No film school. No Hollywood connections. No safety net. That’s how Los Angeles-based cinematographer Nick Matthews began his journey. Today, he’s behind the camera on acclaimed horror hits like Saw X, Mob Land, and Bone Lake–known for his bold, emotionally charged visuals. So, how did he get there?
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker wondering how to break into the filmmaking industry, Nick’s story is packed with hard-earned, practical wisdom. These aren’t textbook tips–they’re real insights from someone who built a career from the ground up. Here are five powerful lessons from Hollywood cinematographer Nick Matthews.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Tip 1: Discover Your Voice–It’s Your Creative Superpower
Before obsessing over camera gear or lighting techniques, get clear on what sets you apart. For Nick Matthews, discovering his unique voice was the foundation of everything.
“The main advice I’d give to anybody starting out is: learn your voice. Learn what makes you, you,” Nick says. “We need artists who are in touch with their humanity, their community, and their culture–and who have something to say about it.”
Your worldview, your perspective, your story–that’s what cuts through the noise. Technical skills can be learned. But your voice? That’s your secret weapon.
“You might not have much to say at 20, probably,” he continues. “You have to go into the world, live, experience everything life throws at you, and then figure out what you care about.”
Knowing what you want to express–and committing to expressing it–will set you apart. As Nick puts it:
“Your curiosity and life experience are the things that are going to set you apart,” Nick Matthews adds.
A famous scene from the movie Saw X, cinematographer Nick Matthews
Tip 2: Stop Over-Learning–Start Creating
While many aspiring filmmakers spend years passively learning, Nick Matthews took a different route: he just started shooting.
“I didn’t go to film school. I learned by trial and error,” he says. “I shot on every camera I could get my hands on. I read everything I could find–interviews with great DPs like Roger Deakins, David Mullen, and Sean Bobbitt. I would read about their process, and then go out and try it myself.”
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His approach? Shoot first, ask questions, and then refine it.
“In the beginning, I did not have enough material to show diversity in my work. So I shot my own reel. I experimented with different lenses, lighting setups, and storytelling styles. All of that sort of thing was a way to try a new approach every single time,” Nick explains.
That hands-on experimentation helped him develop a signature look–one that ultimately landed him work on major productions like Saw X.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Tip 3: Build Genuine Connections, Not Just a Contact List
Everyone preaches networking, but Nick Matthews emphasizes something deeper: authentic relationships.
“When I moved to LA, I reached out to people–not asking for jobs, but asking specific questions,” he recalls. “If I saw a project I loved, I’d message them and say, ‘Why did you shoot this scene that way?’ And most artists are really excited to share about their experience, story, and vision.”
Nick Matthews continues to use this approach to this day because it helps build relationships, not just contacts. It’s a recognition of the work that a person has done in their career.
“People who are making great work already have trusted teams. You are not going to replace them overnight. But if you develop real connections, one day someone will be too busy for a job, and they will think of you.”
For Nick Matthews, it’s not about “getting hired.” It’s about becoming part of a creative community.
“Rather than looking at artists as just another specific project I’m doing, I look at them as how can I serve their career. This is a kind of fundamental thing,” Nick explains. “It empowers people who work with you to bring their best side to the project. That’s when they are going to be the most excited to be there and give you the best work.”
Behind the scenes of the shooting process of Saw X
Tip 4: Be Present, Be Curious, Be Seen
Want to get hired? Show up not just on set, but in the broader creative community. Nick Matthews suggests reaching out to DPs, directors, or producers not only to ask for a job but to ask if you can observe their process.
He advises asking to attend a prep day, watch a camera test, or simply assist in the background. It also plants the seed for future collaborations. If people remember your face, your attitude, and your dedication, you're more likely to get the call when an opportunity opens up.
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What else could be equally important? Sharing your work–even if it’s not perfect. Nick Matthews admits that he struggled with this for years. However, he realized that perfectionism is the enemy of progress.
“It took me four or five years to feel comfortable putting my work out there,” Nick admits. “Perfectionist gets in my own way. So it’s learning to like be confident about your work, be humble enough, be humble in the process, and also to share the work like with people.”
Your work doesn’t need to be flawless–it needs to be seen. You never know who might come across your work, resonate with your style, and reach out with an opportunity.
“You can inspire them to be able to learn something about the process,” Nick explains. “You don’t know what it is that makes you unique until you start telling people about your process, and they are like, I never would have done it that way.”
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Tip 5: How to Actually Get Hired for Filmmaking Jobs
Getting a filmmaking job isn’t just about skill–it’s about fit. Nick believes passion and preparation are just as important as a strong reel. If you do not genuinely care about a project, it will show. He advises being selective about the jobs you apply for–choosing stories that excite you will make you a stronger, more engaged candidate. If you care deeply about a story, you will naturally bring energy, enthusiasm, and original ideas to the conversation, making you a stronger candidate.
“I don’t believe in performing because, ultimately, you want to be yourself,” Nick explains. “Every director interviewing you already knows that your work is strong enough–you wouldn’t be there otherwise.”
His advice? Apply to projects you care deeply about. Research each project and study the director’s previous films. Then show up ready to have a conversation, not a performance.
During the meeting, cinematographer Nick Matthews focuses less on selling himself and more on understanding the director’s creative vision. He asks specific questions:
How do they like to work on set?
What emotions should the visuals evoke?
What inspired the project?
This approach helps build a true creative connection–and shows the director you’re invested.
“I think that the fundamental idea is trying to gain a sense of the material, the director’s style, and how I react to their films.”
Finally, Nick Matthews emphasizes the hardest yet most essential lesson: let go of the outcome. You will not land every job, no matter how well you prepare. Some projects just will not be the right fit. What matters is putting your best ideas forward, showing up as your authentic self, and then moving on.
The more interviews you do, the better you’ll get. Even a ‘no’ can turn into a ‘yes’ down the line.
Want to Know How Nick Matthews Landed Saw X?
Watch the full interview for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights–how cinematographer Nick Matthews tackled pre-production, multicamera production, and created some of the most haunting imagery in modern cinema.
And if you’re ready to turn your own vision into reality, MasterShot is here to support you. From scheduling to collaboration to pre-production planning, we simplify your workflow, so you can focus on telling unforgettable stories.