About

Born in Springfield IL, the home of Abe Lincoln and the corn dog, Matt Brookens grew up making movies for fun with his brother. Matt decided that film was his true calling and set off for Chicago where he earned a degree in film.

In Chicago, Matt worked his way up as a graphic designer in various ad agencies, including Draft FCB and in-house for Unilever where he designed for world-renowned brands like TreSemmé, Nexxus, VO5, and St. Ives.

Concurrently, Matt was writing/directing nine award-winning short films, including festival favorite, Skunk Ape!?, a DIY horror comedy about a Bigfoot killing punk rockers.

Just for fun, Matt co-created a comedy nerd-punk band called Dr. Killbot. For 7 years, Matt wrote songs, played guitar and co-managed the band.

In 2007, Matt Brookens made his first feature, a dramedy titled, The Art of Pain. In the film, a starving artist learns that great art comes from great pain as his life is systematically ruined by a demented ninja. AoP played at 12 fests, won 2 awards and was picked up for worldwide distribution.

In 2008, Brookens moved to LA and began work as a senior designer for Guitar Center’s Proprietary brands. The position expanded to include video production of commercials, demos and interviews. Here, Matt co-created some thirty music related brands. Matt worked closely with product managers, manufacturers, artists and sales people throughout the enterprise.

After GC, Matt’s career as an editor / producer really picked up. He cut and produced projects including pilots, sizzles, reality, sketch comedy, commercials, documentaries, horror and action films for Kevin Heart at Lionsgate, David Zucker, Pilgrim Media, Nat Geo, Disney, CBS and more.

Currently Matt is developing his own feature screenplays, immersive theater and an exciting reality show about the world of Haunters.