MARIO MATTEI is an award-winning Cinematographer & Director creating original films, music videos, commercials, & creative video content for expressive brands, ad agencies, & remarkable people. (IMDB)
Mario has directed & lensed work for top brands such as TOYOTA, the ARMY, PGA Golf, Dell, UNDER ARMOUR, IBM, NULO, & USAA.
Mario’s popular documentary, which he both directed & shot, The Gentleman Driver, was purchased by NETFLIX in 2018 & is currently viewable on AMAZON. His most recent award-winning feature documentary, Water Wars | fightin’ dirty for the desert’s blue gold, won BEST TEXAS FEATURE at the acclaimed DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and is now finalizing distribution. Mario also co-story created, produced, & was the Director of Photography for the Female-led Western, She Was the Deputy’s Wife (starring Megan Therese Rippey & Shayn Herndon), now available on PRIME VIDEO. As the cinematographer for director Barbara FG, Mario won the 2022 Austin Music Awards in the category of BEST MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR for Sir Woman “Party City”. His Director of Photography work on the documentary Beyond Homeless, contributed to the film’s acceptance into 21 film festivals, 8 of which granted the filmmakers WINNER awards in various categories.
Mario’s sci-fi film, Time Slot, received BEST THRILLER from the LOS ANGELES FILM AWARDS, while his crime-drama, Being Thomas (on Amazon Prime, starring Alan Trong), won an AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARD, & his debut documentary about Black Sea Turks premiered at LONG BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. Mario has also made numerous brand films for non-profits, healthcare providers, alternative sports, and corporate clients who were looking to strengthen emotional bonds with their audience through authentic storytelling.
Whether crafting docu-style, commercials, or visual narrative, as Director of Photography or Director, Mario seeks to provoke thought & stir emotions. He believes in time-tested storytelling techniques, & that an ad or film’s dramatic need determines its visual language.
Originally from Arizona, Mario’s education in creative writing & vocations in photography & design led him to live abroad in both India & Turkey for several years where his craft evolved. Now as a Texas-based filmmaker, he lives in Austin with his lovely wife & children, enjoying good friendships, cooking, fast cars, Tai Chi & Kung Fu, talented production teams, & daily finding Beauty in the ordinary.
