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
Top 5 Trends in Visual Storytelling for 2025
With just a few months left in 2024, my thoughts are already turning to the future. The world of visual storytelling is evolving rapidly, and as I look ahead to 2025, I’m excited about the new opportunities and challenges it will bring. It’s essential to stay ahead of the curve, and that’s why I’m already considering the trends that will shape the industry in the coming year. Here are the key trends that I believe will define visual storytelling in 2025:
1. Immersive Cinematic Experiences
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): I’m excited about how VR and AR continue pushing traditional storytelling’s boundaries. These technologies allow me to create immersive experiences that place viewers right at the heart of the narrative. In 2025, I plan to delve deeper into these tools to deliver stories that audiences can explore interactively, bringing a new level of engagement to my work.
360-Degree Video: The demand for 360-degree video is only growing. This format lets viewers experience scenes from every angle, making them feel like they’re truly part of the story. I look forward to using this to enhance my emotional connection with my audience in 2025.
2. AI-Driven Content Creation
Generative AI Tools: AI continues to be a game-changer for content creation. From scriptwriting to video editing, AI-powered tools are making it easier and faster to produce high-quality content. In 2025, I’m particularly excited about the potential of generative AI to create even more realistic visuals and automate some of the more time-consuming aspects of production.
Personalised Storytelling: With AI’s growing capabilities, I can more effectively tailor my stories to individual audience preferences. I’m eager to explore this trend further, as it allows me to create more engaging and customised experiences for each viewer.
3. Aerial Cinematography 2.0
Advanced Drone Capabilities: As someone who works with drones, I’m thrilled about the advancements in drone technology that 2025 promises. The latest models, like the DJI Inspire 3, continue to offer incredible stability, precision, and camera quality, allowing me to capture aerial shots that are more dynamic and creative than ever before.
Integration with AI and Automation: Integrating AI and automation in drones is streamlining my workflow and enabling me to execute more complex and creative shots. I’m excited to see how these capabilities will evolve in 2025, pushing the limits of what’s possible in aerial cinematography.
4. Sustainability in Production
Eco-Friendly Filmmaking: I’m increasingly conscious of the need for sustainability in my projects. By adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy in the field and minimising waste, I’m committed to reducing the environmental impact of my work as we move into 2025.
Green Screen and Virtual Sets: I’m keen to incorporate virtual sets and green screen technology more into my productions. These tools not only help lower production costs but also support my commitment to reducing my filmmaking’s carbon footprint.
5. Cross-Platform Storytelling
Multi-Channel Narratives: With audiences consuming content across a variety of platforms, I’m focusing on creating narratives that span multiple media, from traditional film and television to social media and web series. This approach allows me to craft more complex and layered stories that engage viewers on several levels.
Interactive and Gamified Content: I’m intrigued by the potential of interactive and gamified content to enhance viewer engagement. Whether through choose-your-own-adventure-style narratives or interactive documentaries, I’m excited to explore how these elements can make my stories even more compelling in 2025.
Why These Trends Matter to Me
As a visual storyteller, staying on top of these trends is essential. Whether working on a film, creating content for social media, or developing marketing campaigns, understanding these emerging technologies and creative practices helps me stay relevant and innovative. By embracing these trends, I’m able to captivate my audience and push the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling.
As we prepare to enter 2025, I’d like to know what you think. Which of these trends are you most excited about? How do you plan to incorporate them into your projects?
Text adapted from: https://rodmatsumoto.com/business/top-5-trends-in-visual-storytelling-for-2025/
