It's hard getting to sit down with an accomplished person these day especially when it comes to someone who is in the movie industry. Getting to meet Matthew Martino, a renowned Author and Film Producer likened it to the biblical Camel going through the eye of a needle. However, Naija Chit-Chat had the rare opportunity of having a one-on-one with him of the popular Cafes in London today. Enjoy the read.
When did you first get into the movie or entertainment business?
I first got into entertainment in February 2012 where I was an extra in some short films then later that year I began moving towards producing and other crew roles.
At a very young age, you seem to have hit it off well considering the limitations people with African descent have. What’s the secret?
Thank you , there is no real secret apart from the ethos that everyone seeking success should have , hard work - sacrificing and also putting the career first. With most people in entertainment they great it as a side job or a hobby and they aim for success and this never works.
What other films and videos have you completed?
I've completed Lets Fly Documentary, Ortega and many short films . I also produced music videos for rapper Ki Faro.
Thank you , there is no real secret apart from the ethos that everyone seeking success should have , hard work - sacrificing and also putting the career first. With most people in entertainment they great it as a side job or a hobby and they aim for success and this never works.
What other films and videos have you completed?
I've completed Lets Fly Documentary, Ortega and many short films . I also produced music videos for rapper Ki Faro.
Now, let’s focus on your latest work, “Ortega & His Enemies” since it was released today; how does the trajectory appear to you?
It's all looking very well with Ortega at the moment and I'm proud of everyone who had a part it in. I think the message coming from the film is very touching and people can relate to it.
Do you think each film is better than the last or is there a high mark somewhere along the way you’d like to hit?
Well it doesn't always work that way, sometimes I do a feature film and everything looks like it's gone perfectly but a few weeks later I'm working on a short film and everything just falls apart. There is a high mark that I'm aiming for which would ideally see me produce a high budget film.
When do story ideas usually hit you or is it that writers just come to you with their stores?
It's a mixture of both, I often make films based on stories that have happened to people I know and the idea just pops up when I'm in bed one evening and the next day I'm getting writers in to pen it . I do have some writers approach me with screenplays , the trouble with that is everyone believes their idea is the best so when you critique them that doesn't always go down well.
It's a mixture of both, I often make films based on stories that have happened to people I know and the idea just pops up when I'm in bed one evening and the next day I'm getting writers in to pen it . I do have some writers approach me with screenplays , the trouble with that is everyone believes their idea is the best so when you critique them that doesn't always go down well.
What are your expectations for the movie Ortega?
I'm expecting the film to be picked up by distributors and to hopefully reach a wider audience as the story that was told by Malcolm is very powerful.
I'm expecting the film to be picked up by distributors and to hopefully reach a wider audience as the story that was told by Malcolm is very powerful.
What was different about being in the Producers role (so to speak) this time around than actually acting in any of your movies?
The workload is more as a producer, I used to moan about having so many lines to read and also having early call times as an actor but when you produce the work is just more and more and you find yourself having to fix everyone's problems.
The workload is more as a producer, I used to moan about having so many lines to read and also having early call times as an actor but when you produce the work is just more and more and you find yourself having to fix everyone's problems.
In one word, what is the new film, “Ortega & His Enemies” about?
Family
Who is the lead character? We see the movie has an assemblage of actors from different backgrounds
The lead actor is the character of John Ortega played by Darrell Las Quevas. It was a very diverse cast to also help in telling the story effectively.
The lead actor is the character of John Ortega played by Darrell Las Quevas. It was a very diverse cast to also help in telling the story effectively.
What is your favorite part of the process?
I think it's more interesting during pre-production as you're putting everything and everyone together and surprisingly a movie is more exciting and stress free in pre-production. Once shooting begins, it's stress and arguments.
I think it's more interesting during pre-production as you're putting everything and everyone together and surprisingly a movie is more exciting and stress free in pre-production. Once shooting begins, it's stress and arguments.
Movie making can be a time consuming job what do you do for hobbies? Do you have any peculiar interests?
It does take up so much time, my hobbies are mainly golf, going to the gym and traveling. I actually can't seem to stay in one place I love exploring the world. My interests are reading and watching the opera
It does take up so much time, my hobbies are mainly golf, going to the gym and traveling. I actually can't seem to stay in one place I love exploring the world. My interests are reading and watching the opera
Most actors and aspiring producers never achieve modest success. You have had scenes in a movie with some established actors. You have had some success with your independent films. What do you say to other young people out there struggling to get into the film industry?
It's a tough world in entertainment and only gets tougher. My advise to young people is they need to use the advantage of their youthfulness to get some progress in their career and they need to realize the level of investment a career in entertainment requires. Some of the biggest names in the industry have remortgaged houses and gone into debt just make it in the movie industry. So sacrifice is key and also hard-work is essential.
It's a tough world in entertainment and only gets tougher. My advise to young people is they need to use the advantage of their youthfulness to get some progress in their career and they need to realize the level of investment a career in entertainment requires. Some of the biggest names in the industry have remortgaged houses and gone into debt just make it in the movie industry. So sacrifice is key and also hard-work is essential.
Are there any links where readers can read more about you?
Yes;
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_C_Martino
Links - www.imdb.me/Matthew
allstarcelebrity.com/?page_id=33&p_id=1186080
Links - www.imdb.me/Matthew
allstarcelebrity.com/?page_id=33&p_id=1186080
Thanks for your time
Thanks for having me
Copyright: All
rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this
website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written
permission from Naija Chit-Chat
Contact: naijachitchat@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.