Writor/Director
Matthew Ehlers

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AUTOBANK

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Mex Restaurant Commercial

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Who's Your Daddy?

Phillip Seymour Hoffman

The Alibi

Mr. Spots

Interviews

EGGWORK PRODUCTION'S MATTHEW EHLERS by Jacob Sanders

There has always been a certain respect that all filmmakers have for each other. With so many of us out there, it's very easy for someone to just blend in with the crowd and become just another stray. It happens numerous times, day in and day out. A lot of times it can drive a struggling creator into the abyss a feeling of self-failure and a lose of ambition. However, to see a peer succeed always gives us a sense of hope and drive. We look upon them as pioneers for the independent films. Sure, they're not the first and they won't be that last, but they do broaden the road so that other like them can take that chance and complete the journey.

Enter- Matthew Ehlers, founder of Eggwork Productions. Matthew, a graduate of USC Cinema, did just that. I spoke with Matthew to get a little insight on the workings and success of his projects. But I was unaware of how much he has actually done in his five years of making films.

JS: At what point in life did you feel that film making was something you wanted to do as a career?

MATTHEW: Well, it's the same old story. In the fourth grade, my father was working for Kodak, so we had one of those old Super 8 Kodak cameras lying around the house. I set up my toys and make little movies, doing the stop motion. That, I would have to say, was the beginning.

JS: What was your first project you worked on on a professional level?

MATTHEW: See, after I graduated from USC, I took a five year break from film. I was 21 and wanted to experience some other areas. I was a bartender for a while. I also a roadie for a bit. Pushing around crates and lighting equipment, which I really enjoyed because I loved getting the backstage access. Who wouldn't? But after a while, I got myself back into writing and pitching ideas. DI ended up doing some advertising and commercial projects. One I did was for the American Cancer Society. It was an Anti-smoking ad. I still have people tell me that they remember it. Makes me feel good.

JS: Your first short was The Alibi. Can you tell me about that?

MATTHEW: The Alibi was a learning curve for me. It is actually my longest short. Running at 11 minutes. It was a good experience, and fun to make. Although, looking back on it now, with my experience, if I was to make it over, there would probably be a hundred changes. It did end up appearing in 15 festivals and on HBO. But the 'mistakes' I made then helped me better my next projects.

JS: In 2002, your next short, LUNCH, appeared at Sundance. What kind of step was that for your career? And what doors did it open?

MATTHEW: Lunch was shown at 40 festivals, and was picked up by HBO, as well. Which was great, but I wanted it on Sundance. And I got it. Getting it there seemed to be luck, though. But it was awesome! It was a really great step for me. It wasn't just the fact that it was Sundance, but having that spot gave me credibility as a true film maker. I got to meet wonderful people, which helped me secure crews for my future works. So the doors opened to me seemed endless.

JS: Yeah, tell me a little about them.

MATTHEW: Well, I tended to stay with that same cast and crew. I just felt a connection with them and was confident working with them. We all knew each other and knew our capabilities, so when the time came for production, it went so smoothly. That's when I made AUTOBANK. It too, was a selection for Sundance, along with 30 other film festivals. It actually aired on Comedy Central in 2004.

JS: Autobank wasn't your only show to be snatched up by Comedy Central, was it?

MATTHEW: No, my latest short WHO'S YOUR DADDY? was also a pick of Comedy Central. You can see it anytime on their Moatherload site. Which has been pretty successful.

JS: ANIMUNGUS. Tell me about that.

MATTHEW: Animungus was to air on Cartoon Network's Sunday Pants, but that's hiatus for time being. But when it does air, it'll be on episode 6. That's just how some things go. But keep a look-out for it. It's really a great short. It was designed and directed by Eric Merola, you can visit his website at MEROLAPRODUCTIONS.COM
And produced by Melissa Johnson and Curious Pictures. All very talented people.

JS: It seems like you've really put forth solid commitment to your projects. What is it the drives you?

MATTHEW: Well, the internet is wonderful now for being able to show your work to people who normally you wouldn't be able to. And you get to see others work that you wouldn't otherwise. I just wish there was a way I could charge everyone who downloads one of my films a nickel. Then I wouldn't have to still work in the corporate world. Seriously though, I see my work improving at every step on every film. So I know it'll continue to do so.

JS: Five film in five years. All with success. You certainly found your calling. What projects will you be working on next? Are you going to venture out of comedy?

MATTHEW: Well, I've written drama and horror, but for now, I'm more comfortable with comedy. But who knows what the future holds?

I'm certainly not against it. My next project is for Made Up North Productions, located in Manchester, UK. I met the producer, and he read my script One-Thousand Rites. From there, they asked me to write a screenplay for them entitled JUMP. So that's what I'm doing at this point.

JS: That's really cool. What advice can you give to anyone starting out in the film industry?

MATTHEW: Shoot with no money. Don't pour thousands of dollars of your own money to make your first film. Start small, you will make mistakes, but you'll learn from them. And that is the most important part. Also, when casting, use your friends and family. Someone that you don't have to pay. It'll teach you on how to better your dialogue and many other things you wouldn't ever think of. But all in all, with the equipment available today, you can get very nice images without spending large amounts of cash, that you probably don't have to spare anyway.

Matthew is a very talented and unique filmmaker. I predict great things to come from this guy. With three films shown at Sundance, a total of festival appearances nearing the century mark, HBO, Comedy Central and Cartoon Network, I say that with confidence. I'm sure he's got many more stories to tell, along with the ability to tell them.

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