EPISODE · Aug 2, 2023 · 1H 13M

Interview with Matt McCloskey

from Drinks! with Ricky Mendoza · host Ricky Mendoza

On this episode of drinks! Matt McCloskey and I chatted about the "I Just Died" music video that he directed. About how and why it was made and his journey in the world of film and music.WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/fnFPnBQvoaYCredits: Filmed by StoryMakers Production Co. in Austin, TXEdited by Hector Martinez ( @the.roomtone )Follow Matt on instagram.com/classypinata00:40 - Discussion about the music video "I Just Died."02:08 - Challenges in completing the video.04:39 - Balancing multiple projects and passion projects.05:16 - Matt's experience as a director and director of photography.06:34 - Matt as the Director.08:35 - Decision to make a music video instead of a short film.09:05 - Crew involvement and roles in the production.12:57 - Finding and getting a coffin.17:29 - Appreciation for the crew.18:41 - Joy and camaraderie experienced while working on the project.20:39 - Comparisons of film work to a circus or kitchen environment.21:11 - Reflections on the unique and rewarding aspects of a career in film.21:43 - Appreciation for the creative journey and shared artistic experiences.22:23 - Decision to move to Austin.24:14 - Austin, Texas.26:09 - Contrasting art scene in New Jersey to Austin's vibrant community.30:17 - Updates on Greystone band 34:44 - Sophia's involvement in the band and her own project.35:23 - Gratitude for meeting amazing people and interconnected experiences.36:07 - Reflecting on unexpected life experiences and joy of connecting with others.39:21 - Embracing the journey and unpredictability of life.41:42 - Sharing lyrics from the song "I Just Want My Hoodie Back, Bro."42:57 - Discussing creative process and connection between words and music.44:03 - Transformative power of music experiences.46:34 - The rewarding experience of playing shows and impacting others.48:24 - The fulfilling nature of writing and playing music.48:58 - Enjoying shared musical experiences and singing together.49:33 - Frank Turner's music as a common thread.50:00 - Recent work on a feature film and focusing on personal well-being.51:13 - Discussing the writer strike and its industry impact.51:49 - Embracing a normal life and enjoying outdoor activities.53:27 - Appreciating daily routines in Austin's spring.57:09 - Discussing the challenges of acting and performing emotions.58:14 - Appreciating the hard work of various film departments.1:00:25 - Reflecting on the crucial role of sound in filmmaking.1:01:43 - Director's commentary while watching the music video1:06:03 - Appreciating camera work, including the ronin and the fun zombie shot.1:07:34 - Explaining the "zolly" shot technique and mentioning the leaf blower scene.1:08:19 - Describing the car-mounted camera rig setup for certain shots.1:12:00 -  Outro Special thanks to Matt for all your time, energy and money spent on this piece.