Meet Matt Tory

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matt Tory a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

There was a time when I doubted whether I had earned the right to call myself a “filmmaker.” I didn’t have million-dollar budgets or a full crew—just some friends and a camera. I’ve found, though, that instead of waiting until you feel “worthy,” worthiness is earned by doing. I’ve come across so many people who talk about what they’re “going to” make someday, but never actually end up doing it. I refused to be one of them. I wrote a feature film I could actually shoot with locations I already had access to, cast people I already knew, borrowed gear, and made “We Make Movies” for about a thousand bucks. It’s a silly comedy that still cracks me up when I see clips—and it even won some awards and was named “one of the best movies of the year” by Cinescape Magazine.

I’ve since worked with people who are wildly talented, and yeah, the small-fish feeling still shows up now and then. But actually finishing a film is what makes you a filmmaker; finishing a piece of art is what makes you an artist. Earlier this year, I finally published a book I had always wanted to write – all about my adventures across all 50 states, called “Go See America” – but I was hesitant to do so for years. Who am I to write a book? “Who am I, to make this art?” you may be thinking. But that voice never led anyone to make anything great – you just have to go do it.

Self-doubt won’t just go away overnight. But it starts to get drowned out. Once you realize that there’s an audience out there who connects with and loves what you are making—its’s easier to keep going. Keep doing work you love and you’re proud of, and people who love that work will start to find it. Forget everyone else. Imposters are the ones who only talk about creating things.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Most people could use a good laugh and a little hope. That’s what drives me as a filmmaker—telling stories with humor and heart so audiences leave laughing, entertained, or maybe even inspired.

I started out shooting goofy backyard movies with my friends, and that DIY spirit has never left me. There’s something thrilling about building a world out of almost nothing—turning a ridiculous idea into a real piece of work that people can watch, enjoy, and hopefully connect with. That’s the special part for me: when the absurd ideas become tangible.

I created a production company called good.clean.fun. with my college buddy JJ Carroll, and we’ve been on a creative sprint ever since. I directed 3 seasons of our comedy series “The Beech Boys” (streaming on Tubi), we’re currently making a social media show called “Bigfoot and Jeff” where we post new episodes nearly everyday (@bigfootandjeff on tiktok and Instagram), and we just premiered our new sketch show “Halfway Handsome” at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood—we’re hoping the full series will launch next year.

Sure, most filmmakers may have bigger budgets and cushier careers, but I’d bet they’re not having more fun than we are. That’s why I got into this in the first place: creating fun, joyful things with people I love. And hopefully I’m just getting started.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Tenacity
Everyone has ideas. Very few people actually finish them. The single biggest thing that has led me to continued creative opportunities is follow-through: even on small things. The advice here is simple– finishing something. A short film, a scene, a sketch, a chapter. Finishing builds confidence, momentum, and a body of work you can point to. Consistency beats perfection every time.

2. Collaboration
That being said, once you’ve made something – you’re probably not done. Believe it or not, you’re not always the smartest person in the room. I’ve become a better writer and director by surrounding myself with creative people who challenge me, pitch wild ideas, and elevate whatever we’re working on. Find people who share your enthusiasm, work with folks who want to build something fun and weird alongside you, listen to their ideas, and celebrate the wins together.

3. Resourcefulness
I didn’t have money, gear, or connections when I started (I still don’t, in a lot of ways) – so I learned to solve problems with whatever was in front of me. That skill will carry you further than any piece of equipment ever could. You don’t need to wait for the “right” tools or circumstances. Write for locations you have, use equipment you have access to, involve people who are excited to help. Creativity thrives when you’re forced to improvise.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely – collaboration is what makes this whole thing fun. I love working with people who are imaginative, uniquely themselves, and willing to dive into something a little ridiculous just because it has potential. If you care about making funny, heartfelt projects that bring people together, we’ll probably get along. I am always looking to connect with more actors, producers, editors, comedy nerds – anyone who wants to build something fun and surprising.
If you’re reading this and think we could make something fun together, reach out. The easiest place to find me is on Instagram @matthewtory. We’re constantly cooking up the next ideas, and we love teaming up with people who want to help bring them to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://matttory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewtory
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matttory/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gcf
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4RRVST6