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
Discover Perth from the Sky in a Whole New Light
There’s magic that happens when you see a place from the sky. Shapes make more sense. Colours look richer. And stories you didn’t know were there suddenly come into view. That’s how we feel every time we fly over Perth.
From the beginning, Sky Perth has been about more than drone footage.
It’s about perspective. About connection. It is about showing people a different way to see the city they live in or visit for the first time.
This is our story, and Perth’s, from above.
How it started
We didn’t grow up dreaming of drones. Like many stories, ours started with a spark. A friend asked for help filming a surf session. We didn’t have all the gear. We didn’t have a plan. But we had curiosity. That curiosity turned into a passion.
One drone led to another. One project turned into ten. We found ourselves chasing sunrises, setting alarms before dawn, and waiting for the wind to die down so we could fly. There was a rhythm to it. In time, that rhythm became Sky Perth.
It wasn’t easy. We lost gear. We made mistakes. But we kept showing up. We believed in the work. We believed in the power of perspective.
Perth through our lens
Perth is a city that shifts with the light. In the morning, soft blues stretch across the river. By sunset, gold warms every surface. From above, it feels open. Calm. Honest.
We filmed its skyline as the lights flickered. We’ve followed ferries drifting across the Swan River. We’ve watched people gather at Elizabeth Quay, sitting, laughing, pointing up at the sky.
From the air, you can see how everything is connected. The buildings. The people. The water. Perth feels like a place that breathes. That’s what keeps us coming back.
Boorloo Bridge from above
Boorloo Bridge is one of Perth’s newest landmarks. But it carries an old spirit. The name Boorloo comes from the Whadjuk Noongar language. It honours the Traditional Owners of this land.
From the ground, it’s a beautiful structure. From the sky, it’s a symbol. It links not just places, but people and cultures.
The smooth lines, the changing lights, the way it bends over the water, every detail tells a story.
For us, filming Boorloo Bridge means more than getting a good shot. It means slowing down and paying respect. Noticing the design, the flow, and the meaning behind it.
When viewed from the air, Boorloo Bridge reminds us of what connection looks like. It’s a piece of modern design that respects tradition. It reflects light, movement, and meaning. It shows how Perth is growing with intention, not just expansion.
The power of aerial storytelling
There’s something quiet about drone footage. It doesn’t shout. It observes. It shows things as they are. Sometimes, it shows things as we wish they could be.
We believe aerial photography can bring people closer to places. It shows the big picture. But it also catches the tiny, perfect moments. A child waving. A boat cutting through still water. A shadow moving across the ground.
When we tell stories from the sky, we are trying to say, “Look at this. Isn’t it beautiful?”
Drone storytelling is not only about images. It is about feeling. It makes people stop. It creates a pause. That is the space where connection begins.
Hero Hunter Day and the stories that stay
Not every shoot is about landmarks or views. Some are about people. Hero Hunter Day was one of those.
We were only there for a few hours. But it was enough. We saw strength.
Families standing together. Children smiling through challenging moments. It wasn’t loud. It was soft. Brave.
Being above that crowd, we felt humbled. And proud. These are the stories that matter. The ones that remind us why we fly.
Hero Hunter Day was a perfect example of how aerial footage can capture more than just a moment. It can capture meaning. It can show unity, hope, and resilience. All in a single shot.
Why do we keep flying
Every flight teaches us something. About light. About timing. About patience. But more than that, it teaches us to pay attention.
Flying over Perth is never the same twice. The light shifts. The people change. The mood evolves. In all of it, there’s a chance to capture something real.
That’s why we keep showing up. That’s why we keep pressing record because this city has more stories to tell.
Every time we go up, we come down with something new. A fresh image. A better angle. A deeper appreciation.
What’s next for Sky Perth
We want to go deeper. We want to work with people who care about storytelling. People who want to show Perth and beyond in ways that feel honest and human.
We’ll keep sharing what we see. Through photos. Through videos. Through new formats, we haven’t tried it yet. As long as the skies are open, we’ll be there. Our eyes will be wide. Our drones will be ready.
We’d love to show you if you’ve never seen Perth from above. If you have, we hope to show you something new.
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