Today weʼd like to introduce you to Matt Salter.
Matt, letʼs start with your story. Weʼd love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Iʼve had a love for cinema, the arts, entertainment/ athletics, since a little kid. Watching “Jaws” in my familyʼs basement, directed by one of my heroes, Steven Spielberg, at around five or six years old, I knew right away aside from wanting to be the next Michael Jordan (it was 1996 at the time I thought anything was possible, lol) I knew filmmaking and the love for it was and always has been in my DNA and passion.
Going to darken movie theaters with my parents watching “Men In Black” having cold cherry coke and twizzlers and hot buttered popcorn and nachos is one of earlier experiences in movie theaters that made me want to be in this business in industry. Seeing the intensity of the action shots, Will Smiths poise charm and dramatic chops, Tommy Lee Jones Funny yet dry sarcastic witty humor and an overall great work of cinema.
Also, seeing my mentor, Spike Leeʼs, “Do The Right Thing” VHS tape box cover around the same age and falling in love with the portrait the cover paints alone, then finally witnessing it the power and reality of that imagery sounds and sites. Was incredible. Knew I wanted to be in the world of film, especially behind the camera. I never really envisioned in front but strangers things happened I was blessed with my first opportunity to appear on “Empire” in late 2014 And was featured in a scene with on the first season with Taraji, Jussie, and Terrance. From there, more castings and bookings came thru for featured extra parts as well as few principles speaking roles. I had signed with two agencies back in 2015, BNB Chicago Model & Talent Agency, Modelogic Midwest. More roles came in on sitcoms like “Shameless”, “Chicago PD”, “Chicago Fire” and feature films that came to Chicago over last few years such as Spike Leeʼs “Chi-Raq” and Melissa McCarthyʼs “The Boss.”
One of the most incredible, surreal, and hard working testaments and moments in early part of my career on screen as an Actor was being upgraded from a featured extra already booked, to ON THE SPOT, being upgraded to a higher principal/speaking co- starring role in the Fox TV Pilot “University”. I was in a scene with actress Erin Moriarty, of NetFlix Jessica Jones fame amongst other works (https://m.imdb.com/name/nm3929195/), where I played one best football players in country and a 5 star high school recruit being shown around the fictional campus on the show, which we filmed in Chicago near DePaul, and in the scene was being recruited by Erin and another co starring actress. It all came from sheer blessings and luck and like the phrase when preparation and readiness meets opportunity and luck good things happen. Or along those lines at least. And the director and producers on the spot upgraded me and another fellow featured extra to co starring roles on the spot. Needless to say their was a lot of excitement for us, some not so excited, but you canʼt worry about naysayers, haters, or envious people. Those who genuinely support and want you to do better, personally and professionally, well cherish those people and moments Iʼve came to learn and work on over course of young life and career. But attached in article from Project Casting, http://www.projectcasting.com/news/extras-upgraded-speaking-roles-set-fox-tv-pilot/ , explains more in depth of what happened that day on set/being upgraded and how if you work hard, stay professional, be in right place at right time, NetWORK, have a good rapport and relationships in the business, and actually have SKILLSET and attitude to learn more and get better, better will notice. And that day the director and producers of this Fox TV Pilot definitely took notice and upgrading me on the spot to a speaking role was a calling and sign , especially in front of the camera aspect. We improved in the scene and had few scripted lines that the director and writers gave us last minute. It was truly surreal. Still very grateful for that opportunity not only to the production and cast/crew itself but also to Four Star Casting and more for setting up the opportunity in first place. It gained me SAG AFTRA eligibility as an entertainer, and now Iʼm a full time SAG AFTRA member as of May 2018, which has been the biggest career boost to date. But much more on the horizon in that regard and very proud of that moment being upgraded and also shows people you never know whose watching (literally), what time when or where your break maybe (be it major, in between, or minor), and always be prompt professional and prepared. Those three “Pʼs” will carry you along way in any industry or career profession. Definitely a note worthy experience and it showed me even more donʼt stop striving and going for your dreams. Stranger things have and do happen. Of course like I said you have to work on your craft as well, study, and practice. Nothing comes easy or handed even in lucky situations or breaks. Stay focused.
From there, features from myself in big brand commercials with prominent celebrities and stars as well as recent TV work like “American Crime Story:Versace Assassination” “Netflix:Easy” and working on my documentary called “Blended” which is a musical documentary taking a look with a fly on the wall perspective of the music game and industry (Chicago specifically), Chicago culture, my friends specifically in different genres of music, day to day footage, studio footage, concert/festival(s) footage, family archived documents, and itʼs a real original concept. Kind of like “Hoop Dreams” meets music. A real life 8 mile (Eminem film) but not just rap. All types of music and friends who are musicians will be featured.
From Jazz, EDM/House/ Dubstep, Blues, Hip Hop/ Rap, POP, R&B, etc. Me being director, writer, executive producer, and cinematographer I have my hands in it all! I do have a team and a crew, but for this project, I am very hands on as well as passionate. Here is a link to some snippets/previews of my musical documentary film “Blended”, https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=matthew+salter+blended+the+documentary&em=1 , heard nothing but great reviews so far and still in production until early next year. I am also on board as an executive producer for the horror/suspense film with “Lakefront Pictures” called “The Nest”. Iʼve helped secure and raise a certain amount of money and helped get the production into a film festival and secure funds for that trip as well as pitches, meetings, and distribution deals for the film. As well as being a full-time father. But definitely directing, producing, writing, and being business executive are the main focuses and in front, the camera work is a great hobby and pays amazing, but I do love being behind the camera most.
There is nothing like the art of storytelling. Especially when itʼs yours or your tone!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been challenging every day and second being in this industry. The amount of times youʼre told “NO!” and rejected could and do break a lot of people down. But you have to know they arenʼt saying “NO!” to you, but rather no to that part or character or situation. A lot of the times itʼs not personal. Yes everyone has bad auditions or moments. But if you do your best and leave a great professional respectful impression than you will keep getting called back from casting directors and other inquiries. Just always come and leave with a smile, put your best effort out, network responsibly and professionally, and leave a great impression with your talents AND personality. People wonʼt forget.
Weʼd love to hear more about your work. FTC Productions & Media is a film, television, entertainment/production company. We aspire for unique, authentic, bold, conversive visions, stories, and history to be told in the most obscure way visually and cinematically. Love what you do and do what you love! FTC stands FOR THE CULTURE. Not just only African American culture.
But ALL CULTURES. All communities, all walks of life, all races, religions, sexes, backgrounds, financial classes, we are an all-inclusive company. I tell people only thing you need to work for and with me is a great attitude, professionalism, respect, and you donʼt even have to care or know or love film or entertainment. I will find a job and way to utilize people, be it marketing/ promo, graphic designing/ artwork, etc I just love to help people and put them in positions to help tell me and their stories to the world. https://www.facebook.com/2306318939594648/videos/1052302664932455/.
Also, learning from professionals like my niece, A-Lister and activist and overall superstar and humble smart incredibly talented Yara Shahidi of Black.ish and Grown.ish fame and more, and her mother (my older sister and her momager Keri) has taught me the ropes and being and living in cutthroat Los Angeles circuit itʼs even more real and competitiveness. But I do appreciate all insight my beautiful niece and family gives me not just professionally but as a person most important and her Uncle Matt since day one 18 years ago!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Chicago is an INCREDIBLE city to start a similar business like mine or other entertainment endeavors period. Be it Film/ TV, theater, music, art/ painting, athletics, culinary, etc. So many open minds, creatives, and people willing to be diverse and try new things and interact and have encounters with new people are most people think Iʼve come across being a Chicagoan. I moved to Chicago when I was four, from Madison, WI. Iʼve traveled around the world and all over the United States Of America. A particularly comparing to New York City and Los Angeles (which I am very bi- coastal with California for work, family and friends, and personal pleasure)
NONE compare to Chicago,
- The vibes and auras are very hard working and blue collar, yet we can be elegant and classy like “Hollywood” setting and situation and itʼs very balanced on that spectrum. It rolls up the sleeves attitude and gets it done and also we enjoy the fruits of our labor here in Chicago. Nothings just handed to you. Got to work hard for what you want and believe. Even if youʼre the only one, to begin with. Fortunately, I have family, friends, and business management and partners who all believe in me as well and vice versa. Most importantly, got to set the example for my 1 year and six-month-year-old daughter Braelyn. I want her to see not just thru her father, but for sure thru me at the same time being the first and main male figure in her life for that example particularly, that if you stick with your real and true passions and dreams no matter how many times you get beat down and told no or no matter your gender race background or anything you can achieve greatness, success, and respect by maintaining core values. There is also room for improvement in our city. In the sense, we need to do better at being more open with each other IN BUSINESS.
I feel since we are behind “LA and NYC” in the entertainment sense, whenever someone does “get on” or has the momentum for the moment they donʼt wanna share that or help others. I donʼt know if itʼs a too small a town for the industry to share glory concept or if people are just selfish sometimes, but I feel people hold out on things like other investors, studio deals and opportunities, just shady business. But thatʼs business, in general. Just gotta stay on top and track of things. No excuse! Love Chicago though and even though I plan on expanding I definitely am glad I started here and not in New York or Los Angeles. Itʼs so much untapped potential that has yet to scratch the surface in Chicago. Iʼm excited to be a part of this new creative movement from music, films/tv, literature, food, fashion, art, etc. Feel like Chicago is going thru a creative period and it feels good to be in the mix and one few recognized and respected for what they doing at a high level.Definitely grateful and humbled. Much more to learn the more I gain in life.
In closing, I just want people to remember, if you’re fortunate/blessed enough to earn/work on and gain a platform, followers, a voice, mentorship, and leadership yourself and people support and listen to you. Use all that for good and positivity. Build, don’t destroy. Remember what you build will be here long after you. Make it firm and make it with integrity, whatever you do. Legacy to me definitely is important and how you want to be remembered should truly be valued, personally and professionally, be the best you can be and do the best you can do and leave the rest up to the universe. Most importantly, smile, relax, breathe, have fun, and count your blessings and always stay grateful to see another day. Stay positive, proactive, and productive and the world is yours!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imdb.me/matthewsalter23
- Phone: 7084663720
- Email: matt_salter_1@yahoo.com
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