When I was just six years old, I fell in love with making movies. My extended family used to create narrative pieces way before the YouTube craze of today. It all started in the christmas of 1982 when we made a cheesy short film called "Who Shot Santa Clause". I was absolutely blown away by the experience of having an idea, and then bringing it to life on camera. My whole family would get involved; my aunts, uncles, grandparents...it was so much fun. It's those first impressions that have forever left an impression in solidifying the passion that I still have for filmmaking today. Now beyond the days of crappy camerawork and oversized VHS Cameras i have come full circle. I have had an avante garde/counter culture type of filmmaking journey. Since the age of six I had always made videos for fun, but seven years ago I got really serious about filmmaking process, and I decided I wanted to try to make a career out of it. I started with the conventional film school process, but dropped out when I found I was learning more by just doing it instead of sitting in a classroom. I had an epiphany when I read Robert Rodriguez's book "Rebel Without A Crew" several years ago. It changed my life, and really represents a type of guerilla filmmaking that is now common place today. After 26 years of making movies I'm ready to hit the big time. Robert Rodriguez sais in his book he had to make about 30 terrible films befor they started getting good. I believe I am past 30 at my last count. LOL


Matt Chapman Showreel - The best bloopers are a click away

After five years in this biz I can finally say that I have a reel that truly represents all the different aspects of filmmaking I enjoy. Writing, producing, directing, shooting, editing...I love it all. Hence why I do it all! Over the last few years this guerilla style/renaissance filmmaker mentality has been one faced with many hardships. "Why don't you join the union?" is one thing I hear all the time or "you can't do it all...you need to choose one aspect of the business and specialize" to which I reply "but that's not me". It was Robert Rodriguez's book REBEL WITHOUT A CREW that changed my life, and has helped keep me motivated through the hard times. He made El MARIACHI for under $8,000 by himself and with a bunch of freinds in Mexico. After walking away from Sundance the Audience Choice Award Winner in 1989, people began to see filmmaking in a whole new light. A new movement was born. This movement is most commonly referred to as "GUERILLA STYLE". Despite my professional experience with proper budgets and methods; it is my preferred method of choice. In fact I believe "Guerilla Filmmaking" is going to be one of the key factors for the talented producers of the future. Why? Simple. It's much cheaper to execute with these low budget tactics and can rival that of a Hollywood Production with a little luck. Anyways, feel free to check out my new reel. late, Matt