We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mat Barry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mat below.

Mat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I remember being in highschool, and seeing everyone kind of settle in, planting the seeds to what they wanted to do for their careers, and I felt so out of place because I hadn’t reached that point yet. I was eyeing something in psychology, but I just didn’t feel the passion. But that was it, passion. I’ve always wanted to relate to people. It’s a core value of mine to bring people together as much as possible, and the one thing I was passionate about that also of course, brings people together, was film. I always adored films, not so different than anyone else, but I think what makes me different is that desire to actually be the one to make it, to ask beyond “Is what I’m making good?”, and asking “Is this work, or project aiming to say something, or prompting people to think deeply?” Art throughout the centuries has been responsible for fundamentally changing society, and prompting change in it’s dynamics. I want to prompt a change towards unity with my art as a filmmaker.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into my industry while at film school. I began freelancing as a multimedia specialist, filming corporate videos and commercials for big companies. Through my drive to reach success, I am continuing to take the steps neccessary to be acknowledged and a collaborator for others that seek to achieve the same goals. I come from a background as an Editor, I have 10 years of experience editing videos, commericials, short-form, films, and documentaries. This experience has made me sharp at picking the best possible outcomes for a project, and having advanced insight in it’s preproduction. I can cut together something that is high paced, emotionally charged, or introspective with ease, without even needing to shoot the footage myself. I like to associate myself with projects that have deeper goals, that aim to make change in whatever product, moral, or narrative it seeks to relay. I keep myself to a high standard of organization and timeliness. Another core value of mine is commitment, so if I am collaborating with someone, and a deliverable is expected of me, early is on-time for me. Further more, my editing background has helped me eloquently transition at times into the role of director. I have an easy time crafting a vision for a project, and will easily become aware of what needs to be done or obtained to create it.

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

The obvious one would be to give artists a chance. I feel like with each passing year, it has become more and more normalized for productions to follow one, and only one formula for presenting it’s content through visual mediums. I believe what some people do not understand is that while yes, a formula might work, not only will it not always work, but there are so many others that work just as well if not better. Experimenting with how you present something visually is of course a slight gamble, but could reap heavy rewards. If done with success, it can differenciate you and what you are presenting from the rest by a wide margin. I say we should give artists a chance on the executive decisions, to at least hear them out more than they are being heard now. People are walking away from movie theatres, they don’t want to commit to fully watching TV shows, they always skip the ads. Content in every facet could have a huge ressurgence in immersion if you give audience heavily intriguing opportunities to take it in.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The unity of humanity, and the aim to give back to the world and the best way I know how.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matithefriend/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mati.the.friend