
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 Creative Process at Sky Perth from Concept to Final Cut
Every great video starts with an idea.
But how does that idea turn into something real? Something that grabs attention and tells a powerful story?
At Sky Perth, we don’t just shoot videos. We craft visual stories that connect with people.
It’s not as simple as pointing a camera and pressing record. A great video requires planning, creativity, and technical skill. From the first spark of an idea to the final cut, every step matters.
In this article, we’ll take you inside our creative process, showing how we turn concepts into cinematic experiences. Whether it’s a promotional video, a documentary, or a corporate production, our approach ensures that the final product is both stunning and impactful.
Step 1: Finding the Big Idea
Understanding the Story
Every project begins with one big question: What’s the story?
A video is more than just moving images. It has to communicate something, a feeling, a message, or an experience. That’s why we take the time to understand the why behind every project before filming begins.
We start by sitting down with our clients to discuss:
- What message do they want to share?
- Who is the audience?
- What’s the emotion or impact they want to create?
- What visual style fits the brand?
This stage is all about brainstorming and refining ideas. Once we have a solid concept, we move into the details.
Crafting the Concept
A good video needs structure. That’s where we outline the idea, developing:
- The story arc (beginning, middle, and end).
- The visual style (cinematic, corporate, high-energy, etc.).
- Any unique elements like drones, motion graphics, or animations.
At this point, we’re still in creative mode, exploring different angles and approaches. Once the vision is clear, we move into pre-production.
Step 2: Preparing for the Shoot
A well-planned shoot saves time, money, and stress. Pre-production is where we make sure everything is in place before the cameras roll.
Scripting & Storyboarding
Not every video needs a script, but if there’s narration or dialogue, we write it now. We keep it natural and conversational, making sure it flows well.
Storyboarding comes next. This is where we sketch out key scenes to plan the visuals. It’s like a blueprint for the shoot, helping us:
- Decide on camera angles and movements.
- Plan transitions and effects ahead of time.
- Ensure the shots will fit together in the final edit.
Scouting Locations
Location is everything. A bad setting can ruin a great shot, while the right backdrop can elevate the entire production.
We look for places that match the story, considering factors like:
- Lighting: Natural vs. artificial.
- Sound: Background noise can make or break a scene.
- Permits: Some locations require special permissions.
For aerial footage, we check for drone flight restrictions and weather conditions. Perth’s skyline offers some incredible drone shots, but planning is key.
Scheduling the Shoot
This step involves locking in:
- Crew & Talent: Who needs to be on set?
- Equipment: Cameras, stabilisers, microphones, lighting, and drones.
- Timing: The best time for natural light or golden-hour shots.
Once everything is lined up, we’re ready to film.
Step 3: Filming the Video
Now comes the exciting part: capturing the footage. This is where everything planned in pre-production starts to take shape.
Setting Up the Shot
On set, details matter. We take time to get the right composition, lighting, and sound before hitting record.
Our cinematographers focus on:
- Framing: Making sure the subject is placed in a way that draws the eye.
- Lighting: Adjusting for natural or artificial light.
- Camera Movements: Using stabilisers, sliders, or drones for smooth shots.
Directing & Capturing Footage
Whether we’re filming interviews, action sequences, or product shots, we guide the scene to bring out the best performances. We also capture multiple takes, so we have options during editing.
For drone footage, precision is key. Sky Perth uses high-end drones to capture stunning aerial shots, whether it’s a sweeping view of Perth’s skyline or dynamic tracking shots of moving subjects.
Once we’ve captured all the necessary footage, it’s time to bring it all together.
Step 4: The Magic of Editing
Editing is where the raw footage becomes a polished, engaging video.
Building the Story
First, we review all the footage and choose the best clips. We then arrange them in a way that makes sense, focusing on pacing and flow.
A well-edited video:
- Keeps the audience engaged.
- Moves smoothly from scene to scene.
- Tells the story clearly and compellingly.
Adding Sound & Music
Sound design plays a massive role in how a video feels. We add:
- Background music that matches the mood.
- Sound effects to enhance realism.
- Voiceovers or narration, if needed.
Colour Grading & Visual Effects
Colours affect the tone of a video. We adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to create a consistent cinematic look.
If the video needs graphics, animations, or special effects, we add them now. Motion graphics help explain complex ideas, while text overlays highlight key points.
Step 5: Final Touches & Delivery
Before delivering the final cut, we go through a review process to ensure everything is perfect.
Client Review & Revisions
We send a draft to the client for feedback. If adjustments are needed, we refine the video until it meets expectations.
Optimising for Different Platforms
A video designed for Instagram won’t have the same format as one for YouTube or a website. We optimise the final version for:
- Social media (square or vertical format).
- Websites (high-quality resolution with fast load times).
- TV or large-screen presentations.
Once the video is ready, we deliver it in the best format for its intended audience.
The Sky Perth Difference
At Sky Perth, we don’t just make videos—we create experiences. Our process ensures that every project is carefully crafted, from the first idea to the final frame.
We combine creativity, technical expertise, and attention to detail to produce stunning, high-quality videos that leave a lasting impression.
Whether you need a corporate video, a promotional piece, or breathtaking aerial footage, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to start your project?