Instagram story viewer> @matthew.skala> Tagged

Cinematographer, Editor

@matthew.skala

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468

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Nomad Life Hack #8 Use and apply other life Hacks🥰 #4,5,8 💜😊🪻🌺🌹💐🪷Huntington Library with my incredible brother @matthew.skala!

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Follow @wokeshortfilm

“Woke” a short film

Writer/Director: @xian_elder
Producer: @jmathewsactor
Starring:
@ellismia09
@samaotaki_
@dushaunofficial
And:
@ajasonavalospicture
@sheilaah_s
Cinematographer: @matthew.skala
Production designer: @hugh_hua
Costume designer: @la_matty_mat
Music: @lucidstructure
Feature song: Isidor
Producers: @imitateinvertebrate
@ashavildsen
@crystalanntaylor7639
@phil.pritchard
@gabbymoncada_
Key Grip: @anupk15
@germzestrada
Make-up: @jjfernandee.mua

#shortfilmmaking
#shortfilm
#horrorfilm
#vampire
#vampires

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Beautiful afternoon transplanting cabbage in the freshly tilled soil with my friend @matthew.skala

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Special thanks to @hollyshorts film festival (Aug 7-17 in Los Angeles) for making our 2025 dreams come truuuuue for @wokeshortfilm!! 🤩🙏🏾🤩💓

We were 1 of 9 horror short films that screened from 10pm to midnight on Aug 8. The films challenged our expectations, reminded us of our humanity and fears, kept us on edge, and showcased filmmakers telling stories any way possible. I definitely clutched my pearls a few times😆🙈👀. And I loved every second of it!!!

So proud of the cast and crew!! The trust they had in me was such a relief and made me feel supported every step of the way❤️. Thank you!!!! Congratulations all!!!🙌🏾🤩🙌🏾

Writer/Director: @xian_elder
Producer: @jmathewsactor

Starring:
@ellismia09
@samaotaki_
@dushaunofficial
And:
@ajasonavalospicture
@sheilaah_s

Cinematographer: @matthew.skala
Production designer: @hugh_hua
Costume designer: @la_matty_mat
Colorist: @colorspacefinishing
Sound Editing/Mixing, Foley Design: @rxbxt
Producers:
@imitateinvertebrate
@ashavildsen
@crystalanntaylor7639
@phil.pritchard
@gabbymoncada_
Key Grip: @anupk15
Make-up: @jjfernandee.mua

#shortfilmmaking
#shortfilm
#horrorfilm
#vampire
#vampires
#filmfestival
#hollyshortsfilmfestival
#horror #vampires #Hollyshorts #WokePremiere #indiefilm #actor #screening #festival #losangeles

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@wokeshortfilm premiere @hollyshorts !!!!

Thank you so much @xian_elder for creating and bringing to life this amazing film!!! Thank you to both @xian_elder & @jmathewsactor for trusting me with this role!!
And be able to be alongside the powerhouse that is @ellismia09 P.S. I wouldn’t want to have been turned by anyone else in any other way 😂🫶🏻

@dushaunofficial @matthew.skala @colorspacefinishing @rxoxt
@stevenshea

P.S. thank you to @mr_manugram @sonyasaturdayart @sp______am & @fanniekalis and Stella for coming out to support me and the film! Also so fun seeing @imitateinvertebrate see you soon!!

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**🌊 SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT: “Harmonia” Color Transformation ✨**

Before ➡️ After: Bringing cinematic poetry to life

This ethereal beach scene from the short film “Harmonia” demonstrates how color grading can transform raw footage into visual poetry. From flat LOG to a moody, atmospheric piece that captures the film’s emotional essence.

**The grading process:**
🔸 Enhanced natural overcast lighting for mood
🔸 Desaturated color palette for dreamy atmosphere
🔸 Preserved skin tone authenticity in natural light
🔸 Selective contrast work on sand and water textures
🔸 Custom LUT development for film consistency
🔸 Balanced exposure across varying natural elements

“Harmonia” required a delicate touch - maintaining the natural beauty while creating an otherworldly feeling. The color grade supports the narrative’s contemplative nature without overwhelming the performance.

**Project specs:**
🎬 Short film: “Harmonia”
📹 Graded in DaVinci Resolve Studio
🎨 Custom cinematic workflow
⏱️ Turnaround: 1 week for short films

Every frame tells part of the story. What story does your footage need to tell?

#Harmonia #ShortFilm #ColorGrading #CinematicMood #BeachCinematography #OneMoreFrame #FilmMaking #PostProduction #ColorCorrection #VisualStorytelling #IndieFilm #AtmosphericGrading

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**🎬 INTIMATE STORYTELLING: Proof of Concept Magic ✨**

Before ➡️ After: When every frame needs to sell the vision

This contemplative moment showcases how color grading transforms a simple scene into compelling visual narrative. From flat RAW footage to a warm, cinematic piece that immediately draws you into the character’s world.

**The transformation process:**
🔸 Enhanced warm practical lighting for intimacy
🔸 Selective color work on background elements
🔸 Preserved natural skin tones and glass reflections
🔸 Deepened shadows for atmospheric depth
🔸 Custom LUT for consistent mood language
🔸 Balanced exposure across multiple light sources

This is proof of concept done right - every frame tells the story before a single word is spoken. The right color grade doesn’t just enhance footage, it creates an emotional connection that makes investors and audiences believe in your vision.

**Perfect for:**
📽️ Director’s pitch presentations
🎭 Character study demonstrations
💡 Mood and tone communication
📊 Production value showcase

Ready to make your proof of concept irresistible? Let’s create something unforgettable 📩

#ProofOfConcept #ColorGrading #IntimateStorytelling #CinematicMoments #OneMoreFrame #FilmMaking #PostProduction #ColorCorrection #VisualNarrative #CharacterStudy #AtmosphericGrading #FilmPost

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**🎭 CHARACTER STUDY: Proof of Concept Transformation ✨**

Raw footage ➡️ Cinematic storytelling

When directors need to prove their vision works, every frame counts. This character portrait went from flat RAW to a powerful, emotional piece that sells the story instantly.

**The magic behind the grade:**
🔸 Enhanced practical lighting for dramatic contrast
🔸 Warmed skin tones while preserving character
🔸 Deepened shadows for mysterious atmosphere
🔸 Selective color work on background elements
🔸 Custom LUT for consistent mood throughout
🔸 Balanced exposure to maintain detail in highlights

This is what proof of concept should look like - compelling enough to get your project greenlit. The right color grade doesn’t just enhance footage, it transforms it into a visual argument for your story.

**Perfect for:**
📽️ Pitch decks & investor presentations
🎬 Director’s vision communication
💡 Creative team alignment
📊 Production value demonstration

Ready to make your proof of concept impossible to ignore? Let’s talk 📩

#ProofOfConcept #ColorGrading #CharacterStudy #CinematicPortrait #OneMoreFrame #FilmMaking #PostProduction #ColorCorrection #VisualStorytelling #FilmPost #Cinematography #MoodGrading

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**🎬 PROOF OF CONCEPT: From Raw to Atmospheric Magic ✨**

Before ➡️ After: Transforming a simple interior into cinematic storytelling

This proof of concept shot demonstrates the power of color grading in creating mood and atmosphere. What started as flat footage became a rich, textured scene that draws you into the story.

**The transformation:**
🔸 Enhanced practical lighting contrast
🔸 Deepened shadows for dramatic depth
🔸 Warmed the candlelight/lamp sources
🔸 Created atmospheric blue-orange color palette
🔸 Selective exposure balancing across the frame
🔸 Custom LUT for consistent cinematic look

Every proof of concept deserves to look like the final vision. This is where directors and DPs can truly see their story come to life through color.

**My process:**
📹 Shot analysis & mood boarding
🎨 Custom LUT development
⚡ Live grading sessions available
📊 Multiple format deliveries

Ready to bring your vision to life? Let’s collaborate 📩

#ProofOfConcept #ColorGrading #CinematicLook #PostProduction #OneMoreFrame #FilmMaking #Cinematography #ColorCorrection #MoodGrading #FilmPost #VideoProduction #PreProduction

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Ready for some vampire horror with a twist? Me tooo!!! WOKE @wokeshortfilm will be making its world premiere 🌏 at @hollyshorts 🎞️ this August 2025!!!

It’s been almost 2 years since I worked alongside the talented and fierce @samaotaki_ and @dushaunofficial to bring Sabina, Gwen, and Muambe to life!!

Sending gratitude and congratulations to Director-Writer @xian_elder and Producer @jmathewsactor for taking a chance on me. I loved working with them and the trust they had in me added more feathers to my wings🙏🏾. And, sinking my teeth into this script and this role…was worth every bite…🩸

Congratulations to the crew and producers as well!!! ⭐️🤗

More updates and scheduling info coming soon! Follow @wokeshortfilm.

“Woke” a short film

Writer/Director: @xian_elder
Producer: @jmathewsactor

Starring:
@ellismia09
@samaotaki_
@dushaunofficial

And:
@ajasonavalospicture
@sheilaah_s

Cinematographer: @matthew.skala
Production designer: @hugh_hua
Costume designer: @la_matty_mat

Producers:
@imitateinvertebrate
@ashavildsen
@crystalanntaylor7639
@phil.pritchard
@gabbymoncada_
Key Grip: @anupk15
Make-up: @jjfernandee.mua

#shortfilmmaking
#shortfilm
#horrorfilm
#vampire
#vampires
#filmfestival
#hollyshortsfilmfestival
#horror #vampires #Hollyshorts #WokePremiere #indiefilm
#actor
#strongfemalelead

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Three months ago, I leapt into a dream that most would consider a nightmare... to own nothing and exist without a dollar to my name.
I gave it all away – every possession and every penny – entering into a 3-month experiment of non-ownership.
Have I lost my mind?

Watch the full film on YouTube. Link in bio.

MSC Independent presents a film by Matthew Skala @matthew.skala

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A few beauty shots for the recent vertical project!
Simply executed with minimal lighting
🎥✨🤗

#cinematography

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