James Matlosz!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are looking into a multi talented man in the movie industry for over 3 decades, James Matlosz! He was even nice enough to answer some questions for us!

James “Jimmy” Matlosz has built a career defined by versatility, technical mastery, and a love for storytelling through the camera lens. His entry into the film industry was nothing short of remarkable; at just 26 years old, barely two years out of college, he landed a role as the youngest assistant camera operator on “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Working under Jo Carson, he spent nearly a year helping bring Tim Burton’s vision to life in San Francisco. One of his earliest assignments was on the hauntingly beautiful graveyard scene where Jack Skellington sings; a moment Matlosz has described as the point when his skills and passion fully clicked into place.

That experience opened the door to a wide range of projects. Matlosz went on to contribute to ambitious productions including “Call of the Wild” (shot in IMAX in Alaska), the dystopian comic adaptation “Judge Dredd”, and large-scale features like “Starship Troopers”, “Kundun”, and “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid”. Each of these films demanded not only artistry but also precision with specialized camera equipment, from practical effects setups to the challenges of filming in extreme environments. His ability to adapt quickly made him a trusted figure on set, particularly when the visuals of a scene depended heavily on technical execution.

Over the years, Matlosz also embraced experimental and independent work. His stop-motion short Oedipus, which premiered at Sundance, pushed technical boundaries by being shot on DSLR and projected in 35mm. In the 2021 horror-thriller “F.E.A.R.” (Forget Everything and Run), he utilized an ARRI Alexa Mini and remote head systems to craft inventive camera moves despite the film’s tight budget. These projects highlight his talent for blending artistry with resourcefulness, proving that limitations can often inspire innovation.

Today, Matlosz is recognized not only for his wide-ranging filmography but also for his collaborative spirit. He has shot hundreds of commercials, documentaries, shorts, and features while sharing his expertise through industry groups like the Emerging Cinematographers Awards. Whether working on a blockbuster set or mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, he continues to show that his career is as much about passion and experimentation as it is about precision and craft.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What was your favorite movie growing up?

James Matlosz: The first film I recall seeing with my parents in the theater was Towering Inferno, my dad was a fireman, maybe that is why. As a kid I loved, Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The first film I remember seeing without my parents was Jaws, to this day Jaws is an all time favorite, I can’t tell you how many times I have seen it. I truly believe it not only incredibly entertaining but it’s also a master class in filmmaking.

Giancarlo: Did you have any push back from friends and family on wanting to be a cinematographer? 

Jimmy: My family, meaning my parents were supportive of anything I felt like doing, I started dabbling in music producing and sound mixing as a teen, then learned about photography, then filmmaking. They had no idea what it all meant, but they raised me with a strong work ethic and apparently a tenacious drive. My friends were probably just as confused, If anything it was more silence, then, 'what are you nuts?'

Once I made my first student film, I was hooked, I knew I just wanted to make films, it wasn’t until I moved to LA and started working in films that I made my plans to become a cinematographer. So to answer your question, the only pushback I got was from peers in the business. There was always ’someone’ else getting championed to be a director or cinematographer, to this day, I wonder if I stunned my peers in my accomplishments, or if they kinda expected me to do what I have done.

Giancarlo: What films that you’ve worked on are you the most proud of?

James: I am most proud of the work we did on FEAR 2021, We had a budget of less than $300k, I was working with an entirely new crew, I hired them all based on gut impression and they we’re all amazing.  My only long standing relationship was with producer Lucas Solomon. I trust him completely.  What we achieved was a culmination of all my years of experience rolled into three weeks of filming.  What we delivered, IMO rivals many films in the $10-$20M category. Other films such as Alaska, Spirit of the Wild, my first IMAX film and since this is why you reached out to me, Nightmare Before Christmas, remains a life changing experience that is hard to express in words.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Jimmy Matlosz: The best advice I was ever given, stay out of debt, while it’s boring to consider, it is oh so true, I mean Shakespeare even said so. 

Check out his work: https://dpmatlosz.com/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo