Matthew Campanella is a multi-hyphenate with training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), and NYU Tisch: Stonestreet Studios. His film, Daddy Issues is selected to world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. In 2021 he received the Best First Time Filmmaker Award at the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE).
indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Matthew Campanella (MC): I started directing scenes from plays in school. While theater served as the initial channel to direct, I’ve always been fascinated by the stylistic choices we get to create on screen. I would say my style is always evolving, but I’m always thinking in terms of the “feeling” I want to evoke, and centering my visual, sound, lighting, acting choices based on that principle. For instance, with Daddy Issues, I wanted to convey this sort of energy that made the audience feel uncomfortable and cringe, but also laugh, while also relating to the characters/relationships.
Did you hire a casting director, or did you cast yourself? If so, what criteria go into your casting?
Matthew Campanella (MC): I’ve done both routes. For Daddy Issues, we decided to cast the three other roles through connections. I played the lead and the other roles were played by family and friends.
The Official Trailer for Daddy Issues co-directed by Matt Campanella, and Stephanie Chloé Hepner
What went into the casting process for Daddy Issues?
Matthew Campanella (MC): It was really difficult to find the other lead actor who could bring the energy and chemistry that the role required. Just days before our shoot date, our friend connected us to an amazing actor, who happened to be traveling to LA for an HBO premiere. We sent him the script, had a chemistry read, discussed our vision for the story and the rest is history. We cast my aunt in one role and our friend in the other.
Without giving anything away, how did you come up with the idea for the script?
Matthew Campanella (MC): I’ve always been interested in telling stories that involve familial dynamics. My first film, Kaleidoscope, which hit festivals in 2021, also embellishes this theme. With Daddy Issues, I was really interested in covering the taboo topic that the story centers around, following a confident queer lead, and exploring power dynamics.
Who is “Daddy Issues” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Matthew Campanella (MC): I think the film appeals to both younger and older generations; they can both learn and take away lessons from it. I think if you enjoy comedy you will enjoy the film.
How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
Matthew Campanella (MC): We shot the film in one day. It was a long day, but one nevertheless. We really worked on refining the script and narrowing down the scenes we needed versus ones that were more “filler.”
How long was the post-production process?
Matthew Campanella (MC): The post production process can oftentimes be lengthy, so I was very proactive about keeping us on a schedule. I believe between editing, coloring and sound design it took about two and a half months.
The film had a lot of talent working behind the scenes as DPs, sound designers, composers, etc. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
Matthew Campanella (MC): Diversity is extremely important, especially within film/ tv. Firstly, collaborating with people of different walks of life, ethnicities, gender expressions, sexualities, etc helps foster innovation and new ideas. It facilitates the creation of stories that are fresh and haven’t been told before. Secondly, more diversity means that projects will reflect a more authentic and accurate picture of our world. Lastly, diversity innately helps inspire and boost others, notably the younger and more impressionable, the future artists of our generation.
What are your goals with Daddy Issues?
Matthew Campanella (MC): My goals with this film are that it makes people laugh, gives them a deeper understanding of family that they can relate to, sheds a positive light on a taboo subject/career path, and inspires people within the LGBTQ+ community.
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Matthew Campanella (MC): I’m currently adapting Daddy Issues into a feature film, sharpening two television pilots in the vault, and finishing post production on a drama that I wrote/ directed/ produced this year. I’m also aiming to shoot a drama, Fish Out of Water (writer, director) over the summer as well as a comedy, Sunday Sauce (writer, director, actor) during the fall.
What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey? Any special courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
Matthew Campanella (MC): I would recommend watching films. I interned for a director in LA one summer and I think one of the best parts of my experience was getting exposed to amazing independent films. It helped me grow to appreciate all the artistic elements that bring a story to life. I would also recommend collaborating with your other artistic friends, writers, actors, directors, etc. My co-Director on Daddy Issues happens to be one of my closest friends, my aunt acted in the film, and my brother served as the production designer. Find people in your network interested in storytelling and build up from there.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Matthew Campanella (MC): Jean Marc Valle, who unfortunately passed, is my favorite director. I really love his style of storytelling, how he created these very intimate, subtle moments through the passage of time. More specifically, I admire his transitions between the past and present that feel so seamless and, coupled with sound, lighting, and visual shots, evoke strong feelings within the audience. These are especially evident in Big Little Lies, Wild and Sharp Objects.
What advice would you give directors around the world?
Matthew Campanella (MC): Be open to inspiration everywhere. A lot of times my inspiration for films comes from art at museums, traveling, and meeting new people. And if you don’t have the ability to travel, look for inspiration around you: your family, friends, and nature.
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