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+, 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
At Sky Perth, we pride ourselves on our ability to bring stories to life. Every project is a new chapter, and the arrival of the Austal-built Littoral Combat Ship, USS Canberra (LCS-30), was no exception. Today, we take you behind the scenes of this monumental project that showcased our team’s prowess and emphasised the power of seamless collaboration.
Client Spotlight: Austal Ships
Austal Ships approached us for this exceptional endeavour with a shared vision to capture moments that resonate and inspire. Known for their innovative shipbuilding solutions, Austal Ships’ LCS-30 arrival was monumental for various reasons. It was one of the 19 Littoral Combat Ships built for the US Navy and the only US Navy vessel ever to be commissioned outside of the United States. This spoke volumes about the relationship between the USA and Australia and the ship’s deep-rooted Australian heritage.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Capturing this moment was no easy task. Our team found themselves navigating the bustling airspace of Sydney, a dance of coordination with helicopters, planes, and the persistent Navy helicopter that matched the altitude of our drones. The added intricacies of permits from the CASA, liaisons with the federal police, NSW Police, Port Authority, NSW Council, and the Australian Navy turned this project into an intricate ballet of precise planning.
Support came in various forms – a helicopter for aerial footage, a boat to ensure our drone and camera team could operate efficiently, and a spirit of adaptability and communication that Sky Perth is renowned for. Our close-knit relationship with Austal Ships, cultivated over five years, became our backbone.
Deliverables and Reception
The outcome? A promotional video and photos that found their way onto two pages of one of Australia’s premier newspapers. Our commitment to real-time delivery meant that clips were available on the very day for media and news outlets. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from Austal Ships was the cherry on top – a testament to the quality of work we strive for.
Behind The Lens
One pivotal moment that stood out was our team meeting, where the project’s intricate details were laid out. Such sessions exemplify the Sky Perth approach – understanding the depth of a project, ensuring all hands are on deck, and, most importantly, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Concluding Thoughts
This project underscored a crucial lesson: the imperative nature of having the proper permits, insurance, and paperwork. For businesses seeking such ventures, it’s not just about capturing a moment – it’s about entrusting professionals who come prepared.
At Sky Perth, we believe in the power of visual storytelling. Through the USS Canberra project, we’ve once again showcased how stories can be captured in ways that leave a lasting impact with the right team, tools, and tenacity.
Are you looking for experts with the assurance of experience, thorough preparation, and unparalleled passion?
