It’s Me, Matthew!was mentioned and reviewed Wednesday, July 30th by Cinema Without Borders BLOGS, and this is what they had to say!
Behold…The Power of Short Films
Ah, the blockbusters. We commonly flock to multiplex theaters to watch the films of the summer which seem dazzle the senses. In the interim, we sometimes forget the films which can be equally as evocative, dazzling and able to conjure up a multitude of emotions.
These are the short film subjects which can be anywhere from one minute to thirty minutes or so. These films can move you just as much as the mainstream ones, sometimes even better.
Over the weekend, I came across a moving film about a man who must dig deep within himself to resolve his past childhood issues. He must muster all the inner strength within to overcome some frightening odds.
The best films I feel, are the ones where the antagonist is oneself, the inner demon that must be conquered or controlled before a change can be brought about. External forces or foes keeping the main character from their initial goal are great, but what puts more meat on the story is the inner struggle and how they triumph in the end (hopefully).
The short film I speak about is called, “It’s Me, Matthew”, a film by Michael Ferreira. Based on a true story, the film covers the life (and romantic life) of the lead character, Matthew in present day but eventually spirals back to where problems first were conceived and remained attached. Nicely shot, the film (running time is only 15 min); touches on many aspects of the human psyche and follows through to tie up all loose ends.
Though it may seem it’s a lot to take in a mere 15 min, but it works. That’s the key to short films; show us compelling storytelling in a short period of time. It should move us, it should make us want to care, and it should give us what we ask for when we first enter the viewer experience. Performances were moving as well, “It’s Me, Matthew”, is another reason to hail short films as equals in emotional content, along side its sometimes heavy hitting visual effects cousins. Link: http://cinemawithoutborders.com/userblogs/
Great news! Last week I found out we were officially accepted into The West Hollywood Film Festival. Our screening date will be Friday, August 1st @ 4:30pm at, Regency Theater, 7907 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Tickets cost $10.00
Also, do not forget to check out our screening at The Third Annual International Think Short Film Festival, Friday, August 15th @ 9pm at Think Coffee, 248 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012
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The other day someone said, “Producing is an easy job and all they deal with is money.”
Many people hear the role “Producer” and automatically think finance. The fact is they have many more responsibilities then people realize such as: recruiting, team management, contracts and legalities, business ethics, overseeing every aspect of production, marketing, packaging, promotions, and finally, various channels of distribution. They make bottom-line decisions and act in the best interest of the project. Their work is never done! This week I asked Antonia Kasper, our associate producer to talk about her experience on It’s Me, Matthew!
Shoot For The Stars And Land Among The Moon!
I’ve known Michael professionally and personally for about eight years. After reading the script, I was touched by the story and realized others will be affected as well….a sign of a good script! I knew I wanted to be part of this project, for these true to life stories can be the most riveting ones to tell. Plus his writing skills and vision were cohesive and more polished than most other writers I had encountered. Michael sensed I could be a good asset to the production, for I knew what it was like producing, writing and even directing your own story.I had done the same in an Off-Broadway show but not yet in film.
Film producing and theatre producing are very similar in many ways.You have cast, crew, venue (or locations) schedules, promotions and packaging. Producing isn’t an easy job.It’s not about just finding the money for the project (which by the way is usually considered the most difficult task when starting a project) but it’s also about orchestrating the production.In my experience, it’s about making decisions, sometimes split second decisions about hiring, firing, scheduling, marketing, packaging and promoting a project, and staying within a budget. It’s also about trust. Trusting that everyone you hired is completely capable of doing their job and learning how to step back and let them create, for brilliant minds work to their best ability for the project as a whole.
The most rewarding thing for me as a producer is seeing how all the team players, in their very different positions, come together to accomplish one product, one outcome, one goal…it’s like watching an exciting sports game and seeing everyone contribute to gaining a touchdown or a grand slam!
Thanks Michael for letting me be a part of It’s Me, Matthew!
The majority of short films tend to be used as a calling card to showcase a filmmakers work. It’s Me, Matthew! was produced for these two reasons: to showcase my work for feature film consideration, and to gauge the audiences response to better improve the feature. I recently called and met up with Julia Cameron, who is an inspiration to me. She gave me great advice on how to move forward in promoting It’s Me, Matthew! and in bringing the next project to fruition.
All a filmmaker can do is take the action of putting the film out there, and let go of the end result and see where it lands. “The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf.” -Shakti Gawain… Stay posted for It’s Me, Matthew’s! journey on the festival circuit.
Since It’s Me, Matthew! is psychological drama based on a true story. This week I asked Scott Liff, who is a licensed psychotherapist to share his professional and personal opinion on the film from a Psychotherapists point of view. Also, we just got accepted into the Third Annual Think Short Film Festival; stay posted for more details to follow on our screenings page. Here’s what Scott had to say!
Below The Surface
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the private screening of It’s Me, Matthew! I was extremely excited, intrigued, and curious after having been informed that it was somewhat based on a true story.
After watching the film, based on the fact that I am a psychotherapist and the film deals deeply with strong human relational themes. The themes that resonated most powerfully for me were related to the deep feelings of loss, rejection, sadness, and anger that torment the main character, Matthew. As a psychotherapist, it is those types of aforementioned feelings that we encounter on a daily basis in our clients. As Matthew is struggling through these feelings and issues, the film so clearly illuminates the repetition that can occur throughout our lives when we are unable to resolve traumas from our past.
The writing so clearly captures the pain that I often see in my clients when they are re-living past unresolved traumas and issues. There is no way to downplay the intense power of this film. As a psychotherapist I believe the film really nails down the point related to how traumas impact our lives and create imprints on our souls. After the film ended I was left with a mix of emotions that I imagined may have given me just a small taste of what it must have been like to be in the shoes of the author going through such terrible pain. Working with clients, I often witness how scary it can be for them to develop enough trust to reveal their true selves as well as the pain they have been through. I definitely felt as if the film gave a window into the soul of one person’s intense grief, but also a little shout out to all people who have experienced intense adversity or trauma in their lives. Each of us can learn something from this short film.
On Friday, June 27, on the front cover of the Portuguese-American Newspaper, LusoAmericano, the headline read, “Portuguese-American actor launches a short film that is semi-autobiographical.”
Inside the newspaper on page 11, was a one page editorial discussing the film It’s Me, Matthew! I have translated a short synopsis with selected quotes from the article. The language differs but the message is still the same.
Editorial Headline: “Michael Ferreira comes from the origins of Mangualde, a Portuguese-American actor, who now ventures as a filmmaker in a semi-autobiographical short film.” Michael grew up listening and speaking Portuguese, so he never forgot the language or culture. He has worked as an actor in various mediums and now ventures as a filmmaker. The short film It’s Me, Matthew! is based on the actor’s life and is a showcase for a feature film. The project includes Paul Anthony Stewart in the role of Brice and Michael Musto as a psychologist. The film screened at The Fortress of the Arts Festival of Shorts, in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 21. Moreover, another Portuguese-American is, “Theatrical singer Nelly Furtado, who advanced her career based on talent in the world of entertainment, as a positive influence to other Portuguese-Americans, who seek a place in the sun.”
This Wednesday, I found out we were officially selected to appear as a work in progress at The Fortress of the Arts Festival of Shorts, in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 21st. With such short notice, native Philadelphian and fellow cast member Melissa Russo and I decided to do something different and took the Chinatown bus down to Philly to attend our first screening of our film.
When we arrived, we took the Septa subway system which still takes tokens. We met the assistant director, who escorted us there personally as a gesture of courtesy. This festival is a genuine grass roots festival featuring independent filmmakers. The directors, Kat and Sean McKnight, could not have been more gracious hosts. Their openness and acceptance of all types of films is admirable. It was nice to see a variety of artists such as musicians, photographers, and filmmakers all come together; they complemented each other well. It was a great learning experience to see our own film in comparison to other shorts.
The last bus left at 11pm. and we just missed it. The festival director’s assistant tailed the bus and honked her horn, the bus driver didn’t pay her any attention and he continued until his vehicle was stopped by a red light. We jumped out of the car, ran after it and pounded on the door yelling, “please let us in- we want to return to NYC!” The driver cocked his hat, smiled, and waived us in. The entire bus was thinking we were nuts, “which we knew we were”. It felt like something right out of a movie. We were on our way- thank god! It was a great day and I now look forward to further film festivals and promoting It’s Me, Matthew!Next up: Durham, North Carolina, as a Official Selection of The North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, August 14-16. The film will be screened four times during the festival, and I look forward to seeing y’all down there soon. Stay tuned for further updates on new film festival acceptances.
I am very thankful our private screening party last week was very successful, for the feedback has been positive. Here is what people are saying.
“Michael Ferreira hosted friends and family at the new Hell’s Kitchen hotspot 1,2,3 for a private screening of It’s Me, Matthew!, a short film he wrote, produced, directed and stars in. The film, which also stars Village Voice columnist Michael Musto and soap stud Paul Anthony Stewart, looks at how events in childhood shape adult relationships. The party was a huge success and all the film’s stars greeted their new fans.”-SCENE and HEARD, NEXT MAGAZINE- June 13, 2008
Thursday evening at John Greco’s new 123 Burger Shot Beer, we enjoyed a private screening of Michael Ferreira’s new film It’s Me, Matthew!, in which Michael Musto makes his film debut. Seen: Clover Honey, Donna Maxon, Daylle Deana Schwartz, and Antonia Kasper.” -Dish, HX MAGAZINE- June 13, 2008
“It’s Me, Matthew! is a riveting story that illustrates some serious repercussions of child abuse. While it’s a sad story, it’s one that needs to be told–and viewed by as many people as possible.” -Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of 9 books, including Straight Talk with Gay Guys and Nice Girls Can Finish First.
“Michael Ferreira manages to do what most can not…in a mere 15 minutes, he captures you. The story, actors, production quality and writing leave you wanting more. This in-depth story is something that we should all see at this crucial time. “It’s Me, Matthew!” is a brilliant capsule of emotion and raw energy. I long to see this as a “feature!” -Traci Godfrey, Actress and National Director of Screen Actors Guild
Previously mentioned in Michael Musto’s BLOG “La Daily Musto” Link: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/dailymusto/archives/2008/01/trailer_alert_i.php
“Village Voice gadfly Michael Musto, meanwhile, makes his acting debut in “It’s Me, Matthew!” playing a ‘clever but clearly disconnected therapist.’”—STARR REPORT by Michael Starr, NEW YORK POST–June 5, 2008.
A celebration of “It’s Me, Matthew!” Cast and crew private screening party.
Previously mentioned in HX Magazine, “Michael Ferreira’s upcoming short film It’s Me, Matthew! which he wrote, produced, and stars in. A pilot for a larger future project. The film also features Michael Musto as a Therapist.”
A new video of the making behind the scene of “It’s Me, Matthew!” Featuring: Michael Musto, Paul Anthony Stewart, Michael Ferreira, Monique Crous, Eric Wilke, Louise Devery, Michael LaVoie, and hosted by: Mikael St. George
What is in a name? A sense of identity? A cultural label of a person? An attachment or detachment of self? Hopefully, a sense of authenticity!
One day I knocked on a friend’s door and she asked, “Who is it?” It’s Me, Michael! She shined the light that I always introduce myself that way. She pointed out how authentic it was. Originally I was going to write a book and title it “It’s Me, Michael!” But then I decided to use the title instead for this film. I chose the name Matthew for a few reasons. One reason I wanted to dedicate the title to my young cousin, who has personal struggles. The second was in honor of St. Matthew, who is the patriarch saint of children. While I am not religious, but I am spiritual. I recognize the importance of religion for many people as a kind of teaching, helping us understand the world and our place in it, reminding us we’re not the most important thing in the world. Stripping away the self. “The past is history, the future is a mystery, but I live in the now.” – Helen Keller- For life is journey from appearance to reality.
