A few months ago Matt asked me to take behind-the-scene photos of his latest production. He entered a contest to advertise a cell phone insurance company, in which he had to create a 90 second commercial about the product. I may be biased, but his video is definitely the best one in the competition.
He shot on location at a local church on a bright sunny day. There was hardly anyone around and the few people that we did come across were obliged to apologize for getting in our way, just because we looked so official. They didn't ask questions, except to make sure they weren't in the way! (Though it should have been the other way around, haha.) It was funny watching them watch us carry around film equipment and run around the empty church. (Don't worry, we did get permission to film in the church :).)
This film was a big step for him because not only was it his first contest, but it was also his first time working with actors on a personal project. I got to play a small part (i.e. I'm in the video for half a second, but still, I'm gonna be famous!) and let me just tell you, Matt is pretty awesome when it comes to directing and conveying ideas.
At one point we had to get passed the janitors (they were all confined to a giant storage room) to get to the roof, so Matt let them be in the film and then we snuck passed them to get to the back hallway and consequently the roof. They never suspected anything.
Matt is going to major in filmmaking and I couldn't be more proud of him! He was one of the few people to actually make it into the film program at his college, and I cannot wait for him to go because it's an awesome program and I know he's going to learn so much. It makes me so happy knowing he's pursuing his dream and I love being able to stand by him every step of the way.
A lot of times people dismiss the more creative majors and jobs. I remember some people at school even said that majors like English and Fine Arts were pointless--right to my face. And I'm going to major in English and minor in Fine Arts. The fact of the matter is, (and I may be biased again, but whatevs) I think these majors are even harder than others. How many people can really take photos like Ansel Adams or paint Mona Lisas or film JJ Abrams worthy movies? It's such a competitive industry and perhaps people label musicians or actors or artists as foolish because of this, because it's so hard. But if you love what you're doing, it doesn't matter what other people say, because nothing they do can ever make you stop doing what you love.
Sure, Matt and I may be starving artists for a little bit, but he is extremely talented and greatness takes a little time. I just love him for doing what he is passionate about and putting so much effort into it. I love you, Matt. Thank you for inspiring me.
This day was so much fun watching Matt do what he does best. The finished product is below, and feel free to like it or comment on it, I know it will mean a lot to Matt.
The reason I haven't been able to post this is because we had to wait until the finalists were selected. Sadly Matt's wasn't one of those. You can search for Mobile Rhino on facebook and see the crappy videos that were selected to be finalists. (And yes, I am biased, but Matt's video is actually really good and some of the videos chosen were actually really bad. Oh well. You win some and you lose some. I'm super proud of him just the same.)
Also, Matt has his own blog, which you can check out here. He gives film advice as well as keeps you up to date on some of his personal life. You should definitely follow him!
