We’re excited to introduce you to About BoxFort. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.

About BoxFort, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When I think about risk, I think about the fall of 2020—a time when everything we knew about the world seemed to be unraveling. We had just graduated from Chapman University’s film school, jobless, isolated, and unsure of what the future held. But instead of sitting in that uncertainty, we made a decision that, in retrospect, was both completely reckless and incredibly rewarding: we decided to make a movie.

Our Zom-Com A Most Atrocious Thing wasn’t born out of some deeply personal connection to the story we were telling—it wasn’t that kind of film. Instead, it was deeply personal in a different way: it was about us. It was a final testament to everything we had created together in college, to the years we’d spent honing our craft, pushing each other, and dreaming about what we could achieve.

We wanted to make something we could look back on and say, “If everything went to shit, if the world never came back to normal, at least we had this. At least we made something together.”

The circumstances couldn’t have been more challenging. We had a budget of $5,000, a cabin in rural Colorado, two cameras, and a whole lot of determination. Every element of the production was DIY. One minute, one of us would be running sound; then a few moments later, they’d be acting in a scene or adjusting the lights (what light we had)

The real risk wasn’t financial—it was the uncertainty of whether we could pull it off. This wasn’t just another project; it was the culmination of everything we’d worked on together as friends and collaborators. But honestly, it wasn’t about avoiding failure either. We made the film because we love making movies—pure and simple. It wasn’t for anyone else but ourselves. The fact that we managed to finish it and share it with others was just an unexpected bonus.

But that risk was also the point. If the world really was crumbling, what better way to go out than by doing what we loved most with the people who meant the most to us?

Two years later, we hosted private screenings in LA and New York. Watching the audience laugh and engage with the film was one of the most fulfilling moments of our lives. A Most Atrocious Thing might not change the world, but it changed our world. It was proof that even in the worst of times, creativity and connection can pull you through.

The movie wasn’t about achieving anything grand—it was about us. While our next goal is to make more movies, this one will always be the first. Years from now, we’ll be able to look back on it with gratitude, remembering the experience and everything we created together. It’s something we’ll always have to remind us of where we started, and what we can accomplish together. If I learned anything from the experience, it’s this: sometimes, the biggest risks aren’t about what you’re trying to achieve but about who you’re willing to take the leap with.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

BoxFort is a forward-thinking production company focused on crafting bold, comedic genre content across various mediums, including feature films, television, advertisements, and digital media. With a presence in both Los Angeles and New York, we blend creativity, humor, and industry expertise to produce high-quality, memorable entertainment for audiences everywhere.

What sets BoxFort apart is our commitment to creating work that stands out—whether it’s laugh-out-loud funny, deeply engaging, or a mix of both. Our portfolio includes over 40 short films, acclaimed music videos, and commercials for multinational brands, showcasing our versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Most recently, we released our debut feature film, A Most Atrocious Thing, now streaming and available on physical media. The film has earned accolades, including the “Spiritius Award” and “Best of the Fest” at the 2024 Make Believe Film Festival, and continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Our team’s diverse talents extend beyond filmmaking. We’ve crafted content for multinational brands, produced over 40 short films, and played key roles in viral projects, including collaborations with MrBeast, one of YouTube’s leading creators. Whether it’s a feature film or a digital campaign, we craft stories that resonate across generations, spark curiosity, and captivate audiences on every level.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Our goal is to be a home for original and imaginative content, fostering collaboration with young creatives to support and nurture the next generation of filmmakers. We’re committed to working with talented individuals to create meaningful projects, from feature films to innovative collaborations.

At BoxFort, we value collaboration and community, working with old friends and new voices alike to bring unique ideas to life. We aim to build a stronger industry that champions originality and provides opportunities for talented individuals who are still finding their way. Our focus is on meaningful storytelling and fostering an environment where great films can thrive.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to prioritize fostering originality and innovation rather than perpetuating systems that favor commercial safety over artistic risk. The film industry, in particular, has become overly reliant on massive budgets, established IP, and familiar faces, often shutting out emerging voices and fresh ideas. This trend not only stifles creativity but also creates an unsustainable model where every project must generate enormous returns to justify its cost.

To reverse this, we need to invest in young creatives—those who are just starting but have bold, original ideas that can redefine the industry. This means creating more opportunities for smaller-budget films, supporting independent productions, and encouraging studios and distributors to take calculated risks on new talent rather than defaulting to the same formulas.

It’s also critical to give creatives more autonomy. The current system of “movies by committee,” where decisions are made to minimize risk and appeal to the broadest audience, often strips projects of their originality. We need to return to trusting filmmakers to do what they do best: tell compelling stories. Smaller budgets and less interference often lead to more inventive and meaningful work, as history has shown with some of cinema’s most iconic projects.

Ultimately, a thriving creative ecosystem requires lower budgets, smaller risks, and a return to trusting creatives to lead the way. By nurturing new voices, reducing barriers to entry, and moving away from an overreliance on inflated budgets and recycled ideas, we can create an industry that is both innovative and sustainable, one that inspires future generations of artists to take risks and create something truly timeless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boxfort.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boxfort.tv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boxfort.tv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boxfort-tv/
• Twitter: https://x.com/boxfortTV
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BoxFort
• Other: The Trailer for A MOST ATROCIOUS THING: https://youtu.be/BnLS68SMA4o?si=pl2g7_fOTKI01w37

Image Credits

– T’Naus Nieto
– Christian Hurley
– Bryan Taira
– Sky Turner
– BoxFort.TV