Interview with Matt McCloskey

Explicit content warning

08/02/23 • 73 min

On this episode of drinks! Matt McCloskey and I chatted about the "I Just Died" music video that he directed. About how and why it was made and his journey in the world of film and music.
WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/fnFPnBQvoaY

Credits:
Filmed by StoryMakers Production Co. in Austin, TX
Edited by Hector Martinez ( @the.roomtone )

Follow Matt on instagram.com/classypinata

00:40 - Discussion about the music video "I Just Died."
02:08 - Challenges in completing the video.
04:39 - Balancing multiple projects and passion projects.
05:16 - Matt's experience as a director and director of photography.
06:34 - Matt as the Director.
08:35 - Decision to make a music video instead of a short film.
09:05 - Crew involvement and roles in the production.
12:57 - Finding and getting a coffin.
17:29 - Appreciation for the crew.
18:41 - Joy and camaraderie experienced while working on the project.
20:39 - Comparisons of film work to a circus or kitchen environment.
21:11 - Reflections on the unique and rewarding aspects of a career in film.
21:43 - Appreciation for the creative journey and shared artistic experiences.
22:23 - Decision to move to Austin.
24:14 - Austin, Texas.
26:09 - Contrasting art scene in New Jersey to Austin's vibrant community.
30:17 - Updates on Greystone band
34:44 - Sophia's involvement in the band and her own project.
35:23 - Gratitude for meeting amazing people and interconnected experiences.
36:07 - Reflecting on unexpected life experiences and joy of connecting with others.
39:21 - Embracing the journey and unpredictability of life.
41:42 - Sharing lyrics from the song "I Just Want My Hoodie Back, Bro."
42:57 - Discussing creative process and connection between words and music.
44:03 - Transformative power of music experiences.
46:34 - The rewarding experience of playing shows and impacting others.
48:24 - The fulfilling nature of writing and playing music.
48:58 - Enjoying shared musical experiences and singing together.
49:33 - Frank Turner's music as a common thread.
50:00 - Recent work on a feature film and focusing on personal well-being.
51:13 - Discussing the writer strike and its industry impact.
51:49 - Embracing a normal life and enjoying outdoor activities.
53:27 - Appreciating daily routines in Austin's spring.
57:09 - Discussing the challenges of acting and performing emotions.
58:14 - Appreciating the hard work of various film departments.
1:00:25 - Reflecting on the crucial role of sound in filmmaking.
1:01:43 - Director's commentary while watching the music video
1:06:03 - Appreciating camera work, including the ronin and the fun zombie shot.
1:07:34 - Explaining the "zolly" shot technique and mentioning the leaf blower scene.
1:08:19 - Describing the car-mounted camera rig setup for certain shots.
1:12:00 - Outro

Special thanks to Matt for all your time, energy and money spent on this piece.

Credits:
Filmed by StoryMakers Production Co. in Austin, TX
Edited by Hector Martinez ( @the.roomtone )

Follow Matt on instagram.com/classypinata

Special thanks to Matt for all your time, energy and money spent on this piece.

Previous Episode

The law of proximity

Ricky and Lau ramble about the law of proximity. The power of being close to where the action is.

Ricky Mendoza & The Screaming Hearts: https://rickym.org

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Next Episode

Interview with D'Ann Connelly and Eva DeGuelle

In this episode I chat with actors D'ann Connelly and Eva DeGuelle. They starred in the music video for I JUST DIED (watch it here:https://youtu.be/fnFPnBQvoaY )
Follow them:
D'Ann Connelly: https://instagram.com/dannconnelly
Eva DeGuelle: https://instagram.com/evadeguelle

00:00: Intro
01:15: Discussion on acting in Texas, especially in Austin.
01:54: Process of becoming a Texas actor through auditions.
04:04: Eva cast as lead spirit in the music video.
05:24: Eva's role preparation and emotional connection.
08:22: D'ann's cast experience and song introduction.
09:09: Accessing emotions and challenges of intense scenes.
10:23: D'ann's emotional day on set
11:36: Techniques for emotional scenes and on-set focus.
12:46: Supportive crew and maintaining emotional state.
14:12: Focus on character and scene while filming.
15:30: Austin film community and collaborations.
17:24: Reflections on challenging projects and friendships.
18:41: D'ann's lifelong interest in acting from childhood.
19:56: D'ann's transition from acting to location management.
20:39: D'ann's return to acting and move to Austin.
21:51: Acting inspirations and Eva's early passion for it.
23:11: On training, connections, and beginnings.
23:49: Eva's ongoing learning and diverse acting dimensions.
25:09: Adapting tone in acting.
25:53: Adapting to roles and motivations beyond glamour.
27:09: Classic Hollywood inspirations and internet influence.
29:11: Challenges behind the glamor of acting.
29:54: Eva's realization of ensemble nature in stage theater.
30:29: D'ann's pursuit of becoming different characters.
31:06: Humbling experience of being an extra.
31:46: Value of time, budget, and experience in projects.
33:08: Versatility in budget projects and career progress.
35:07: Choosing projects and maintaining consistent work.
36:23: Commentary on specific scenes and music video memories.
38:08: Watching and commenting on the music video
44:11: Follow D'ann and Eva on instagram.