Meet Matt

Owner + Lead Filmmaker

Matt, from Charlotte, NC, founded Life Stage Films after graduating from Appalachian State University. Matt has been recognized as one of the top 25 event filmmakers in the world (read the full story) and reserves a very small amount of weddings every year for the families that want the top-shelf, “couture” experience. Matt travels the world but resides in Wilmington, NC.

“I want to make an impact. It’s hard not to love a job where I get to have a camera in my hand and document happy moments…your moments…in a way that will blow you away. I want your wedding film to be something you wear out and are excited to share, and hopefully remind you why you fell in love in the first place on those not so fun days of marriage.”

Fun facts about Matt:

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I can’t stand when someone leaves me a voicemail telling them to “call them back, I need to ask you a question”. Just ask it! I saw you called! That way when I call them back the conversation is already moving forward. 🙂

2. Who is your hero?
My grandfather. My dad passed away when I was just eight years old, and although my grandfather was the “John Wayne” type (not a nurturer or even emotional), he not only took care of my brother and I by teaching us man stuff (chopping wood, shooting guns, riding his horse), he was wise enough with his life and money so that he could leave a legacy to me. He allowed me to start this business.

3. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Empty Brita water pitcher, tupperware containers full of crock pot leftovers, and a Costco size bag of Mexican blend shredded cheese

4. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
iPhone (w/ Bible app, all my music and family photos and complete LOST TV series…that’s not cheating), Solar Charger for said iPhone, case of Cheerwine

5. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
Robert Downey Jr.

6. If you could be a superhero, what superpower would you have?
Uncontrollable Laughter (the kind where you can’t breath) – that way it lightens the mood if I were to have to kill someone in the name of Justice.

7. If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?
Eat whatever I wanted, spend time with my family while writing a book of everything I want the world to know.

8. If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Keep $5 million, then give away the rest anonymously to people/organizations in need.

9. What is your favorite thing about your job?
Aside from the thrill and “game” of running a business, I never get tired of filming someone’s happiest day and blowing them away with the final product creatively.

10. Name 3 Things you LOVE
LOST, venturing to an imaginary world with Penelope in the backyard, and eating a full watermelon while listening to Weezer. 

11. Name 3 Things you HATE
Flaky people, people not using their turn signals, the size of our government