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

Hi Matthew, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In 4th grade, we were asked to invent something to share with the class. I made a paper camera with folded paper inside that would tell the future of the person you took a photo of. I called it Longshot, and I’m happy to say years later, that’s the name of my video production agency, Longshot Creative.

I was originally a business major but a passion project with a friend changed the course of my life. I was the only friend in the group with a camcorder, so we made a fan music video for Albert Hammond Jr’s In Transit, and after that day, I decided to switch my major over to TV & Film production.

What should our readers know about your business?
My video production agency, Longshot Creative is in its second year. It has grown a lot in a little! Most of the work has come from partnering up with other agencies that need a crew; keeping all my relationships healthy & happy is something I’m proud of.

Business-wise, I’m still learning on the go, but a lot of insights have come from my mentor & Chris Do from The Futur. I probably have watched all the videos on their channel. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by new challenges, I often reflect to other past challenges, whether it be a client or an edit that I dreaded and got done. New levels, new devils but practicing gratitude has helped me stay calm.

The big lesson I learned was that at the end of the day, is a people industry. Keeping your word and being kind will go a long way in this biz.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
– quick hike at Runyon – lunch at the Grove, I love Pampa’s Grill
– bar hop Cahuenga
– Speakeasy: No Vacancy, Hollywood.
– Ace Hotel’s rooftop, Friday nights are the best for music
– Birds on Franklin was fun at one point

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jason Yore for asking me to help him out with his video project. My best friend, Alain Vo for giving me the push to change majors. Wong Fu Productions, one of the first Asian production companies on Youtube, inspired my friends and me to start our own. Last but not least, Gabe Yeh, for giving me my first full-time job as a videographer & editor + mentoring me <3

Website: www.longshotcreative.com

Instagram: @matt.longshot

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