Meet Matt Campanella | Multipotentialite: Education Consultant | Actor/ Writer/ Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Campanella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think in this day and age there is so much pressure to fit into one box, one category. To go outside of that norm, against the grain, is taking risk and I definitely identify with that. I’ve always considered myself a multipotentialite: someone who has several passions. In my four years of undergrad at Cornell University, I received a business degree from the Dyson School of Management, studied classical acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), made films at Ithaca College on weekends, interned for a fish farm in Rwanda, worked with the Smithsonian to their zoo’s elephant poop into sustainable paper, and spent my last semester making films at NYU Tisch: Stonestreet. I think to others, having this constant mindset of exploration seems risky because it feels less stable or indecisive. But to me, being a multipotentialite is all about following your innate curiosity and taking risks: the way we did when we were kids. To me, it’s where I find the most inner growth. I’ve never been someone to sit still in one place. I’m always looking for change, for those risky challenges. I think when I find something fun, but I’m not initially good at it, I’m driven to pursue it. Today, you’ll find me acting/writing/ directing films while managing my own educational consulting company. Tomorrow, you may find me writing a book, opening a restaurant named “Campanella” with my siblings, or investing in real estate.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the most significant traits I’ve cultivated in my career are my ability to be empathetic and maintain an open perspective. As an actor, writer, director I’m constantly curious about characters in my life and beyond: what their shticks are, why they behave in certain ways. I’ve always been interested in discovering the “reasons” beneath the surface in an effort to better connect with the world around me. Currently, I’m most proud of a film that I wrote, directed and starred in; it’s a dark comedy that explores familial relationships, mid life crisis and discovering sexuality. I really enjoy creating work that feels stylized and out of the norm. When I develop a script and think “I’m scared to make this because I don’t know how it’s going to turn out and haven’t really seen it done before” I get really excited. I think my favorite part of working in film/tv is getting to collaborate, develop relationships and learn from so many interesting people- which in turn helps me constantly rediscover my artistic voice.

I think that my curiosity as a creative also feeds into my other career path as an educational consultant. Being able to truly put yourself in another’s perspective, understand, see and acknowledge it is something that’s proven to be very helpful in finding solutions to a students’ struggles: academic, professional and personal. I started tutoring part time after graduating early from Cornell and “spending my last semester” in a filmmaking program at NYU Tisch: Stonestreet Studios. While honing in on my acting, writing, directing skills, I was driving to 15 houses a week to tutor students in SAT/ACT prep (amongst other subjects). Over the years, as I continued to help yield significant results, I was able to build a roster of private clients, both as a consultant for other companies and on my own. I also expanded my capabilities to tutor not only SAT/ ACT but also science, math, english, history and college counseling. As a result, I’ve become a more holistic educator, thereby an education consultant. Today, I’ve worked with over 100 clients in several different countries: US, Amsterdam, England, Portugal, China and Mexico to name a few. I love helping others realize their potential: whether that’s boosting someone’s self confidence or helping them get into their dream college. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, actually some of my good friends have visited me- so I’ll give you the list 😉

Day 1: Wake up at 7:30 am, take a Barry’s Bootcamp class. After, get the PB protein bowl for breakfast at Earthbar (sub spinach for blue spiralina, it’s sooooo good). Grab a vanilla sweet cream cold brew at Starbucks as you go for a walk and gaze at the beautiful homes in the neighborhood of Santa Monica. Go to Trader Joes and pick up charcuterie items for a picnic at Venice beach. Make a reservation at the Waterfront and spend the afternoon hanging out after. Head over to the Venice Abbot Kinney area and walk around the shops. Be sure to stop at Salt and Straw for ice cream, it was life changing when I tried it for the first time.

Day 2: Sleep in, make a lovely brunch at home or pick up croissants/ pastries at Tartine Bakery in Santa Monica. Go for a Hike in Topanga, Malibu and enjoy the views. Stay on the west side and walk around Westwood/ grab lunch at Kazunori- great, more reasonable sushi hand rolls. Dinner at Bavel- the best homemade pita bread I’ve ever had.

Day 3: Take your friends to see a comedy improv show at UCB or Groundlings. Try Hikari Sushi in West Hollywood for dinner- because who doesn’t love sushi!!! Head to the bars in WeHo for the night!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Over the pandemic, I decided to study under a new acting coach. Through her class, I met a ton of co- collaborators, good friends and artistic companions who have supported me along my journey. Whenever I have a big audition or a new film I’m developing they’re always there to encourage me, provide feedback and vice versa. This little pod of people has really helped me grow as an artist. I also find support and encouragement through my big, crazy Italian family. They always have and always will support me through me wildest dreams!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcampanella/

Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm8473173?ref_=hm_nv_usr_profile

Image Credits
Matt Kallish Photography Bree Mignano Photography Roxy Carozzo Phtography