Matt Aitia is a filmmaker and cinematographer who loves sharing his filmmaking journey. On his YouTube channel, @MattAitia, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at his projects, offering tips, tricks, and real-world experiences for creatives.
From technical advice to personal stories as a filmmaker, his content is both insightful and inspiring. His latest film and passion project, "Corduroy", showcases his storytelling and cinematic style while following his friend Andrew's unique job of grooming mountainsides.
Learn more about Matt and his creative process in the interview below!
How did your passion for filmmaking begin?
I got into filmmaking by making skate videos with my friends as a kid. They were way better at skating than I was, so I just kinda became the “filmer” of the crew. We’d film at the skatepark, and I’d cut everything together with music. When it came time to figure out a career in high school, I realized I really liked this whole filming and editing thing— even though I had no clue what a director or cinematographer even was. I think the passion really kicked in when I saw how I could make people feel something just by putting visuals and sound together.
What kinds of stories inspire you as a filmmaker?
I follow whatever pulls me in. I’m drawn to stories where the biggest obstacle is the character themselves—that’s what resonates with me most. Early on, I was really caught up in worrying about what people would think of my work, but over time, I’ve realized how important it is to lean into your own voice and taste. The most personal stories are usually the most universal.
How do you go about solidifying the creative direction and tone for your films?
I’m a very visual person—I need to see the film in my head before I start making anything. I usually start by collecting a ton of references—moodboards, music, potential locations, scene inspirations—it’s a mess at first, but it helps me find a direction. Once I’ve fleshed things out as much as possible, I start filming, and a lot of the tone and creative direction reveals itself in the process. I like having a plan, but I’m also willing to throw it all away once I get going.
What other elements do you think are essential for crafting a compelling story?
I used to think it was all about the visuals—I only wanted to shoot projects if they had cool cinematography. But as I’ve grown as a filmmaker, I’ve realized it all comes down to interesting characters and a strong story. Everything else is secondary. That’s what I want to strive for.
Your short film, "Corduroy", just released. What inspired you to make this film?
I first met Andrew (the guy in the film) eight years ago, and I’ve wanted to make this project ever since. His job is so interesting, and I hadn’t really seen it explored before—I knew he’d be able to tell a great story. I visit Revelstoke once a year, and every time I went, the urge to shoot this film never faded. After eight years, I finally took the leap and made it happen.
What were some challenges that you had to overcome while making this film? What was it like filming in such unique conditions?
I ran into some red tape on this project that I probably shouldn’t talk too much about—I went with the don’t ask for permission, beg for forgiveness approach, which, in hindsight, maybe wasn’t the best move. Let’s just say I’m glad I was able to get the film out, haha.
Filming in the snowcat was an unreal experience. You’re 5,000 feet up a mountain, hooked up to a cable, at 3:30 a.m., it's a type of silence you’ve never heard before. I did my best to capture that feeling as closely as possible.
How did you go about choosing the right music for the film?
I’m a fix it in pre-production kind of person, so I sourced all the music before filming. I already knew what I wanted the film to look and sound like going in. I think if you can lock in the film’s language before stepping on set, it gives you way more confidence and even influences the way you shoot. When you hear the right song, you just know—the visuals start playing in your head instantly.
Why did you choose Track Club for this project?
Track Club has original music that I actually want to listen to. I’ve even discovered a few artists on there that I now have in my Spotify rotation. Plus, I can always find exactly what I’m looking for, which makes the whole process so much easier.
What’s next? Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?
As of now, I’m heading to the States to camera operate on a feature documentary called Legends of Adventure. It’s about two video game pioneers who created Sierra On-Line, which is a really exciting story to be a part of. After that, I’ve got a lot of projects I’m looking forward to making, and I’m excited to share that journey along the way!
Check out more of Matt's videos on his YouTube channel, @MattAitia and his collection of work on his website. You can also explore the music behind his short film "Corduroy" in Matt's very own Track Club playlist. We hope this inspires you!
