a few things from the horse's mouth...
Four years ago, I made a phone call that changed my professional life. I had an idea for a video series, and, on the advice of a friend, I called Matt. I liked what I heard and saw, but I was concerned about working remotely: how could anyone fully understand my “brilliant ideas” and interpret my nuanced instructions without sitting at my side? I took the plunge and his work exceeded my wildest expectations.
Every stage of the process was fulfilling. Matt was pleasant and patient through my repeated – sometimes pain in the ass - rewrites. His suggestions regularly made my ideas better. I came to rely on his advice. And I went to bed at night, after dumping pages of edits in his mailbox, knowing he had my back. What he did with my raw material is amazing. I got the product I wanted. I could not be happier.
Jamie Vollmer + President | SchoolsCannotDoItAlone
My experience with Matt Schara was one of my favorite creative collaborations to date. I have been making independent films for years now and I have finally grown to the capacity where I need an LLC and a production company. Everything about Matt and his work exceeded my expectations.
I had a very simple almost vague idea about the company, XOXO Films. I relayed this idea to Matt and his very first draft was significantly better then what I could have imagined. From this, I asked for little tweaks here and little tweaks there and every time he added more imagination and creativity to each little tweak.
At the end of the collaboration I had a movie with a sound design that exceeded my expectations. A logo movie that is going to make my company look like I running the best of the best, along the lines of the major motion picture companies. And, I’m not finished!!!
ALL and I mean all of our correspondence was via email. It was the smoothest running ship I’ve ever sailed. In fact so smooth we didn’t even need to talk on the phone. He is not local to Los Angeles but I had such faith in his work that it didn’t matter. Communication was clean and effective. One of the most pleasant working relations I’ve ever had. So, I would recommend Matt for any and all of your graphic needs. When we were done, he sent a super sexy pony flash drive in a box that looked like it could have been made for a special ring. All of this combined to the quality and taste of his sensibilities.
Ronnie Prouty + XOXO Films
Working with ME Creative (Matt Schara) was an absolute pleasure. His communication was prompt and thorough, which is VERY appreciative in a business that's full of deadlines. I was very pleased with his work with my project and at a price that worked with the client. I hope to work with Matt again in the near future and will certainly be sending business his way when I can. Highly recommended.
Tim Miller + Owner Five Thirteen Creative
I have worked in the entertainment and production industry as a film and TV Producer for over 32 years in Los Angeles, NY and throughout the country, and have worked with many editors and graphics personnel over the years.
I have had the pleasure of working with Matt Schara for over 5 years in my capacity as Executive Producer for Hawthorne Direct and his capacity as an AVID Editor and Motion Graphics Specialist.
Matt is easy to work with and takes direction very well. He’s fast, efficient and completely professional. He is very collaborative and works very well with others. I’ve always been able to rely on him and his work.
He would make an excellent addition to any team.
Steven Schott + Producer
“Matt has been a key element to the successful edition of the 2012 documentary film of the Patagonian Expedition Race, often referred to as The Last Wild Race. His creativity helped to bring out the best in the least amount of time possible. He understood the entire post-production process very well and assured meeting all deadlines by the second! Matt’s organizational talent, enthusiasm, and his ability to work with others were decidedly important factors in his success in our international multi-cultural organization. As a representative of NIGSA and also personally, I highly recommend Matt with no reservations whatsoever.”
ANN CHRISTINE MEIDINGER + Global Marketing Director | PATAGONIAN EXPEDITION RACE®
As a producer at Hawthorne Direct I have enjoyed editing with Matt on a wide variety of projects for over 8 years. His most outstanding qualities are his creativity, initiative, versatility, ease under pressure and a knack for accurately assessing the time required to edit a project. He has the ability to conceptualize a project and offer many creative options, which I found invaluable as a producer.
Matt approaches each project with a fresh perspective and freely explores a wide range of creative possibilities before offering options to a final approach. He has a keen sense of aesthetics and his tenacity and determination to help meet deadlines were consistently demonstrated on many projects throughout our years working together.
His talents as an editor, his motivation and intelligence will undoubtedly be a great asset to any production team.
Bob Lemlin + Producer
“Matt was a great asset to the Hawthorne Creative team and I enjoyed working with him creatively both in and out of the edit bays. He is professional, great at what he does and just glad that we had him as part of the team here to help grow the Hawthorne creative division.”
Tim Hawthorne + Chairman/CEO of Hawthorne Direct
He's a great guy to work with, along with being very creative, efficient and quick. He's also a double threat as he does motion graphics as well as edit.
Kent Hofmeister + Manager of Production Services | Hawthorne Direct
“Matt understands that his job is first and foremost – storytelling. This is the key realization that successful motion graphics and editing both rely upon... something that is too often forgotten by editors who value style over substance.
Matt is very collaborative; but he is clearly looking to bring something to the party when given the opportunity to do so. Matt is also a genuinely nice guy and a real pleasure to work with. Be sure to ask him about mead...”
Don Dougherty + Creative Director
“Matt is an exceptional artist, extremely creative and driven. Has fantastic ideas/solutions and tons of experience to get the job done ON TIME!
It does help a lot that he's easy to work with, will take the time to listen to feedback and then implement the best practical solution.
Highly recommend his work and integrity, thanks MATT!”
Karan Garg + DIRECTOR - Global Marketing at The Sky Factory
"I am a producer and have worked with Matt for many years on over 30 editing and graphic design projects for national television commercials.
Matt is very creative, focused, dependable, honest and has a high level of integrity. He quickly comes up with innovative solutions to creative challenges and he delivers on time meeting tight deadlines.
If I would be presented with an opportunity to hire Matt Schara for an editing or graphic design project I would not hesitate to take advantage of his skills and abilities.
I highly recommend him for work in his area of expertise."
Silvia Hawkins + Producer
Working in the competitive business of entertainment, I am always in need of excellent post-production services and I am pleased to offer my highest recommendation to Matthew Schara. One of the most talented editors I know.
While engaged in the hectic world of commercial production, we have worked side-by-side and I have had the opportunity to see his abilities under what some might term ‘extreme conditions’. In my view Matt has the right combination of creative insight and technical savvy to help any production succeed. Trying to juggle priorities (and egos) in post, takes excellent communication skills, tact and the ability to roll up your sleeves and get dirty. Matt makes it all look easy.
On the personal side, I can think of no other arena where it is more important for person to be professional, supportive, flexible, energetic and cooperative. He exhibits an extraordinary amount of common sense and perspective, which is invaluable in setting priorities and managing crisis.
In a phrase, Matt Schara is an editor of choice to sit in a dark room under a tight deadline with no budget for dinner. Please don’t hesitate to call us for further insights. I wish him continued success.
Melissa Higgins + Creative Director / Producer