations, and opportunities emerging every year. But as competition increases, many drone businesses face a tough choice: compete for clients or collaborate for bigger wins.
Instead of seeing other drone companies as rivals, we should view them as potential partners. Working together leads to better results, greater opportunities, and a stronger industry.
Collaboration is not just an option; it is a necessity for growth.
A perfect example is our recent work with RemSense. Their client needed high-quality drone insights for the Smart Freeway project, and we played a key role in delivering exactly that.
But this partnership did not happen in isolation. Mahmood Hussein from Global Drone Solutions made it possible. Mahmood connected the right teams, ensuring everyone’s skills were used to their fullest potential.
This kind of teamwork highlights the real power of collaboration. It is not just about sharing a job. It is about leveraging strengths, expanding capabilities, and making a bigger impact.
The Power of Collaboration in the Drone Industry
Many industries have embraced partnerships, and the drone sector is no different. When companies team up, they combine skills, share knowledge, and tackle bigger projects than they could alone.
Here is why collaborating with other drone professionals can transform your business:
1. Better Results for Clients
Every drone company has its strengths. Some specialise in aerial photography, while others focus on surveying, mapping, or inspections. By working together, businesses can deliver a complete solution rather than just one piece of the puzzle.
For example, RemSense needed high-quality aerial insights for the Smart Freeway project. Instead of trying to handle everything alone, they collaborated with us, ensuring their client received top-tier data and visuals.
Special thanks to Mahmood Hussein from Global Drone Solutions, Adrian Hollins, and Simon Collins from RemSense. Your leadership and teamwork made this collaboration possible.
The result? A successful project with satisfied clients.
2. Access to Bigger and Better Opportunities
Many large-scale projects require a mix of expertise, equipment, and manpower. Governments, construction firms, and media companies often prefer one team that can handle everything instead of hiring multiple vendors.
By forming partnerships, drone businesses can bid for significant projects that might otherwise be out of reach. Collaborations open doors to opportunities that solo operators would struggle to secure, whether it is a huge infrastructure survey, an international event, or a government contract.
3. Shared Costs and Resources
Running a drone business is expensive. High-end drones, software, insurance, training, and maintenance all add up.
Sharing resources with partners reduces these costs.
- Equipment Sharing – Instead of investing in every type of drone, companies can pool their equipment based on project needs.
- Software and Data Sharing – Advanced 3D mapping, thermal imaging, or AI-driven analysis software can be expensive. Teams can share access, reducing costs.
- Manpower Support—Large projects require more pilots, camera operators, and analysts. Working together ensures that every role is covered.
4. Stronger Industry and Community
A connected drone community benefits everyone. When businesses share knowledge, best practices, and referrals, they create a thriving industry instead of a fragmented one.
Collaboration also helps protect the industry from external challenges such as regulation changes, public concerns about drone safety, and growing competition from larger tech companies. A united industry has more influence when working with regulators, clients, and the public.
5. Faster Innovation and Skill Growth
Learning from others is one of the fastest ways to improve. Drone technology is evolving rapidly, and keeping up can be challenging.
Partnering with skilled teams allows businesses to:
- Learn new techniques – Such as FPV drone filming, AI-assisted mapping, or automated drone operations.
- Experiment with new tools – Testing different drones, sensors, and software through partnerships.
- Stay ahead of the competition – Collaborations provide insider knowledge on the latest industry trends.
How to Find the Right Drone Partners
The benefits of collaboration are clear, but how do you find the right partners? Not every business will be the right fit, so choosing wisely is key.
Here are some tips for building strong drone partnerships:
1. Look for Complementary Skills
The best partnerships are between companies that offer different but complementary services. Suppose your expertise is in aerial cinematography; team up with a company that specialises in surveying, mapping, or inspections. This way, you can bid for a wider range of projects.
2. Build Relationships Through Industry Events and Networks
Networking is crucial. Attend:
- Drone conferences and trade shows
- Online forums and LinkedIn groups
- Local business meetups and drone association events
These events are great places to meet potential partners and discuss future opportunities.
3. Partner with Trusted Professionals
Trust is everything. Before entering a partnership, do your research:
- Check their previous projects
- Speak with mutual connections for recommendations
- Start with smaller collaborations to test the relationship
4. Keep Communication Clear
A successful partnership depends on clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities. Make sure to discuss:
- Project goals and deliverables
- Budget and payment terms
- Timelines and workflow
5. Be Open to Long-Term Partnerships
The most successful collaborations are not just one-time projects but long-term relationships. When you find the right partners, keep working together on future opportunities.
The Future of Drone Collaboration
As the industry evolves, collaboration will become even more essential.
The demand for integrated solutions, innovative technology, and large-scale drone operations is increasing. Businesses that partner up will be better positioned to take on the future.
Our recent experience with RemSense and Global Drone Solutions proves that partnerships work. When industry leaders come together, they deliver better projects, improve client satisfaction, and grow stronger as a whole.
Are You Ready to Collaborate?
The future of drones is not about working alone but building a network of professionals who support and strengthen each other.
So, let’s ask ourselves:
- Who can we partner with to create bigger opportunities?
- How can we share resources to reduce costs?
- What knowledge can we exchange to innovate faster?
It is time for the drone industry to embrace partnerships. By working together, we will push the limits of what is possible.
Have you teamed up with other drone professionals before?