I would like to present a very interesting interview on Cameraman.com. His name is Matt Kleiner, a filmmaker and cinematographer based in California and having an affinity for all things ocean. Matt’s imagery is strongly focused around the concept of water and the natural beauty surrounding coastal areas. With surfing being a huge influence in his life, he has used the act of wave riding as a primary source for his focus and creativity.
With three feature length films, several music videos and magazine covers to his credit, Matt’s imagery can be seen around the world. His films have been an official selection at numerous film festivals including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, International Surf Film Festival Anglet, Ombak Bali, Newport Beach Film Festival and many others.
Watch Matt’s Showreel of the first part of 2011 and then discover this short interview where he tell us how he started his career. The reel show some of his favourite shots from recent music videos, surf films, travel documentaries, commercials and short films. Filmed throughout North America, Australia and Indonesia.
Cameraman: Tell us about yourself and what do you do?
Matt: I’m a 30-year-old filmmaker from Santa Barbara, CA. I’m a lover of imagery and the whole process of filmmaking in general so I try to do a bit of everything as long as it is creative. Currently, I am working on a five part film series titled “Way of the Ocean” that takes a geographic look at ocean/surf lifestyle around the globe. It’s sort of a dream project for me and something that’s been in the works for a few years.
Cameraman: How did you become a cinematographer?
Matt: Well my whole family is really artistic and my Dad used to shoot a lot of super 8 when we were kids, so we were always messing around with little short films. When I was about 9 we got one of the first home video cameras on the market and it all kind of started from there. My Dad taught me how to use that camera at family events and soon my brothers and I started filming our own little talk shows and other random music video type stuff. It was really a huge deal to have access to a camera at such a young age, it allowed me to work on things like framing and camera movement without even realizing it. As I got older and camera technology evolved, I eventually bought my own digital video camera at 19 and spent most of my time filming everything under the sun.
Cameraman: What is your favourite lens?
Matt: I really enjoy macro lenses. I like how they kind of bring you into a whole different world that doesn’t exist to the human eye. So I guess my 50mm macro would be one of my favourite lenses.
Cameraman: A lot of cinematographers have said that some of the best shots come from accidents and improvisation. What do you think about that?
Matt: I agree, I love when something happens accidentally and turns out to be better than you could have envisioned. That’s one of the great things about cinematography, it’s not really a precise science. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do things artistically and no matter how much planning you do, improvisation is a must have skill when working with people, light and camera equipment. Obviously there is a lot to be said for all the time, and skill that goes into setting up the perfect shot, but it is great when things just happen and that are a pleasant surprise.
Cameraman: What are some of your favourite films?
Matt: Watching movies was sort of like my film school. I have spent a lot of time studying and watching movies and there are way too many great films to mention them all but off the top of my head one of my all time favourites as far a cinematography goes would be Baraka.
At the time it was a ground breaking film and even today some of the imagery is unmatched. As far as more mainstream movies I really look up to City of God for so many reasons but mainly the way the story was told and the cinematography and editing were spot on. Amelie is one of my favourite films as well. The very stylized look and feel of the film is so unique and executed perfectly. I am a fan of all the Jim Jarmusch movies but Deadman really struck a chord with me. The black and white film, the simplicity, the soundtrack, everything was so well done and created such a moody feel. Last but certainly not least would be the Planet Earth series. For me it’s one of the best things ever made. The commitment and patience the cinematographers had is so inspirational and the entire series is pretty much flawless as far as imagery goes.
Cameraman: Thank you Matt for your fantastic insights!
Please visit MattKleiner.com for contact/booking info, client list and more works.
Cinematographer Matt Kleiner
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