Asude: Hi Matthew, it’s a real pleasure for us to have you here! We’re amazed by your videos and so we’d like to introduce you to the edelkrone community. Let’s get started with how you got started with videography and your first paid video project!
Matthew: I was born on Oct 4th, 1973 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After 10 years of working as a certified Canadian Professional Golf instructor teaching golfers, I pursued my passion for photography and started doing real estate photography. Back in 2010, video was not really offered in the industry so I invested in equipment and time to learn advanced videography techniques.
Since I had to work while starting my media business, I watched YouTube videos to learn videography settings and techniques. I also purchased online tutorial courses to learn more about cinematography. So, I’m self taught through tips from colleagues and a lot of practice. That’s why I give back now by making tutorial videos.
I was hired to do a photo shoot for a luxury home that was approximately 8000 sf and asked the homeowner if I could shoot a video for my portfolio. I spent over four hours shooting the video and editing using learned techniques. Once the agent viewed the final video, he loved the quality so much and paid me to use it to market the property.
A: You shoot both photography for magazine features and commercial videos for them. How would you describe your real estate videography style?
M: I really like slow moving scenes and the use of effective transitions. I shoot mostly interior luxury homes and focus on showcasing the best features of the home to allow people to envision living in the home.
A: The homes in your videos look perfect! Are there any preparations you make before you begin filming?
M: Yes, first and foremost, I make sure the home is organized and staged if needed. Then I turn on all the lights and even ask homeowners to change light bulbs if they are not all the same throughout. This will avoid lighting discrepancies between scenes. Thereafter, I’ll set up all the gear I will be using so the shooting process flows seamlessly.
A: You offer different services such as photography, videography, 3D virtual tours, floor planning etc. What equipment do you generally bring to a set?
M: I bring 5 essential items: a 4K camera capable of 60fps, a gimbal, multiple lenses, a really good tripod, my edelkrone HeadPLUS and SliderONE.
A: Do you prefer buying or renting your filmmaking equipment?
M: I’ve always reinvested back into my business. The way I look at it, if I use it 3-4 times for a job then it paid for itself.
A: What’s the best advice you've ever received?
M: The best advice I have ever received was from my dad. He taught me to always put 150% into whatever I do and do it with purpose and passion.
A: What software do you use for post-production?
M: I like using FCP X. I find using it in combination with Pro Res Codec is fast and efficient for my workflow.
A: One of your photographs got selected in the Canadian National Geographic 2018 Calendar, featured in October. It must be very rewarding to be recognized after all the hard work. What is the best piece of advice you could give to other filmmakers?
M: Invest in really good lenses and a 4K camera. Additionally, you need a good gimbal and one good edelkrone slider which will really make your videos stand out as next level quality and will help you earn additional income.
“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Marc Anthony
A: What do you think about the future of filmmaking with the technology advancing so fast?
M: It’s very exciting to see such amazing innovation on a weekly basis. With these new products coming to market, it allows us filmmakers to produce more eye catching footage for our audience thus providing more value and earning more money. I purchase new equipment every three months to keep a leading edge.
A: What’s your biggest ambition for the future?
M: My biggest ambition is to pass along my knowledge to others so that future filmmakers can continue to push the limits of storytelling. I also give feedback to manufacturers to encourage them to deliver new technologies and stretch the possibilities in the equipment.