Meet Samuel Matury | Actor, Writer, Director, Musician

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

Hi Samuel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, my schedule went from constantly full to completely free. I moved into an apartment with three other people and I was instantly looking for a job to pay the bills. Admittedly, there were times that I was lazy and spent time watching television. I was offered a job from a large corporation, but then I was put on hold for several months. This was primarily due to the pandemic, and I was forced to look elsewhere for odd jobs. The pandemic definitely stopped me from even looking at acting jobs, and I did not write because of depression. Once the virus was becoming a little more manageable, I finally got the chance to work at the job for that corporation. It filled up most of my time, and then my friend, fellow artist, and amazing director, Issac Ramirez, revived a script that we both wrote in school together. He would bring me drafts and I would give him suggestions to edit and revise the script. Now, on top of me working, we are both working together to adapt our small film into a genuine short film. All of these balances were difficult. It is hard for people, including myself, to adjust to new schedules or complete shifts in societal operations. it made me realize that I need to be prepared for more sudden changes and to focus on whatever is happening now, not in the past nor the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I have been acting on a project that my friend has written and is directing himself. The film is called Unicorn Head. It is a horror comedy and I can not wait to begin filming. We are in the rehearsal process as of this moment.

I have not written anything since I graduated. However, I hope to change that once the short film is complete. After Unicorn Head has wrapped with filming, it will be my turn to write a horror screenplay that includes my friend’s participation. I am still debating if I want to go for something more serious or keep on writing comedy. In terms of directing, I am considering having one of my close friends direct my upcoming project instead.

The same applies for music, I have not done much in that department. However, my lovely girlfriend Gina and I are currently writing the end credits song for Unicorn Head. Honestly, I need to have more discipline to practice my Keytar and save up for better equipment.

This past year, I am focusing on saving money for future projects. It seems that my friend circle and I are planning to launch our own film company. Slowly but surely, we are making our dreams a reality.

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.
Honestly, this is difficult to answer. Because of the pandemic, most of the places that I loved to go to have been shut down or are closed until further notice. However, I think I would still be able to give this best friend an enjoyable time here in Los Angeles.

I am not the best at organizing a schedule. Instead, I will give a list of places and reasons why I would take them there.

TEAPOP: This is a neat boba tea place in North Hollywood that has a comfy environment and a relaxing vibe. The staff is friendly and the boba is the best I have ever had.

Kitchen24: Last time I checked, the Hollywood location is closed, but I believe there is a location in Santa Monica. If my best friend were here, then I would check it out with them. This is my #1 favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, and I have been going there since 2016.

Stout Burgers and Beers: This is one of my favorite bars in Hollywood. Incredible staff, great food, and refreshing beer. This is an excellent place to go if you want a relaxing place to end your day.

Malibu Beach: This is a gorgeous location, the sun is out fairly often, and there are way less people there than Santa Monica Beach. Perfect for social distancing.

Pantages Theatre: Theoretically, if this was open, I would book tickets ahead of time to see one of their lovely productions.

Other than that, I am quite introverted.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out a couple of different people who have helped me through my life, and who encouraged me to not be afraid of who I am.

I would like to thank my mother for always being there for me and for all the sacrifices that she has made for to make my dreams a possibility. From the car rides to all the life lessons I received, I will always be grateful to her.

My father has been recently helpful with connecting our family through these tricky times and helping me with my personal finances. I would like to thank him for helping me become more responsible.

My girlfriend, Gina, who has constantly reassured me and helped me with making many difficult decisions, especially through the pandemic. She has always reminded me to find the positives in the most bleak of situations.

One of my absolute best friends, Issac, for giving me an opportunity to not only act, but to act in a leading role. He has inspired me to focus on past projects that I would like to pursue. In regards of Issac and his upcoming short film, I would also like to thank the following people for being amazing cast and crew on this project: Darian, Rieves, Gina, and Lucy. Thank you all for helping me realize my potential.

Speaking of Rieves, I want to thank him for being one of my best friends and for giving me an opportunity to be a part of his YouTube series.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Unicorn Head GoFundMe! We were over budget, and we are so thankful that people want to see the film come to life.

Finally, my sincerest thanks to anyone else I have failed to mention who has helped me become the artist and man that I was meant to be. Even if you helped me or caused me pain, both have assisted in helping me become a better person.

Instagram: absolutely_gucci

Youtube: TheOmegaCondor (Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheKidsYouCantStand)

Other: Unicorn Head GoFund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/issacs-independent-short-film-production?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer

Image Credits
Gina Mangiaracina