Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Zuk.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I wanted to be everything when I grew up. My brother wanted to be an architect – so I wanted to be an architect. My mother was a teacher, so I wanted to be a teacher… and so on. I first experienced art because two of my childhood friends played piano. I realized I didn’t have to wait to be an adult to play music; I could start that day! From 6-12 I learned to read music and play piano from the talented Marge Engle who has since passed away. My father played sports/coached, so when I got to middle-school I traded piano for basketball and that became my pursuit. The art that remained with me was writing- lyrics, poetry, short stories, letters; anything with words.
At UGA I planned to study psychology and journalism. My mother set me up to meet with UGA alumnus Ernie Johnson who outlined a clear path for me through the journalism program. Before I left he asked, “what would you do if you could do anything, if money didn’t matter?” “Acting/storytelling,” I said. “Then study that, or you’ll regret it down the road.” That day I switched my major to Theatre and never looked back.
I had no background in acting but I spent my childhood imitating characters from TV/Film and writing pages of awful poetry. Acting seemed like the perfect catch-all for someone who wanted to be everything. My sophomore year I was cast in my first role – Ty Williamson in “Sordid Lives” (with the wonderful Tiffany Hobbs) and I was terrified. My character opened the show with a monologue, but I couldn’t find the courage to step out from the wings. A friend nudged me onto the stage when my light cue came and after a moment I was fine. I had found my home, where words/emotions/storytelling/progress/passion collide.
The following year I enrolled in an exchange program at Cal-State University in Los Angeles. I interned for “The Tonight Show w/ Conan O’Brien,” and studied screenwriting/production/editing. I came back to GA to finish my degree but after 6 months I missed California. I decided to go back and finish my degree online and intern at Conan again to fulfill UGA credits. In the middle of the cross-country drive back to LA, Conan and Leno had their late-night shake-up. My internship – and the ability to graduate from UGA- seemed to evaporate. I eventually landed an interview with a talent agency. They didn’t call me back so I called every day until they let me intern twice a week.
For nine months I interned as many days as possible, worked the evening shift at a movie theater, and did my schoolwork around 2/3 AM. The internship became a paid assistant position when my boss overheard I wouldn’t be able to make it home to walk for graduation. I was lucky to wind up at a company with such incredible people. The assistant position turned into representation when one of the interns overheard my lyrics during lunch and told one of the agents. Before I knew it, I was performing for casting and secured a callback for “The Glee Project” as one of the two people from Los Angeles. I was knocked out before the last round; the first of many close-calls.
Around this time, I signed with representation in Atlanta and started auditioning regularly. I flew in a half-dozen times for callbacks so I promised myself I’d give it a shot if I found acting work. The next callback in Atlanta was for “The 5th Wave.” This was audition #185 or something like that. I went through a few rounds for a few different roles and then flew back to LA without the booking. That weekend I decided to quit the agency job and see what Atlanta was about. The next day I received word from Atlanta that I booked my first role in a studio film!
Has it been a smooth road?
Facing “no”/rejection multiple times a week is tough for anyone’s consciousness. It’s a luxury and a privilege to be surrounded by people who encourage and believe in you. I’m so fortunate that my brother, my family, and so many friends have been there if I needed anything. If not for that it’d be impossible to chase this dream.
I struggled for a while in Los Angeles. I was much less prepared than I thought and auditions were few and far between. I wanted to experience that same feeling I had on stage at UGA, but I could hardly get seen let alone get hired. I still didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to do with this art thing. Bumpy roads and heartache lead to many nights of exploration and self-reflection. I had so much to say and writing poetry seemed to be the only release.
It can be difficult to see the value of art in a society that constantly under-funds and under-appreciates it. The pressure to conform or lean into a backup plan is strong when money is tight. Once I came to understand art as one of the driving forces of culture I found my sense of purpose. There was solace in the realization that art was the thing of most value I had to offer to this planet and it’s my dream to help make the earth a better place with that gift – to wield my words and performances for good – for progress – for love – for laughter – for anything that heals and inspires. Any struggles along the way only enrich that pursuit.
In Atlanta things have been much smoother. I’ve gotten to work on a handful of TV/Film projects shot in the South East (Rectify, Infinity War, Greyhound) with some incredible artists. I’m 50,000 words deep into writing a novel and I’m in the middle of a rewrite on an animated film. I found a bit of a following with my poetry when a close friend encouraged me to post on Instagram.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
To date, the acting project I’m most proud of is the film “Schoolcraft” based on the true story about corruption within the NYPD. I shot for a few days in Eastpoint with SCAD students. The film played festivals and qualified for a student Academy Award. You can see me in the upcoming feature film “Greyhound” in theaters March, 2019.
My industry background and insatiable curiosity for art and the human condition has given me a unique insight into helping others find their emotional truth, make strides with their craft, and navigate this big machine. I regularly coach/tape auditions for a handful of working actors and I’m open to working with actors who are dedicated and eager to grow (referrals strongly preferred). I do things differently than most taping services.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place for film/tv actors. The industry is growing consistently and– provided the tax-incentives stay–the future looks bright.
Pricing:
- – $40/hour coaching
- – $15/page taping (no time constraints)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MatthewZukPoetry
- Email: midtowntapes@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.zuk/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewZuk
Image Credit:
Cloudprint Films, Nice Shot Ted
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