We were lucky to catch up with Matthieu Meynier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matthieu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

If you work in a creative field, risk is part of the terrain. Sometimes it’s obvious — moving to a new country, launching a business, reinventing yourself. Other times it’s quiet — saying yes to a project you’ve never done before, turning down work that doesn’t align with your values, or starting over in a place where no one knows your name.
I’ve lived most of my personal and professional life alongside risk. I left France in 1995 for the United States on a student visa to study journalism, with no clear path beyond graduation. I only had one certainty, I wasn’t going back to France. Years later, I chose to stay while waiting for my green card, even though my dream job in France was ready for me. In 2003, on the same day my first marriage began its long, official separation, I started my business — no business background, no roadmap, just the belief that I could create something meaningful.
Looking back, the situations were different, but the lessons were similar:
* You rarely have all the answers before you begin. Waiting for perfect clarity is often just a way of avoiding action.
* Risk is not the opposite of stability — it’s how you create it. Every leap eventually built the foundation for the next chapter.
* The most important skills aren’t technical. Patience, adaptability, and believing and listening have saved me more than any piece of equipment or marketing plan.
* Community is your support. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to push through the hard parts, offer honest feedback, and refuse to let the naysayers define your horizon.
Now, I’m stepping into a new kind of uncertainty: building my business in both the United States and France, where I now reside 3 to 6 months of the year. On paper, I have over 25 years of experience. In practice, it feels like being a beginner again. I’m meeting new people, learning a new market, and adjusting to different ways of working.
And here’s the quiet truth: Doing it alone is often romanticized. But for me, it’s always been the people — the mentors, peers, planners, fellow creatives, and clients who become friends — who turn risk into progress, and progress into something worth sharing. A strong support system doesn’t remove uncertainty; it steadies you through it. The right community doesn’t hold you in place — it gives you the stability and support to move forward with confidence.
If you’re in a season where the path ahead feels uncertain, know this: you don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward. Build your circle, keep good people in your corner, and take the step you’re not quite ready for. Keep moving and do the work. The right partners will come along.

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

Bonjour — I’m Matthieu Meynier, a French filmmaker based between San Francisco and Paris. For 25+ years, I’ve filmed weddings, brand and event pieces for teams like Google, Intuit, Zoom, Fairmont, and The Ritz-Carlton just to name a few, plus real-estate films that have helped sell high-end homes across the Bay Area and beyond.
My father was a well-known radio host in France, and he did tell stories of ordinary men that to my eyes and eyes of millions of listeners felt extraordinary. That shaped everything for me. Story first. Observe before you speak. Let real life carry the emotion.
I don’t stage moments; I let the day breathe and step in only when light, sound, or logistics truly need it. The aim is simple: a film that feels like you—now and years from now. I stay calm on set, work bilingually, and take a team-first approach with planners and creative partners. Clear communication, clean audio, and smooth timelines matter as much as the images.
I founded my studio in 2003 and later created Le Studio 95 to serve corporate, commercial, and real-estate work with the same care. I’m now building a truly international practice between the U.S. and France. It’s new, and my goal is for it to feel as seamless as when I first launched the company—only this time with twenty-five years of experience behind me.
“Authentic” isn’t a slogan for me; it’s an ethic. I’m direct, I protect client privacy, and if I’m not the right fit, I’ll say so and connect you with someone who is. I keep learning—testing, refining, sometimes failing, always improving.
What stays with me are the quiet messages that arrive years later: a father replaying a toast, a couple saying the film still feels like them, a planner noting how calm the day felt. That’s the bar. If that’s the experience you want, I’ll be happy to connect and learn about your unique situation.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation comes from how I work. I show up, I care—deeply—and I go above and beyond. I’m not just a cinematographer; I’m often a steady friend and guide when needed. I stay calm, don’t get overwhelmed, and I’m there for them, not for me. I’m a team player—years of soccer taught me to help others shine. I don’t chase awards; I let the films and the reviews from clients, planners, realtors, and peers do the talking. I’m generous with my time and expertise. I love what I do—it’s a passion, not just a job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matthieumeynier.com
• Instagram: matthieumeynier
• Other: www.lestudio95.com
  @lestudio95

Image Credits

Kortney J Photo