A Heart for Actors: Matthew Montgomery
As he grew up with a love for thrillers and Alfred Hitchcock, Matthew Montgomery believed that his destiny rested in an acting career. Although that was part of his fate, Matthew’s work quickly expanded as an aspiring filmmaker set out to make a movie and roped Matthew in as a reluctant producer. However, when Matthew began working behind the camera, he realized his work as an actor more than prepared him for all aspects of set life. An actor knows numerous details about the different pieces of a puzzle that fit into behind-the-scenes activities, so Matthew seamlessly fit into the role of producer and developed a passion for telling stories.
He fell in love with directing, finishing a degree at USC and applying for their film school. Soon, he found himself as a director, developing his first feature Devil’s Path. However, that his career as a director only gave way to a deeper passion: Guiding actors.
“As I worked with actors in the role of a director, I realized that it was similar to being an educator. My dad held multiple degrees and loved teaching, so I always grew up with education as a strong foundation. I took my love of filmmaking back to my alma matter and started teaching. I want to help actors find the safe space to develop a variety of filmmaking skills in acting and beyond.”
Now, he’s ready to help HC&F actors do that.
“It’s exciting and important for actors to create their own content in this technological age,” Matthew said. His firm and optimistic tone showed his enthusiasm and conviction. “Actors have to give themselves the permission to tell their own story because their voice has intrinsic value. Then, look at the work of other artists you admire, rather they’re larger-than-life stars or people who are just a few steps ahead of you. Finally, write. Learn how to tell your story in screenplay form. Write every day, even if it’s just brainstorming, so that you let your story flow.”
What about when obstacles occur?
“There’s always going to be something standing in your way, whether it’s literal or figurative. In fact, when filming Devil’s Path in Northern California, we had to evacuate because of wildfires and go back to LA. I was discouraged and unsure if we could finish the film, but my cinematographer pointed out that every situation has a silver lining. The break in filming gave us a chance to go back and view what we filmed so that we could re-assess how to better the process for a better final product. You have to learn how to navigate moments of blockage and understand that you have the power to get out on the other side.”
As Matthew continues forward in his career by developing a new romcom All About Love and continuing to teach at USC, he hopes that his help will have a lasting impact on actors. HC&F knows that it already does.
If you want to learn more about Matthew, connect with him, and view his work, please follow the links below:
Matthew Montgomery · School of Dramatic Arts · USC
Matthew Montgomery (@mateomontgomery) / Twitter
