The film industry is transforming fast, driven by AI, shifts in production models, and changing audience expectations. For filmmakers, one thing is clear: adapt or risk being left behind.
Hollywood cinematographer Nick Matthews, known for Saw X, Mob Land, and Bone Lake, shares how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. From AI to career pivots, his advice is rooted in experience, resilience, and creative clarity.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
How to Stay Employed in a Constantly Evolving Industry
The film industry has always been unpredictable. Staying employed means being proactive, not passive.
“There is no magic bullet,” says Matthews. “The best way to get work is to create the kind of work you want to make and share it.”
That means investing in your own short films, collaborating with teammates, and building a body of work that showcases your artistic voice.
Nick’s top strategies for career longevity:
Invest in personal projects. Short films, spec commercials, and music videos act as calling cards for your creative style.
Build real relationships. Join film communities, attend festivals, and collaborate with others. Organic connections lead to real opportunities.
Be active in your job search. Use platforms like IMDb Pro and Kickstarter, and never wait to be discovered. “You have to be proactive about reaching out to people. They are not going to discover you by chance,” Nick emphasizes.
Showcase your work online. A strong digital presence via social media or a personal portfolio can attract unexpected jobs.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews on the set
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AI and the Future of Creative Filmmaking
AI is already influencing post-production and workflow optimization, but Nick Matthews draws a firm line between automation and artistry.
“We’re using that term too broadly,” he says, emphasizing that while AI can streamline workflows, it lacks the depth of human experience necessary for true storytelling. He continues:
“I’m not worried that an algorithm pulling from preexisting material can replace human capacity to create. It’s that fundamental reality that we have gone through birth. We have gone through the trauma, beauty, love, and passion of life. An algorithm can’t go through that thing. It can only create imitation.”
Matthews believes tools like AI-assisted editing, color correction, or script analysis can improve efficiency, but not creativity.
“People want to see human films made by humans,” he states. “AI might make certain processes faster or cheaper, but it won’t replace authentic storytelling.”
For filmmakers, the key takeaway is clear: Embrace AI where it helps, but don’t expect it to generate stories with heart, soul, or originality.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Practical Tips for Filmmakers Ready to Break Through
Even experienced creatives need to evolve. Cinematographer Nick Matthews says success starts with taking control of your narrative.
“If you’re doing the same work and don’t want that, the only way to pivot is to invest in yourself. It’s to show people what they can’t envision for themselves.”
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Nick Matthews gives a few practical advice to elevate a career in the filmmaking industry:
Create work that aligns with your goals. “People in the industry lack imagination when it comes to hiring,” Nick says. To land specific jobs, make the kind of content you want to be hired for.
Avoid getting typecast. Though known for Saw X, Nick actively seeks projects outside horror. “I have a lot more genres, drama, and other avenues in which I want to express myself.”
Stay adaptable. Industry trends shift quickly. “The industry isn’t waiting, and neither should you,” he reminds.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews on the set
Where Is Filmmaking Headed in the Next 5 Years?
Nick Matthews predicts a growing split in the film world: big-budget blockbusters on one side, and a renaissance of independent cinema on the other.
“I’m hopeful we’ll see a renaissance of independent filmmaking where people don’t wait for studios to greenlight their vision.”
Films like Winter’s Bone and Get Out prove that powerful storytelling doesn’t require massive budgets. At the same time, studios like Lionsgate, known for franchise hits like the Saw movie series (Jigsaw movie, Saw X), will continue investing in high-budget content, sequels, and cinematic universes.
So where’s the opportunity?
“I think that we’re going to continue to see this push towards auteurs. Those have consistently been the people who are making original, unique, and rare kinds of content,” Nick states. “It’s the people from Lynn Ramsey to Christopher Nolan to David Fincher. They’re getting eyes on their work, and it’s because no one else makes a movie like that.”
Ready to Step Into Your Filmmaking Future?
The industry is evolving, but with intention, boldness, and adaptability, you can evolve with it.
Want to hear more from Nick Matthews? Watch the full video interview where he shares his creative process, personal journey, and behind-the-scenes stories from Saw X.
And if you’re ready to turn your cinematic vision into reality, MasterShot gives you the tools to streamline pre-production, shot planning, and collaboration, so you can focus on what matters most: telling unforgettable stories.