20/20 Visual Media is proud to welcome Matt Allen to its growing team! Matt joins us as an Associate Producer, about 18 months after first working with us as a summer intern. You can learn about Matt on his bio page, but we thought it would be fun to ask him a few questions that will help us get to know him. Find out what got Matt interested in producing videos, what his producing style is like, and what shows he’s found binge-worthy during quarantine.
Can you remember the first video you ever produced?
I was only 13 years old when I produced my first video. It was for my mom’s small business, DIY HIP Chicks, where her focus is teaching women home repair and home maintenance. This was an instructional video on how to deal with sink clogs and we created a spin-off of Deal or No Deal, one case was Italian leather clogs, and the other case was a sink clog. This video led to my mom getting a weekly DIY segment on NBC10 and I shot a four part series for them. Today I cringe watching this video, but it is a great reminder how far I have come since this first production 10 years ago.
When did you realize creating videos could become a profession?
I realized creating videos could become a profession when I saw the success of my mom’s small business and the need for video content in almost every business. When her YouTube channel started taking off, friends, family, and business colleagues of my mom were asking who was creating the videos for her. When she said it was her teenage son, several people wanted me to create videos for them as well. I then learned as much as I could about film and video in school and on my own so that I could produce videos for other small businesses. I found my passion in creating videos to help tell companies’ stories and engage their audiences. I knew that I wanted to continue doing that and wanted to major in Film and Video in college.
What’s the best lesson you learned at Quinnipiac University?
Matt with director on the set of his student film, Denver to Boston.
The best lesson I learned at Quinnipiac University was how to get along with different types of people. Throughout my four years at Quinnipiac, I worked on dozens of projects with many groups of people. I found that much of the time, working on the project itself was not too difficult, but working in a group dynamic was the most interesting part of the project. I learned the importance of being open to the different perspectives people bring to the table and how to use everyone’s skillsets in the most productive way.
Who or what inspired you to get your master’s degree?
One of the major reasons I chose Quinnipiac University was because of their accelerated 3+1 program which allowed me to receive my master’s degree in Interactive Media and Communications during my four years at QU. I was inspired mostly by my parents who saw the benefit of having a master’s so that I could stand out from others and have a competitive edge.
“I found my passion in creating videos to help tell companies’ stories and engage their audiences.”
How does it feel to be the one non-Temple Owl at 20/20?
Although I am the only non-Temple Owl at 20/20, Temple is still very close to my family. My younger brother is currently a student in the Fox School of Business, my father received his MBA from Temple, and both of my grandparents went to Temple. I am sure I will miss some of the insider Temple jokes, but I expect I’ll catch on quickly and almost feel like I went there too.
What can clients expect when they work with you?
While on-site for a production, my approach is to help the client feel as comfortable and as confident about the production as possible. Clients working with me will know that I will do everything possible to help make their vision come to life through the power of 20/20’s storytelling techniques. I will always bring professionalism and creativity to every project. The number one thing I want clients to know that I will work to understand their vision and goals for the final product so that we can make it happen. It is imperative that I understand who they are, what they do, and how they serve others so that I can share their message.
Matt served as a Production Assistant on a national campaign for CertaPro Painters during his time as an intern with 20/20 in the summer of 2019.
What’s the biggest thing the pandemic has taught you?
The biggest lesson I have learned from the pandemic is how to adapt and the importance of continuing to learn. Since I graduated at the height of the pandemic, the job market was lean, and I was nervous about what my future was going to look like. So, I took this time to sign up for several online courses and programs that would help me continue to grow as a video professional and a business professional so I could create my own opportunities until others came along.
Any binge-worthy shows you’ve watched during quarantine?
During quarantine, some of my favorite binge-worthy shows were The Queen’s Gambit, the Mandalorian, and of course The Office (again).
Aside from making videos, what do you like to do for fun?
When I am not creating videos, I love to explore new places and travel. I got the travel bug as a child after living in Italy for 6 months as an infant. I’ve been fortunate to have visited 13 countries and 19 states, Hawaii is my all-time favorite place. When at home, I like to spend time with family and friends, play with my golden retriever Nella, watch sports, especially football and always cheering for the Philly teams, Go Birds!
What are you most looking forward to in your new role at 20/20?
In my new role at 20/20 I am most looking forward to working with a passionate team who sets out to tell impactful stories through the power of video. I look forward to learning from 20/20’s past success and bringing my own creativity to the table.