Matt Alonzo: SkeeTV Director

1 Jan

If you’re not familiar with Matt Alonzo, we suggest you keep reading because you definitely have seen his work. Matt Alonzo is the mastermind behind some of our favorite music videos like Soulja Boy’s “Turn My Swag On” and the New Boyz’ “You’re A Jerk.”

Matt Alonzo is the head director/editor for Skee TV; a premier content platform and production company, which boasts 100 million+ views and Top 50 YouTube channel of all time.

I got a chance to talk to him about his road to success, some words of wisdom, and what he is working on now.

Dirty Laces: For our readers who haven’t heard of you, which music video would you tell them to go Google?

Matt Alonzo: If I had to choose it would be a three way tie between Game Ft. Travis Barker “Dope Boys”, Soulja Boy “Turn My Swag on” or New Boyz “Tie Me Down.”

DL: Tell us about your struggle to get where you are today?

MA: I started filming when I was around 6 years old, got out of high school and my parents didn’t have enough money to send me to film school. During Junior College I started helping a good friend of mine who was going to film school. I started filming and editing all his projects. He began to get good grades and he convinced my parents that film school was the place for me. So they put up the house and sent me to Brooks Institute. During my three years there I did as many internships and projects as possible. By the time I got out I had a full time salary job working for a record company directing/editing music videos.

After about 6 months I realized there was no opportunity for growth with the label I was at, so I left. I really didn’t have much of a plan; I just knew I wanted more. I struggled for a couple months doing any jobs I could find. I got an opportunity to film the opening act for a Lil Wayne concert. I talked to Waynes people and was able to film Waynes concert as well.

I edited “Gossip” that night and had it posted a day later. It ended up getting a few million views and DJ Skee saw it. He reached out and we met up. The rest is history…. We were shooting Kardinal Offishall Ft. The Clipse and The Game Ft. Travis Barker a month later.

DL: Do you think DJ Skee discovering you on YouTube was fate (Weezy video)?

MA: Yeah I definitely think it was fate. It was funny because before he reached out to me, I was looking at Skee TV and telling my partner at the time, “this is where we need to be.” I actually sent him an email first, and then about a month later he reached out to me. You can call it luck or fate, I’m just glad it worked out.

DL: What is your greatest accomplishment you would say you achieved so far in your career?

MA: I think the greatest accomplishment so far is overall being in the position I am in now. I have only been out of school around 3 years and most kids are still struggling looking for a job. I am fortunate to have a great career, and a great company (skee.tv) behind me. I was able to get in early and not only be the top Director/Editor but also own equity in the company. Now I am going to add another hat and become the head of film/video production.

DL: What is your ultimate goal in your career?

MA: My ultimate goal is to Direct feature films. Ever since I was young, I wanted to make films. I graduated from Brooks with my BA in Feature Film and it has remained the overall goal.

DL: What words of advice do you have for young directors on their grind trying to make it in the industry?

MA: My advice to all the kids out there is to keep the end in mind at all times. We all go through ups and downs but as long as you know where you want to go, you will never get lost. Most importantly do not give up. It might take years to get to where you want to go, so just remember it is a process. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen tomorrow, as long as you keep working.

DL: Did you ever feel a little hopeless before you made it, if so what did you do to “bring yourself back”?

MA: I never felt hopeless because I had confidence in my talent and my work ethic. I knew there was a place for me in the industry, but it was frustrating at times not knowing how to get in. You have to look at the big picture everyday and your overall goals. You can’t let the small things get to you.

DL: What are some projects you are working on now?

MA: We just released E40 Ft. Snoop Dogg, Too Short, and Jazze Pha, I have three music videos coming up with Ice Cube and a video with Fashawn as well.

DL: Anything we didn’t ask that you would like to add?

MA: Thanks to Carissa Rossi for putting this piece together!

DL: Thanks for doing it Matt!

For more on Matt Alonzo, check these out:

www.mattalonzo.com