Matt Macedo
DIRECTOR
If you have watched a werewolf drama the odds are you have watched something directed by Matt Macedo. In particular The Unwanted Mate is a massive fan favourite. The other thing everyone says is how lovely Matt is, and I think you can see that in his answers. I am so grateful to him for taking the time to share his thoughts and some personal stories.
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
Director
How old are you?
31
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
In late 2023 I was asked if I wanted to direct a very new form of content. ReelShort was already gaining popularity during that time but this was for a different platform (ShortMax, formally known as ShortTV). My very first vertical was "Call Me Alpha, starring Seth Edeen and Mia Sydney. That first vertical did very well for the platform and so I was asked to direct another one. My 2nd vertical was "The Unwanted Mate" starring Eric Guilmette and Ashley Michelle Grant. The Unwanted Mate quickly became the highest performing show on ShortMax, earning more than 100 million views. Since then, I have coincidently been directing verticals and have been incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that have presented themselves.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Call Me Alpha, for the sentiment of it being my first vertical. The Unwanted Mate for being my first ultra successful vertical, but my favorite that isn't as well known as I would've hoped it would be was "The Return of the Unwanted Wife". The original title was "A Deal with Lucifer" and I believe if the platform had kept that original title, along with choosing a different poster, I feel like the show would've had better success.
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
The craziest thing I've found myself doing is simply accomplishing what is needed to create one of these miracles. I always knew that I had a strong work ethic, but you never really know how strong it is until it's put to the test. One day on my recent vertical, 4 monumental things happened in one day. It was my 31st birthday, my grandmother passed away, and our production was shut down by the city. They told us we had 15 minutes to leave the property, otherwise our equipment would be seized. This could cause anyone to buckle under pressure. However, thanks to my incredible team, we quickly moved to another location and we successfully accomplished the schedule. The craziest thing I've learned about myself is that I'm able to lead a team through any circumstance, no matter what.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
Too many to count. I'm someone that makes constant jokes and lightens the mood. I would love to hear others’ stories about any memories they have from my sets (perhaps they can comment below!) haha.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Big shout out to all the intimacy coordinators and stunt coordinators involved with these shows. Ensuring everyone's comfort and safety should be at the top of every producer and director’s list of priorities and I'm thankful to have had both intimacy coordinators and stunt coordinators involved since the very first production.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
Although the acting may seem cheesy, or production value may seem low, any completed project is an absolute miracle. These productions are very quickly put together, and they're absolutely labors of love and passion from everyone involved. Sometimes actors don't receive a script for a show until the night before. I consider these verticals as a masterclass in filmmaking for absolutely everyone involved.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I would love to see a new variety of verticals, more stylistic lighting, more freedom for the creatives involved, more trust in the director, breaking stereotypes, and new genres.
What are you most proud of?
I'm so proud that I'm actually living my dream. I was 3 years old acting in home movies, a teenager writing scripts, and a young filmmaker in high school. Being on set is my happy place, I never feel like I'm working. I'm literally getting paid to do something I did as a hobby growing up. I'm incredibly proud of myself for never giving up, even though people close to me told me to get a more realistic job or choose a better career path. I'm living my dream!
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
I think they're all too muscular to play me 🤣😅
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I've never been on a plane (yet!)
⭐ I like pineapple on pizza (as long as it's with bbq sauce)
⭐ I'm a cat dad
Favourite snack:
Sweets, ughhh
Current earworm:
I actually listen to Spa Music 🤣 very calming, like my personality haha
Currently reading:
A script 🤫
Thank you Matt 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ The Unwanted Mate on ShortMax
🎞️ The Return of the Unwanted Wife on ShortMax
🎞️ Call Me Alpha on Reelshort
📸 Matt’s Instagram @MattMacedo
