We were lucky to catch up with Ben Mathews recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ben, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Necessity. Call it creativity, obsession, or a passion – filmmaking is an creative addiction. It grabs hold of some of us and never lets go. One project ends and a new inspiration begins. There are always new techniques, themes, or characters I want to explore and challenges I want to overcome. Sometimes, inspiration comes from watching other filmmakers, wanting to succeed in the ways that they have. Other times, I want to improve on past films I’ve made. I love filmmaking, the creativity and collaboration behind it, and I know it will always be a part of who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Along with my producing partner Zoe Mitchell, I write, direct, and produce films in Los Angeles California. I am a director through and through. However, thanks to the independent world, I get to wear many hats. We started our company, Scattamooch Productions, with the dream of telling original, high-quality stories for mass audiences. I love the theatrical experience and hope to one day champion it’s future. Most recently, we screened our debut feature, a coming of age western called Grassland, at the ’23 Manhattan Film Festival. We are also currently casting for an upcoming high-concept short film that details the period in a mother and daughters’ relationship when they transition roles and responsibilities thanks to the threat of time and illness.
Our mission is to continue to deliver quality films with strong messages that represent our value to the industry as a whole. At the end of the day, we are simply filmmakers who love making movies.
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?
In my experience and opinion, observation, curiosity, and kindness are essential. You do need the passion and curiosity to pursue filmmaking, but you can’t capitalize on collaboration if you aren’t willing to listen. The best films I’ve made have come from the combined effort of dozens of people – I owe everything to my collaborators.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Even though they gawked slightly when I told them that I wanted to go to film school, they eventually listened, supported, and encouraged my journey. For creatives, having support is essential. I will always be grateful for their encouragement and I know that my close relationship with both of them will fortify my creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.benjaminmathews.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benmathews98/
