BIOGRAPHY

MATTHEW GRATZNER | Writer/Director

My foray into entertainment started in theater growing up in Miami, Florida, where I dove headfirst into writing, directing and acting—also designing and building costumes, sets and props to further my vision.

I left Miami to pursue filmmaking in Los Angeles, and started briefly as an actor, acquiring my SAG card in Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Realizing quickly my passion was directing, I shifted to working behind the camera. Opportunities led to work in visual effects where I flourished as an art director, visual effects supervisor and co-founder of the Academy Award winning, New Deal Studios, Inc. (www.newdealstudios.com).

Between VFX projects, I directed several commercials and short films. After a number of successful years, I decided to leave VFX to focus solely on writing and directing. Then the opportunity with the film, The Aviator, started my 10 year relationship with Martin Scorsese as a key member of Rob Legato's VFX team as Visual Effects/Miniature Effects Supervisor as well as Visual Effects Art Director.

I was integral to creating scenes such as the horrific plane crash in The Aviator, the many subtle effects shots in The Departed, realizing the eerie environments for Shutter Island, and creating the epic train crash in Hugo.

My visual effects work on The Aviator received a BAFTA nomination, a Golden Satellite Award and three VES Awards. I also received an Emmy nomination for best VFX on the Tom Hanks/HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon; I was honored for the “Halo 3: Believe” Ad Campaign with a Clio, a Cannes Golden Lion and a VES award. I’m also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

While I never attended film school, being on set with Martin Scorsese was a master class in filmmaking— which encouraged my passion to create content— pioneering cinematic virtual reality and co-writing and directing two independent feature films currently in post.

I love and feel most comfortable working with actors-- and think that while visual effects, art direction and stunt work are all extremely important visually— They should only support the emotion of compelling characters and a strong story.

I also have several projects in development with my latest company, Proof of Concept Entertainment, Inc. (www.proofofconceptent.com)

My last short film, the award winning Action/Adventure Comedy, Mutiny!, screened in film festivals around the world. (www.mutinyshortfilm.com).

I’m currently in post on my next short film, Kendall ’77-- An autobiographical story of growing up with a bipolar parent.