Matt Semel

My story

A director who loves all aspects of filmmaking.

I get as involved as possible, but I focus on comedy and shoots with a technical side. When I’m not directing I’m executive producing TV shows, pilots, and commercials.

I try to infuse my personality into my shoots. It’s important to have fun on set, and that comes through in the work. I enjoy being a generalist because I like to know all sides of filmmaking. Knowing how every part of production and post comes together makes me a stronger director and better able to shift my approach. Working with a limitation or constraint is part of the creative process for me.

I started making funny videos as a kid, teaching myself to edit with a camcorder and VCR. I graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where I kept making funny films and learned 3D animation, then worked in that industry for several years. As a founding member of Cowboy Bear Ninja, I jumped back into my true love: directing comedy.

How I direct

01 · The question

When I'm given an idea to work on, I always think, “How can I make this funnier?”

02 · The mute test

I make the visuals as strong as possible, so that with no dialogue or sound effects it would still make sense.

03 · The set

A cast and crew having a good time, really vibing together, make work that's better.

Behind the scenes: a cake toss
Behind the scenes: the Fight Club kick
Matt on set