Matt Riley Studio is recognised as a professional video and digitalised marketing specialist covering corporate, business and personal video production. Our service incorporates our clients images, logo designs, values and general ethos and presents them online, maximising their brand and raising their digital profile.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a creative?
I passed my Art Exam at 16 even though I only studied for 9 months on the syllabus. Art was not encouraged by my family and a proper job was needed. I was trained as a Hotel Manager in Switzerland, London and the English Cotswolds area. I went to Los Angeles to set up The English Butler Service with two other Hotel Management graduates. It was a great 4 years of name dropping working for Danny Kaye, Barbara Streisand, Lisa Minnelli, Frank Sinatra and The Who band etc. I came out to Australia as a chef in 1990 and bought my first video camera then worked offshore until 1997. I had a hernia operation so I could not do physical work for 6 months. Began as a Real Estate Representative and after two years I became a Director of the company. I started to video properties and and put them on DVD which sold the properties. I then bought better cameras and software to improve quality. I became a self taught videographer and photographer. Now DVDs are old school and anyone anywhere can view videos online. I also became interested in animation and recovered my drawing skills to then begin making cartoons. In 2009 I started my first videography business in the UK for 5 years. I returned to Australia and started Matt Riley Studio which is based in Busselton that I have clients for video production, photography and animation.
How has your creative practice changed over time?
Cameras and software have improved a terrific amount over the last decade. When I started you could not watch a video online or on a USB. I have purchased drones since 2009 and am able to record video and photo drone shoots commercially with the ARN numbers from CASA.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced working in the creative sector?
Sound and light can always create a challenge. We arranged a outside drone shot in Europe for a landscaping firm in December. We had to wait 2 months for the sun to shine. Filming a golf commercial on the course in howling winds.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Get that shot, that’s what you’re here for. Make your way to the front of the crowd.
What would your dream project look like, if you had unlimited money and time?
Based in Italy on a mountain village or city like Perugia. Documenting about the lives and loves of hotel and restaurant personalities, their crazy hours….their crazy stories. Wonderful scenery, wonderful people.
Name three creatives that inspire you and why?
John Reid – Events Manager Origins Market Busselton – he has too much energy, he makes things happen.
Christian Fletcher – Photographer Extraordinaire – I had the pleasure of interviewing him after he won first Prize at the 2021 Busselton Art Awards. Dedicated to excellence, he spoke the truth, was humble and a real inspiration.
Gary Hambleton – Potter for Happs Pottery – just a nice guy, good at his job, fantastic potter.
