The
story of Mattmax, a creative music video director who D’banj describes
his creativity as “out of this world”, reminds one of these bible verses
“despise not the days of thy little beginning” and “whatsoever thy hand
finds to do; do it with all your might”.
Born to Christian
parents and christened Matthew Abiodun Aina, who later got the name
Mattmax from a friend who sees his ideas flowing through his mind as
maximum. The Computer Science graduate from Yaba College of Technology
journeyed into visual effects because of the passion he has for
entertainment which was fueled by the challenge he got from Remi Oni who
used to be the graphics editor of erstwhile Global Sound which Femi
Aderibigbe- Kwame used to present. Mattmax said “Having seen what Remi
does with visuals then, I tried reaching him on phone for over six
months, and when I eventually got in touch he asked me to challenge
him." And that's how the journey into fame land began.. With 7
nominations in the forth coming NMVA awards, its so obvious he's here to
stay and gain his spot in the industry. I caught up with MATTMAX and
though very busy, he spared 10 minutes of his precious time to have this
chat...
10 minute with MATTMAX by Edward Fortune...
E.F: So far, how would you say the journey has been?
MATTMAX:
All glory and honour to the almighty God for bringing me this far. The
journey was rough but there seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
E.F: Having worked with the cream-de-la-cream in Nigeria music industry, who would you say gave you more challenge work wise?
MATTMAX:
Well, every artiste I’ve worked with have their own peculiar nature and
you know their songs are quite different. Every location has its own
challenges in terms trying to get the best out of each job. Regarding
the artistes I’ve worked with, I’m lucky they are all interesting and
professionals, so personally they are not problematic, though there are
always hiccups on set but so far so good, it’s been a jolly ride.
E.F: Shooting “Don’t Tell Me Nonsense” by Dbanj, share your experience.
MATTMAX:
I must tell you that it’s a big honour and priviledge working with
Banga Lee who happens to be one of the biggest acts to come out of
Africa. D’banj is a big fish and an International brand, so working with
him is a big honour and I thank God the job was well accepted and had
been enjoying massive airplay because adrenalin was high before the
release. I wasn’t so sure what the reception would be like, but I know I
gave the job my 101percent.
E.F: 7 nominations in the forth-coming NMVA. What does it mean to you?
MATTMAX:
Well, it simply means my job is getting recognition at last because
before now, only a handful of people are ready to give me a chance and I
see it as a disease that plague our society. Young people are not been
giving enough chance, so the only option is to grab and cease every
opportunity to showcase the stuff you are made up if you have the
chance.
E.F: One thing a cinematographer must know?
MATTMAX:
Your shots must be precise. Cinematography is all about making good use
of every picture and shots. The ability to visualize and capture it in
pictures.
E.F: Who comes up with the script for videos? You or the artist?
MATTMAX:
It depends. There are times the artiste have the picture of what his or
her video would look like while writing down his or her songs. The
artiste most times will narrate his or her story and the director can
build on it. And at times the creative comes from the director and his
production crew.
E.F: What would it take to have Mattmax direct a classic and record breaking video?
MATTMAX:
Good songs. Good songs motivate me to give my best. If I can’t give the
job my all, I will rather turn it down instead of doing it for the sake
of the money. At that, if a song is averagely good, a good music video can propel it into acceptance.
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