We were lucky to catch up with Maty Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maty, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Whilst navigating the path to success in Hollywood’s film production industry, I’ve drawn immense strength and inspiration from a unique family legacy. Unlike most stories of entrepreneurial success that are built on a foundation of previous triumphs, my narrative is shaped by a lineage of business endeavours that, despite their promise and potential, ultimately did not succeed.
My late grandfather, Frank Booth, was an ambitious entrepreneur with ventures in England and Perth, Western Australia. His businesses started with enthusiasm and hope, and faced numerous challenges over the years. These challenges proved insurmountable, and his enterprises eventually failed. Witnessing his struggles and downfall provided me with early life lessons about the unpredictability and harsh realities of business.
Similarly, my father, Frederick Young, and my brother, Richard Young, also embarked on their own business ventures. Like my grandfather, they began with high aspirations and a strong work ethic. However, they too faced a series of setbacks and challenges that led to the failure of their businesses. Watching their dreams crumble was both heart-wrenching and eye-opening for me.
These experiences within my family, rather than deterring me, fueled my resolve to succeed. I saw firsthand the pitfalls and risks involved in running a business and learned valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of thorough planning and strategy. These failures within my family became the bedrock upon which I built my determination to not only start but also successfully run my own film production company in Hollywood.
Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, I was acutely aware of the volatility and fierce competition in the film industry. However, armed with a deep understanding of the risks from my family’s experiences, I approached my venture with a unique perspective. My work ethic, a mix of relentless drive and careful planning, was shaped by the hardships I witnessed in my family’s business endeavors.
Today, my film production company stands as a testament to overcoming adversity through perseverance and learning from the past. The journey has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Every step I take forward in this competitive industry is a tribute to my family’s unfulfilled dreams and a fulfillment of my own.
My story is different. It’s not built on a legacy of business success, but on a legacy of business failures that have been transformed into a source of strength and inspiration. As I continue to navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes in Hollywood, I carry with me the lessons learned from my family’s past—a reminder that sometimes, the most profound successes are born out of the ashes of failure.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In our film production journey, we’ve meticulously sharpened our skills in specific areas, leading to an extraordinary path of growth and recognition. It all began with producing highly affordable demo reel scenes for actors. After creating over 100 scenes, our expertise in this area is nothing short of exceptional. This early success formed the bedrock for our future endeavors.
Venturing next into the vibrant world of music videos, our relocation to Los Angeles proved to be a pivotal move. Here, the abundance of diverse standing sets fueled our creativity and significantly enhanced our production value. This resulted in a heightened demand for our music video productions.
Our foray into short films is driven by a passion for diverse storytelling. We embrace various genres and work with a wide range of budgets. Our short films have been recognized for their excellence in multiple categories including writing, directing, cinematography, and original score, making this versatility a signature aspect of our work.
A landmark moment in our story was the production of our first feature film in 2020. “Single Mother by Choice,” a project under our Two Hands Productions label in West Hollywood, marked a significant achievement. Its acquisition by HBO and showcasing at the Festival de Cannes are testaments to our expanding influence in the film industry.
Our impact extends into the film festival realm as well. Films like “Ex-affliction,” which made history with an Australian short film win at the Sydney International Women’s Film Festival, along with other acclaimed projects like ‘Sariah’, ‘Cherry’, ‘You’re So Vain’, ‘Dust’, and ‘Ash and The Jacket’, are all making their mark in festivals, accruing numerous awards.
The affordability of our services, coupled with the high quality of our output, sets us apart. My partner and I efficiently manage most business aspects, enabling us to maintain lower costs and deliver top-notch products. For larger projects, we scale up with additional crew members, but our hands-on approach in all filmmaking processes ensures client satisfaction and competitive pricing.
Our rapid turnaround time is another unique selling point. Clients are often amazed when we deliver projects “within the week,” a feat achievable due to our in-house management of all production and editing processes.
The numerous awards we’ve received define our brand. In the film industry, such accolades are a mark of quality and recognition, attracting clients with bigger budgets, talented actors, and dedicated crews who are confident in our ability to deliver.
I personally take great joy in creating demo reel scenes. The liberty to write across genres and to create impactful cinematic moments in a short span is incredibly rewarding. These projects, from idea to delivery, are often completed within a few days, exemplifying our efficiency and creativity.
As we look to the future, our focus is shifting towards sourcing exceptional scripts. We’re moving away from purely commercial projects to those that captivate us, irrespective of the budget. This transition signifies a deeper commitment to storytelling and artistic integrity.
Our films continue to shine in festivals across the USA, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, my role as the cinematographer for “Single Mother by Choice” by Two Hands Productions, now on HBO Max and showcased at Cannes, is a highlight of our diverse capabilities.
Our journey is a fusion of strategic development, creative zeal, and a steadfast dedication to producing quality films. Each project we undertake is a step toward fulfilling our mission to create cinema that leaves a lasting impression on audiences around the globe.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I embarked on my filmmaking journey with Young One Studio, it was like stepping into a vast, uncharted wilderness. In this odyssey, three guiding stars illuminated my path: resourcefulness, a proactive learning attitude, and the principle of practical application.
Resourcefulness became my first ally, especially through the use of Google and YouTube. These platforms were like my compass and map, guiding me through the intricate landscape of film production. I dove into the depths of these resources, gleaning knowledge on everything from camera techniques to storytelling. Each tutorial watched and article read added another tool to my filmmaking arsenal, enabling me to navigate the industry’s complexities with more confidence.
As I journeyed further, a proactive learning attitude was my constant companion. The film industry, much like a river, is always flowing and changing. By adopting an attitude of continuous learning, I was able to ride these currents, adapting to new trends and techniques. This mindset turned obstacles into stepping stones, challenges into lessons, and fears into frontiers to conquer.
The most impactful guide, however, was the principle of ‘lean then apply’. This approach was akin to learning how to sail in rough seas – you learn best by doing. I adopted a hands-on method, where learning was immediately followed by application. This meant creating films with whatever resources I had at hand, regardless of the limitations in equipment or the rawness of the story. Each project, no matter how modest, was a voyage into the unknown, a practical experiment where theory met reality. It was in these moments of creation, amidst the imperfections and challenges, that my skills were honed and my vision as a filmmaker was crystallized.
To those just beginning their journey in the world of filmmaking, my story serves as a beacon. Use the resources at your disposal, no matter how basic they may seem. Dive into Google and YouTube; they are wellsprings of knowledge. Embrace every opportunity to learn, for the landscape of film is ever-evolving. Most importantly, just create. Do not wait for the perfect conditions or the finest tools. The act of creating, in all its flawed and glorious reality, is where true growth occurs. Each film you make, each story you tell, is a step forward in your unique journey.
In the end, the path of a filmmaker is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It’s a journey of constant learning, of relentless creating, and of passionate storytelling. And in this journey, every step, every stumble, and every triumph, brings you closer to the filmmaker you are destined to become.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
When I embarked on my filmmaking journey with Young One Studio, it was like stepping into a vast, uncharted wilderness. In this odyssey, three guiding stars illuminated my path: resourcefulness, a proactive learning attitude, and the principle of practical application.
Resourcefulness became my first ally, especially through the use of Google and YouTube. These platforms were like my compass and map, guiding me through the intricate landscape of film production. I dove into the depths of these resources, gleaning knowledge on everything from camera techniques to storytelling. Each tutorial watched and article read added another tool to my filmmaking arsenal, enabling me to navigate the industry’s complexities with more confidence.
As I journeyed further, a proactive learning attitude was my constant companion. The film industry, much like a river, is always flowing and changing. By adopting an attitude of continuous learning, I was able to ride these currents, adapting to new trends and techniques. This mindset turned obstacles into stepping stones, challenges into lessons, and fears into frontiers to conquer.
The most impactful guide, however, was the principle of ‘lean then apply’. This approach was akin to learning how to sail in rough seas – you learn best by doing. I adopted a hands-on method, where learning was immediately followed by application. This meant creating films with whatever resources I had at hand, regardless of the limitations in equipment or the rawness of the story. Each project, no matter how modest, was a voyage into the unknown, a practical experiment where theory met reality. It was in these moments of creation, amidst the imperfections and challenges, that my skills were honed and my vision as a filmmaker was crystallized.
To those just beginning their journey in the world of filmmaking, my story serves as a beacon. Use the resources at your disposal, no matter how basic they may seem. Dive into Google and YouTube; they are wellsprings of knowledge. Embrace every opportunity to learn, for the landscape of film is ever-evolving. Most importantly, just create. Do not wait for the perfect conditions or the finest tools. The act of creating, in all its flawed and glorious reality, is where true growth occurs. Each film you make, each story you tell, is a step forward in your unique journey.
In the end, the path of a filmmaker is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It’s a journey of constant learning, of relentless creating, and of passionate storytelling. And in this journey, every step, every stumble, and every triumph brings you closer to the filmmaker you are destined to become.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youngoenstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngonestudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatyJY/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/matyjyoung
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@youngonestudio
Image Credits
All images from work by cinematographer and director Maty Young
