Matt Bieler

How did you get into directing?
Well … I’m too short for the NBA so that goal didn’t really work out. Fortunately the good people at Anonymous Content and Serial Pictures liked a couple little films I made and the directing plan started to take shape.

What is your most recent project?
The latest job was for Adidas/DSG with the very talented minds at 180LA. We shot with RG3 in Baylor, Texas, for a day, then jumped over to Austin for a day. Really fun gig. May they all be as creatively rewarding as this one.

What is the best part of being a director?
The collaborative process and getting to meet and work with some amazing people behind and in front of the lens.

What is the worst part of being a director?
No complaints here. Just happy for the work.

What is your current career focus: commercials & branded content, TV, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
The challenge of a feature would be great down the line but I don’t want to get ahead of myself, I’m loving the commercial landscape at the moment.

Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates most with you?
I’ve been lucky enough to pick the brain of Malcolm Venville over the years who has given me enough great advice and wisdom to fill a coffee table book.  Before a shoot recently he reminded me that “ornament is a crime, keep it simple stupid”…that will always resonate, loved that email.

Who is your favorite director and why?
The usual cast of characters. I’m guilty of stealing from all of you.

What is your favorite movie? Your favorite commercial or branded content?
Favorite flick will always be Back to the Future. To this day I still get goose bumps when J. Fox shreds Johnny B. Goode. Reminds me of my dad. Favorite commercial is Jonathan Glazer’s “Frozen Moment” spot for Nike in 1996. Beautifully crafted.

Tell us about your background (i.e. Where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
My first paying job was at a joint called Willie & Pie Pizza where I grew up in Rancho Cucamonga. I won’t bore you with what happened between then and now but I’m convinced I can still toss up a mean pizza pie if called upon.

Contact

http://serialpictures.com/