Video Interview: Machelli

Published: April 13, 2007 12:00 AM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)

JC Video discovered this young man on the popular website YouTube. What we really like about Matthew is that he is very aware of what is going on with our country and is not afraid to share his views on anything. Check out this online interview that Matthew took the time to do for the magazine.

Matthew: I'm really glad you enjoyed the featured video. The majority of people seemed to like it; I'm grateful for the positive response!

I'd be more than happy to answer some questions.

JC Videos: Could you tell our audience a little about yourselves and how each of you got started?
Matthew: Well, really, it's just one person behind most of these (me) though I often work with other classmates on larger projects - my narrative films and fiction pieces for example typically involve some good friends of mine: Alex Sobotowski, Jon McElroy, Jack Ingram and others...

JC Videos: Your videos are great; many times they have me in stitches--do you work on a script or wing it?
Matthew: That really depends on which videos you're talking about. The longer, narrative bits (with actual stories, like "Half-Assed" for example) are HEAVILY scripted and story-boarded. Things like the featured video "America: Sweet Freedom" are scripted as well, but tend to be more open to improv if inspiration strikes.

JC Videos: What is your ultimate goal from doing these videos?
Matthew: Just to entertain people and get them thinking at the same time. I wanna' make quick bits that are fun but good for you...like a healthy snack.

JC Videos: You guys have a huge fan base--what do you feel is the formula for your success?
Matthew: The only formula I can recommend is spending a LOT of time on your initial concept before rushing off to film or create your piece.

JC Videos: What type of response do you guys get from your fans?
Matthew: Generally, the feedback has been positive; most people see and appreciate the different levels of humor in a thing like "America: Sweet Freedom."

JC Videos: What have been some negative feedbacks have you received?
Matthew: The majority of negative comments have been "If you don't like America, get out," which is a spot-on reverse impression of the South Park Patriotism episode. Weird, right?

Another comment I got was "your voice is annoying;" I kid you not. But hey, if the only thing a guy can say is that he/she doesn't like my voice, I figure I'm doing alright.

JC Videos: Have you ever received an email from a fan who was offended by your video? How do you usually handle those?
Matthew: Honestly, I'm still wading through my email. The few people who objected to what I've said, I've invited to expound a bit on their point of view. There's always a chance they might have a legitimate bit of criticism that I can use to better myself. Or they just hate me. Haha. But it's always good to give someone the chance to explain themselves.

JC Videos: How far do you want to go with this project?
Matthew: With Quick Quips, I hope to go pretty far. I've been keeping a journal of good ideas (which is a good idea, itself) so I'm already planning future videos.

JC Videos: Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
Matthew: In Los Angeles, gradually working my way up the ladder in the film industry.

JC Videos: It's time for shameless plus time: Any updates or new releases that you guys would like to plug? Matthew: Well, I'm editing a cellflix entry (a contest put on by my college) so I'd love for everyone to go to the site http://www.cellflixfestival.org/ to vote on their FAVORITE entry.

JC Videos: You guys are awesome--Thanks for the opportunity to interview some cool guys.
Matthew: Thanks a bunch, Juniors Cave; it sounds like you're doing something good for the youtube community as well.

Thanks so much for watching!

-matthew

Photo used in this story was provided by Matthew