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Matt Otero

Matt Otero

Career Roadmap

Matt's work combines: Film, Writing, and Being Creative

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Day In The Life

Filmmaker

I make short films.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Associate's Degree

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Film & Video Editors:

High School

Associate's Degree

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    Realized I wanted to be a filmmaker in a movie theatre.

  • 2.

    Started taking classes in junior college.

  • 3.

    Tried making my own shorts.

  • 4.

    Got lost within all the theory of filmmaking in school.

  • 5.

    Started working with undergrads from Cal State University on shorts.

  • 6.

    Had my name on a short that I wanted nothing to do with.

  • 7.

    Made my first short.

  • 8.

    Adopted the YouTube method.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Parents:

    You should join the navy, join the coast guard. Be an engineer, try becoming a P.A. or get an internship for a big Hollywood company. Work behind a desk or a counter.

  • How I responded:

    It's tough, it really is. I'm STILL trying to overcome the Noise but it does get better. You have to stay passionate, you have to truly love what you're doing. The only way to make sure of that, is to keep working, keep fighting and know that you're going to make it. You HAVE to.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I could barely hold a job. I was frustrated that I wasn't doing what I wanted to do and I couldn't figure out how to get there. I just couldn't stand the idea of staying behind the counter for another month.