We recently connected with Maty Young and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Maty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
I’ve faced plenty of unexpected challenges throughout my creative journey, each teaching me something new. One memorable experience happened while working on our latest feature, which is currently in post-production. This project is really personal to me, blending science fiction and drama in a way I hope will deeply resonate with audiences. However, we hit a major snag that almost threw everything off course.
We managed to secure an A-list actor known for his immense talent but also for being notoriously difficult to work with. Let’s call him Alex. He had a reputation for demanding perfection and often clashing with directors over creative differences. Despite my initial concerns, I was thrilled to have him on board, knowing his performance could take the film to another level.
From day one on set, tensions were high. Alex disagreed with many of my directorial choices, frequently challenging my vision and suggesting alternatives that didn’t quite fit the narrative I wanted to tell. It felt like a constant battle, and the atmosphere on set grew increasingly tense. The crew was walking on eggshells, and the stress started to affect everyone.
One particularly tough day, we were shooting a key scene that required Alex to convey deep vulnerability and loss. Despite multiple takes, he wasn’t delivering the performance I envisioned. Frustrated, he stormed off set, leaving everyone uncertain about what would happen next. As the director, I felt immense pressure to fix the situation and keep the production on track.
I decided to step back and reassess my approach. I realized part of the issue might be a lack of mutual understanding and respect for each other’s creative perspectives. So, I reached out to Alex and asked for a private meeting away from the chaos of the set. Over coffee, we had a candid conversation about our visions for the film and the characters. I listened to his concerns and shared my thoughts, emphasizing the emotional core of the story and why certain directorial choices were crucial to me.
Slowly, we found common ground. I acknowledged some of his suggestions, incorporating elements that aligned with the story’s essence while keeping the overall narrative intact. In return, Alex began to appreciate the depth and intricacy of my directorial ideas. He started to see the project not just as a job, but as a piece of art that required collaboration and trust.
The turning point came when we revisited that pivotal scene. With our newfound understanding and mutual respect, Alex delivered an astonishing performance that exceeded my expectations. The raw emotion and vulnerability he brought to the character were palpable, and it was clear he had fully embraced the role.
From that moment on, the atmosphere on set transformed. Alex became a staunch advocate for the film, inspiring the cast and crew with his dedication and passion. Our collaboration flourished, and the film benefited immensely from his insights and commitment.
Looking back, this experience taught me the importance of communication, empathy, and flexibility in the creative process. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures and challenges of filmmaking, but taking the time to understand and respect each other’s perspectives can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Our film became a testament to the power of collaboration and the incredible results that can be achieved when creative minds come together with a shared vision.
In both cases, resolving these unexpected problems required patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt. It’s a reminder that even the most challenging situations can lead to profound growth and success in the creative journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Sure, I’d be happy to share a bit about myself and my journey in the creative industry. I’m Mathew Young, a director with a passion for bringing stories to life through film. My journey into this industry has been anything but linear, filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons.
From a young age, I was deeply drawn to music, starting my musical journey at the age of five. By the time I was thirteen, I had transitioned to acting, which quickly became a central part of my life. This passion for performance naturally evolved into a love for filmmaking. In my late twenties, I picked up my first camera, a basic Nikon model, and began experimenting with film. Initially, it was all fun and games, making skits with friends that never saw the light of day. However, our artist friends saw potential in our work and started asking us to shoot scenes for them. That’s how Young One Studio was born.
Over the years, I’ve juggled acting gigs, music performances, and a deep dive into the technical aspects of filmmaking—lighting, editing, and mastering various techniques. My background in theater has been incredibly beneficial, allowing me to focus on writing, directing, and performing while also honing my technical skills. Each project brought its own set of challenges and learnings, pushing me to improve and expand my network in the industry.
One key lesson I’ve learned is that formal education isn’t always necessary to succeed in filmmaking. I’m largely self-taught, using resources like YouTube, Google, and online courses. While my acting and directing background provided a solid foundation, nothing compares to hands-on experience. Making mistakes and learning from them has been crucial to my growth. Understanding the actor’s perspective has also been invaluable in directing and working with a crew.
Looking back, I sometimes wish I had started this creative path earlier. My upbringing didn’t exactly encourage a career in the arts, and it took a while to fully embrace my passion. However, I’ve seen friends burn out by diving too quickly into this world, so it’s all about finding the right balance.
My philosophy now aligns with many influencers I’ve met in LA: keep creating content to keep improving. Whether in front of or behind the camera, practice is key. This approach has helped me refine my skills in both acting and filmmaking.
Young One Studio, the production company I co-founded, offers a range of services, from direction and filming to writing and editing. We’ve worked on diverse projects, including an HBO feature film, music videos with Grammy-winning artists, and numerous acclaimed short films and commercials. What sets us apart is our ability to deliver high-quality content with a quick turnaround time, thanks to our efficient post-production process and dedication.
One thing I’m particularly proud of is our ability to craft demo reel scenes. It allows us to explore different genres, create miniature cinematic worlds, and oversee everything from lighting to editing. We’re always on the lookout for outstanding scripts that resonate with us, focusing on stories that deeply connect, regardless of the budget.
Our unique strength lies in our flexibility and speed. We’re known for delivering projects within a week, which often surprises our clients. This efficiency is a result of our relentless dedication and willingness to work late nights to meet deadlines.
Personally, I have a soft spot for creating demo reel scenes, as it lets me explore different genres and oversee the entire creative process. On a broader scale, we seek scripts that truly captivate us, focusing on stories that resonate deeply, no matter the budget. Our portfolio includes work with Grammy winners, rising Hollywood talents, and performers from major platforms like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon.
The awards we’ve won reflect our journey and motivate us to keep pushing for excellence. These accolades have opened doors to bigger budgets, seasoned actors, and more opportunities. Our approach as actor-directors brings authentic performances and a quality set atmosphere that defines our work.
In a nutshell, my journey has been driven by a passion for creativity, a relentless pursuit of learning, and a commitment to excellence. I’ve moved from being a musician to an actor and now a filmmaker, constantly exploring new horizons and challenging myself to grow. This unwavering dedication has led to a wide range of achievements and a dynamic partnership at Young One Studio.
Understanding the creative arts can be a mystery to those outside the industry. People often see the polished final products but not the immense effort behind them. There’s a misconception that creative work is easy, but the reality is quite different. It involves a deep dive into genuine human emotions and a relentless quest to uncover one’s true self.
Overcoming these misconceptions requires debunking myths and educating others about the true nature of creative work. The emotional rollercoaster of the creative arts is something that many people don’t fully grasp. Performing arts often involve breaking down societal and personal barriers to delve into genuine human emotion.
In my journey, these challenges have been constants. There’s often a lack of understanding and empathy for the intricate work involved. Despite the countless hours, the grind, and the emotional ups and downs, the creative process remains incredibly fulfilling.
The internet and online learning have transformed education in the creative world. I believe you don’t necessarily need formal education to become a master filmmaker. While film schools can be great for networking, hands-on experience and continuous practice are invaluable.
For me, digital resources have been a game-changer. I’ve grown by continually acquiring new skills and applying them in practice. Self-guided online learning has been crucial, allowing me to make significant progress. The key is to keep practicing and embracing the mantra of “just make, just film.”
In a nutshell, my journey has been about dedication to creativity, a thirst for learning, and a relentless drive for self-improvement. This unwavering commitment has led to a range of achievements, fueled by a dynamic partnership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Understanding the ins and outs of the creative arts can be challenging, but it’s a journey filled with passion and determination.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a distinct goal driving my creative journey, and it’s rooted in my unwavering desire to avoid the traditional 9-5 grind. I’ve never wanted to work a standard job or have a boss dictating my daily routine. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to creativity as my true calling and life’s mission.
The idea of sitting in an office, following the same monotonous routine every day, has always been unappealing to me. Instead, I’ve yearned for a life where I can express myself freely and pursue my passions. Creativity isn’t just a career choice for me; it’s the essence of who I am and the only true goal worth chasing.
My journey began with music at the tender age of five, quickly evolving into acting by thirteen. Each creative endeavor has only solidified my belief that a conventional job would never satisfy me. In my late twenties, I ventured into filmmaking, initially with a basic Nikon camera, and that exploration opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I realized that through creativity, I could shape my destiny, make my own rules, and avoid the confines of a traditional job.
Starting Young One Studio was a pivotal moment in my quest to live a creative life. It began with small, playful projects that eventually gained recognition and led to paid work. This validation was all I needed to know that I was on the right path. Over the years, I’ve juggled various roles—acting gigs, music performances, and filmmaking—each contributing to my growth and reinforcing my commitment to a creative career.
The technical aspects of filmmaking—lighting, editing, mastering different techniques—became my new playground. My background in theater provided a solid foundation for writing, directing, and performing, allowing me to focus on refining my technical skills. Each project brought its own set of challenges, but they were far more fulfilling than any traditional job could ever be.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need a fancy education to succeed in filmmaking. Being largely self-taught through online resources, I’ve found that hands-on experience and a relentless drive to improve are more valuable than any degree. This self-directed approach has allowed me to sidestep the conventional career path and fully embrace my creative mission.
Looking back, I sometimes wish I had embarked on this journey even earlier. My upbringing didn’t encourage a career in the arts, and it took time to fully commit to my passion. However, this path has been immensely rewarding. Unlike a 9-5 job, where burnout is common, the creative world offers endless possibilities for renewal and inspiration.
At Young One Studio, we offer a range of services from directing and filming to writing and editing. Our strength lies in delivering high-quality content with a quick turnaround time, a stark contrast to the slow pace of traditional office work. Crafting demo reel scenes, exploring different genres, and overseeing every aspect of production keeps my passion for creativity alive.
Our awards and accolades reflect our journey and motivate us to keep pushing for excellence. They open doors to bigger budgets, seasoned actors, and more opportunities, allowing us to stay true to our creative mission.
In essence, my goal is to continue living a life driven by creativity, free from the constraints of a traditional job. I believe that being a creative is the only true goal in life, offering a unique and fulfilling path that a conventional career could never match. This unwavering commitment to my creative journey fuels everything I do and propels me to explore new horizons with confidence and passion.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that you can work with anyone as long as they are talented. Let me take you back to a particularly challenging project early in my career to explain how I came to this realization.
We had put together what I thought was a dream team for a film that held a lot of promise. I was thrilled about the potential and genuinely believed that the sheer skill of the team would carry us through any difficulties. However, from the very start, the atmosphere on set was tense. There were a few individuals whose negative energy and constant criticism started to affect everyone. Despite their undeniable talent, their attitudes began to drag down the entire production.
Tensions escalated during the filming of a key scene. The negativity on set was palpable, and it impacted the performances and morale of the crew. We were falling behind schedule, and the stress was mounting. It became painfully clear that no amount of talent could compensate for the toxic environment that had developed.
In the midst of this chaos, I realized something crucial: talent alone isn’t enough. The attitude and energy of the people you work with are just as important, if not more so. I had to unlearn the belief that skill was the only factor that mattered in assembling a team. Instead, I learned that surrounding yourself with positive, supportive, and creative individuals is essential for a successful and enjoyable production.
From that point on, I made a conscious decision to only work with people who not only excelled in their craft but also brought positive energy and a collaborative spirit to the set. This shift in mindset transformed my approach to filmmaking. Projects became smoother, more enjoyable, and the final products reflected the harmonious energy of the team.
At Young One Studio, we’ve built a culture that prioritizes positivity and creativity. We make it a point to eliminate any negative energy on set, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This approach has not only improved our work but has also made the creative process far more fulfilling.
In essence, the lesson I had to unlearn was that talent alone can drive success. The backstory of that challenging project taught me the invaluable importance of working with people who uplift and inspire you. By surrounding myself with positive and creative individuals, I’ve been able to create a more productive, harmonious, and ultimately successful filmmaking environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youngonestudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngonestudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngonestudio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSdiNo4ns5o09WacOwfPzg
Image Credits
Maty Young @ YoungOneStudio, LLC