Meet Ana Matei

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

Hi Ana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Okay, if you were to ask any of my friends, or family, or really anyone thats ever had a conversation with me, they’d tell you that I am the least likely person to take a risk. Like ever. I’ll refuse every rollercoaster, white water rafting excursion, even ordering takeout over the phone. What if I forget my order?! Everything I’ve done from as far back as I can remember has been carefully calculated, analyzing any all factors of the decision and anticipating any possible thing that could go wrong.

There was however, one risk that I took that literally changed the entire course of my life and career. The decision to take that risk was made by a 13 year old with hair she used KoolAid to dye pink. (Unfortunately I did just talk about myself in the third person but I needed to for dramatic tone) From a young age, I was a ballerina. As I grew older I began exploring all types of dance, and considered it to be a huge passion of mine. Another huge passion of mine, was a truly painfully cringe-worthy youtube channel that I put all of my pre-pubescent blood sweat and tears into. I would post weekly. I would film on my phone and edit on iMovie. I watched all the tutorials I could on any editing questions I had. I would take video requests from thin air, as I was posting for my ~6 subscribers.

Middle school came and went, and I was still keeping up with all of my dancing. So, when it came time for me to go to high school, I knew I didn’t want to go to public school, no, I wanted to go to ARTS SCHOOL!

My mom was aghast. She, dare I say, a nerd, after studying exclusively math and science all her life, immigrated here from Romania and worked 3 jobs to afford the rent for a tiny townhome in Brookline, Massachusetts, which is home to one of the best public school systems in the state. But of course, being her only child, she always wanted me to be happy, and supported me in my decision to begin applying. I applied to many schools for dance, which is what I knew best, what I have done all my life. I applied to LACHSA, UNCSA, Boston Arts Academy, and finally Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts.

After all of the audition processes, I fell in love with Walnut Hill. Shortly following my interview, I got in…But Walnut Hill had a program that I hadn’t even thought was an option for me. It was a film and poetry program. This program was a professional syllabus that taught students the ins and outs of all things film. Screenwriting, both film and digital photography, video game building, and so much more. Now of course, my qualifications for this program were just immeasurable. Duhhh, my youtube channel has set me up for this. Of course I must go and major in film! Picture my mother: first, arts school, then, not even going for the sport she has payed thousands of dollars all my life to learn. I am so thankful for her support in that moment, because committing to film as a 13 year old for at least the next 4 years of my life, was the best risk I have ever taken.

After studying film in depth during high school, my passion only grew, and I chose to continue my education at Chapman University for film production with an emphasis in editing. Now I live in Orange County, and every day I am lucky enough to do all the things I love. Whether its editing an indie film, taking portrait photography, or attending an open dance class. Moving across the country from my home was a whole ‘nother risk in itself, but that chapter isn’t written just yet.

So, in conclusion, as someone who fears most/all risky decisions, I owe my entire career to my 13 year old self who was willing to take a risk and commit to a lifetime of art for the rest of her life. (A career that I hope is fruitful, for the sake of my mother, who still can’t catch a break with me.)

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What artist isn’t unique? I love art because everyone possesses such different styles and passions, as well as different journeys in their artistic careers. I feel what makes me the artist that I am, is my passion for combining both my love for film with my love for dance. I find that as an artist, I can’t have one without the other. When I edit, I cut on rhythm, which I believe comes from my ability to feel the ins and outs of music, which is a skill that I developed from my years of dance training. Another way I combine both of my loves is by doing dance photography. As a photographer, my favorite types of portraits are of dancers, and shooting helps me stay connected to both of my creative identities at the same time. The biggest lesson I’ve learned as someone with equal but seemingly different passions is, ART IS ART. The boundaries of types of artistic expression are not real, and if you ever think you have to choose one or the other. You don’t.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t know too much about LA just yet, but if you asked be about OC, I’d have so many spots. I’d start our day with a trip to Snooze in Old Towne Orange. I’d recommend you get the Snooze Classic: 3 eggs, scrambled, with chorizo, and rye bread. Next, put your bikini on, because we’re going to Laguna Beach! We’d park on the busy road and walk to the stairs of 1,000 Steps Beach. You’ll say “Oh my gosh its so steep, this is beautiful!” and I’ll say, “The walk back up is almost worth the views!” When we get there, your jaw would fall to the floor. You’d say, “Holy shit. Beaches do not look like this in Massachusetts.” And I’d say, “I know.” And then we’d explore the tide pools and hunt for baby crabs and touch anemones and watch them recoil under our finger tips. Once we’ve exhausted the views of the floral cliffs and ginormous waves we’d brave the 1,000 steps back to the road. When we get to the car you’ll say you’re hungry and I’ll say me too, and we’d go to any of the incredible Mexican restaurants near by. You’ll be amazed by how incredible the food is. I’ll mention we’re actually right by Mexico, and you, as someone from the North East will widen your eyes with the incredible new perspective you’ve gained about geography of the United States. After dinner I’d take you to AMC Orange where we’ll catch a 10:45pm showing of any terrible movie, and giggle about it the entire way home until our heads finally hit our pillows after a day spent exploring and falling in love with this beautiful state.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother is my best friend, and I owe all of my current and (hopefully) future success to her. She took the bravest risk of all, which was leaving all of her family behind and moving to America. Her sacrifices paved the way for my successes and I would never ever be where I am now if it wasn’t for her strength.

I also want to mention my best friend (besides my mom) Lily, because I also couldn’t be following my dreams if it wasn’t for her ability to see my artistic visions and her willingness to act in all the crazy films I’ve forced her to do. From my dance duet partner to my actress in every application film, independent film, and class final, she has always been there supporting me through my creative career.

Lastly, Matt, Margaret, Ronan, and Katherine, at Walnut Hill, for teaching my the foundation of all my film knowledge, and igniting the spark of passion I had into a forest fire.

Website: anamateiphoto.com

Instagram: instagram.com/anamateizsok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-matei-979318275/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnaMateifilm