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by: jasongutierrez  Film has been referred to as one of the greatest avenues for communication and new filmmaker, director and screenwriter Matt Riddlehoover likes to communicate. His ambition is a testimony that age is only a number. At 22 years old, Riddlehoover has directed and acted in his first film, “To A Tee,” which he describes as, “…in simplest terms, it's kinda like Annie Hall meets Will & Grace.” The indie-film has sparked much attention online, specifically on MySpace (www.myspace.com/riddlehoover). The cyberspace-networking hub has proven to be a good resource for upcoming filmmakers and musicians in creating a loyal fan base. Based in Nashville, Riddlehoover is like any other young guy in his early 20s – going to school, keeping a social life and taking his career seriously – ok, maybe he’s not like every other guy in his early 20s, but one thing is certain, Riddlehoover is driven.
Envy Man: Hi Matt, tell me a little bit about you. What do you like to do in your free time?
Matt Riddlehoover: I was born in Bermuda and don't really remember much except for the home movies. My Dad videotaped everything. And I'm glad he did. It's probably why I became fascinated with cameras at such an early age. Lately I’ve just been swimming as much as I can before it gets too cold. Being able to relax at all right now is a plus. (laughs) EM: You must have a favorite movie?
MR: Don't know if I can pick just one. I love late-‘80s Woody Allen a lot, like Hannah and Her Sisters and Another Woman, and his stuff that dips just into the 90’s. I also enjoy Richard LaGravenese; Living Out Loud is definitely a favorite of mine. And I think I’ve watched Mean Girls for the past six nights before bed, so (laughs), there you have it. EM: How often do you check your MySpace page and why?
MR: I check it as often as I can. My MySpace friends are terrific and incredibly supportive and I think I owe a lot of the attention my film has received to MySpace, and for that I’m grateful and very much an active participant. EM: What do you think about the Internet, especially MySpace, being used as a way for promoting up and coming/new filmmakers?
MR: I think it’s a perfect way to be introduced to audiences today. So many people are turning to the Internet for entertainment now, with MySpace and YouTube at their fingertips, it only makes sense. EM: Do you think it’s a good time to be a young-ambitious filmmaker?
MR: Absolutely. I mean, like I said, there are so many great outlets online for uploading films and sharing films, and I think in this digital age, making a film has never been so tangible and inexpensive as it is now.  EM: Do you prefer producing, directing or acting more?
MR: Producing is really hard… so, definitely directing and acting.
EM: What was the inspiration behind To a Tee?
MR: Fear, maybe? One of my worst fears is finding a close girlfriend involved with a complete closet-case, because lets face it, that kind of thing doesn’t just happen in movies. Unfortunately, a lot of people walk around every day struggling with their sexuality because of how they were raised or what they were taught. And
I think if more people were comfortable with themselves, and just honest with themselves, we wouldn’t ever find our friends - or ourselves - in situations like that.
So, I just sort of played around with the idea for a couple weeks and voila ! EM: What other genres/types of film would you like to make and why?
MR: I’d love to make a musical someday. I used to do musical theatre, so it’s something I’ve always thought about. But right now I think I’m interested in doing something suspenseful. So, I dunno, we’ll see. EM: Where would you like to see your career in ten years?
MR: (laughs) You can’t count chickens before they hatch. EM: Who are some of your industry idols?
MR: I love Pedro Almodovar - his films are magical. Love Woody. Don’t think I can say that enough. And I think Woody Allen’s amazing because he’s made at least one film each year for the past thirty some-odd years. And I don’t think you can say that about many other directors. EM: If you weren’t establishing yourself as a filmmaker, what would you be doing?
MR: I’d be doing what I’m also doing now – going to school full-time. EM: When you aren’t looking through the camera, what are you looking for in life?
MR: Material. (laughs) You can visit Matt Riddlehoover MySpace page at www.myspace.com/riddlehoover {EM} |
