Matthew David Chavez

Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! Directed by: @juddapatow and Michael Bonfiglio I played a small role shooting this beautiful documentary about the comedy legend Mel Brooks. I’m still pinching myself over the experience. There are 2 major significant moments while filming on this project that I’ll hold with me forever. The first was walking around Mel’s home shooting handheld while Judd asked him questions about his life and career. I remember Mel describing the moment when Carl Reiner died and how he yelled at the paramedics not to let him die. Or when Judd played clips from Silent Movie of Anne Bancroft and the look of love and sadness that washed over his face. I couldn’t believe I got to bear witness to him describing these moments as a 99 year old man. The second is getting to shoot an intv with Rob Reiner in his home. I remember they had the DIT computer set up in his office and when I walked in there to grab something I saw all his personal memorabilia from all his films. Signed posters and set photos from Misery, American President, Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Spinal Tap. The way his entire oeuvre hit me like a ton of bricks. And then when Rob sat in the chair and described the relationship his father had with Mel, and how they had dinner every night, only for Mel to continue eating dinner at his house every night even after Carl had passed away. So beautiful and sad and lovely at the same time. The best thing of all was to see how smart and sharp Mel was at his age. We could all be so lucky. Not only to live that long but to live that well. Laughter really is the key to life I guess. Both Part 1 and 2 are now available to watch on @hbomax Major thanks to the crew on my segments: Producers: Olivia Rosenbloom, Amanda Rohlke, Wayne Federman Line Producer: Miranda Soto Gaffer: @culorado.hickman @tmhwk_af Camera assistants: @brett_graybill @bryanjackie

The Mother, The Menacer, and Me Directed by @jonsalmon Starring: @jamesaustinkerrofficial @braccoabroad @leahremini @alfonso.t.caballero @christinemspang @briantichnell I always wanted to shoot a horror movie as my first feature, but instead I shot a family comedy about a guy trying to shoot a horror movie in his backyard 😂 Joking aside, I had an absolute blast shooting this project last summer. I made so many great friends along the way and it was a dream being on set with so many wonderful people. Really proud of the film we put together on a shoestring budget. In the film, the main character Eddie wants to be the next John Carpenter. We decided to shoot the movie on Panavision Primo lenses to lend itself to that classic 90’s comedy vibe. And for the scenes from the horror film in Eddie’s head, we shot on customized Atlas Orion Anamorphics by Panavision to give it that old-school widescreen horror feel. It was so much fun playing with those two aesthetics within the same film. Many thanks to director Jon Salmon for giving me a call and bringing me along for the ride. Available to Rent or Purchase today on the Apple Store Writers/EP’s: @chrisandplaush Producer: @anthonyestrada22 Line Producer: Tim Harms Script Supervisor: @alstatnik Production Designer: @bridsondavid 1st AC: @brett_graybill 2nd AC: @faustus43 Camera Loader/Utility: @_misterpalm_ Gaffer: @culorado.hickman BB Electric: @tmhwk_af Matt Hall Key Grip: @kungfugripco BB Grip: @gojira_in_the_mirror Grip: @milesschirra Hair/Makeup: @fayelaurenmakeup @_nicolemaguire_ Costume Designer: @noahshawwww11 Camera and Lenses Provided by @panavisionofficial

Screen grabs for the recent pair of spots I did for Walmart Felt so good shooting in Los Angeles with all the homies. Highly recommend eating at Evil Cooks on the east side the food is 🔥 Directed by: @brightblack.studio Featuring Lili Cantero x Evil Cooks 1st AC: @brett_graybill B Cam 1st: @bobbywitz DIT: @justapauling Gaffer: @culorado.hickman Key Grip: @kungfugripco Camera: @lensworksrentals

Lili Cantero for Walmart Directed by @brightblack.studio Shot in LA with all the homies!! 1st AC: @brett_graybill B 1st AC: @bobbywitz DIT: @justapauling Gaffer: @culorado.hickman Key Grip: @kungfugripco

Evil Cooks for Walmart Directed by @brightblack.studio Shot in LA with all the homies!! 1st AC: @brett_graybill B 1st AC: @bobbywitz DIT: @justapauling Gaffer: @culorado.hickman Key Grip: @kungfugripco

I’ve been obsessed with Nine Inch Nails since I was thirteen years old. Thanks so much @dawndraper for the early bday gift, I love you so much!! Even more than I love Trent Reznor 😉

Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood Directed by: @reggiehudlin Our first shooting day on this doc was at Jamie Foxx’s house way back in Jan of 2022. We were still deep in covid protocols. When we first arrived, masked up, setting up frames and lighting, I remember we were all buttoned up, trying to be quiet and respectful in Jamie’s house. No one was sure of the mood yet, until Jamie walked in, wearing a backpack with a speaker attached to it blasting KAYTRANADA’s song “Intimidated” (feat H.E.R.). Jaime got everyone on the crew dancing and laughing. The vibes became immaculate almost instantly. This really set the tone for what would become such an amazing project. As always, major thanks to Reginald Hudlin for bringing me on and allowing me to be in the room with so many legends. Out now on @appletv @applefilms #numberoneonthecallsheet

Number One on the Call Sheet - A 2-Part Documentary Event Directed by: @reggiehudlin I had the honor of being the DP on the leading men portion. Incredibly humbling to be in the room with all these legends. Premieres March 28th on @appletv

Chef’s Table Volume 7: Masala y Maiz Directed by: @dannyomalley.film It’s hard for me to talk about Chef’s Table without slipping into hyperbole. It’s a show that means so much to me on a professional and personal level. I’m always humbled to work alongside such a talented group of people, and always inspired by the wonderful subjects I get to capture on camera and help tell their story. To say I was inspired by Norma and Saqib is an understatement. The way their politics permeates their food and informs how they conduct their business gave me a much needed sense of optimism. They not only educate on cultural heritage and unfair labor practices in the restaurant industry, they put their money where their mouth is, engaging in an equity program for their employees. They truly make it not just about themselves, but the people around them. The best part of all this is how they express their worldview through so many smiles, through laughter, and through some of the best tasting food I’ve ever had in Mexico City, and honestly the world. The first time I ate their Shrimp with Chili Morita Infused Vanilla and Ghee, I was literally knocked off my feet. One of the best bites I’ve ever had. One thing that made this episode so special was the team surrounding Norma and Saqib, led by @yamileth.melo888 . They treated us like family the moment we arrived, took us dancing and showed us the city after we wrapped shooting days. It was magical.

Omnivore Trailer Played a small part in this very epic show about our global food systems. So many talented people were involved, but wanted to give a special shout out to showrunner @collin_orcutt field producer @courtneycrock and 1st AC @standtallest for working themselves to the bone to make this show happen. Omnivore premieres July 19th on @appletv + #omnivore

Just wrapped shooting my first feature yesterday. Was such a humbling and difficult journey, while simultaneously the most fun I’ve had on set. Big thx to director @jonsalmon for bringing me on and being such a great leader. Working with so many great people really made the tough days such a lovely experience. Now it’s time to sleep for the next three days.

Expedia - Where To Director: @brimcgi Bagel wars, fine dining, Poutine, cold plunges, northern lights, outdoor prescriptions, inventor of the California roll, indigenous throat singing, the list goes on. Had an absolutely magical time on this job last December with some pretty wonderful people. Canada really is such an amazing place. Last pic proof I once shot in -40 degree weather. Creative Lead: @bendbliss Production Company: @venture.land Producer: Jeff Tanner Canadian Producer: @miloshmariya 1st AC: @brett_graybill Canadian 1st AC: @mikaelbidard_photography Special shout out to all the amazing 2nd Unit cinematography provided by the Uber talented @charliehoosier Many thanks to all the wonderful local Canada crew members that jumped in along the way Shot on @sonycine Venice with @cookeoptics Panchro/I classic FF and S7’s All 4 episodes available now on YouTube