From Wu-Tang & Nicki Minaj Music Videos To A $40K Feature With Filmmaker Matthew Freiheit
Update: 2025-08-29
Description
In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Matthew Freiheit, whose career has spanned work with major artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nicki Minaj - and who has now broken into feature filmmaking with his debut Iconic.
Shot for just $40,000 in his Los Angeles apartment and across more than 25 locations, the feature film blends arthouse style with run-and-gun energy, and has already secured distribution.
Throughout our discussion we cover:
Matthew Freiheit – Instagram
Iconic – Instagram
Iconic – Website
Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Shot for just $40,000 in his Los Angeles apartment and across more than 25 locations, the feature film blends arthouse style with run-and-gun energy, and has already secured distribution.
Throughout our discussion we cover:
- Transitioning from music and fashion projects to narrative filmmaking
- How Matthew maximized limited resources to create a big-scope on a micro-budget
- Writing around real locations and existing gear to stretch production value
- Directing while also DP’ing and editing - and how to balance those roles effectively
- Tips for pre-lighting and shooting 6–8 pages per day without sacrificing quality
- What it’s really like taking your debut feature to AFM
- The evolving role of AI tools in filmmaking and how Matthew is exploring them
- Much more
Matthew Freiheit – Instagram
Iconic – Instagram
Iconic – Website
Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
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