Matthew Brookens
✉️ MattBrookens@gmail.com | 🌐 mattbrookens.com | LinkedIn
Unscripted Reel | Comedy Reel | Music/ Docu Reel | Design Portfolio
Creative Director | Filmmaker | Lead Video Editor
Brand Storytelling | Video Production | Content Strategy
Award-winning Creative Director, Filmmaker, and Video Editor with 18+ years of experience crafting high-impact brand narratives, marketing campaigns, and entertainment content. Passionate about storytelling, cinematic visuals, and audience engagement, I bring a hands-on approach to directing, editing, and producing across film, television, branded content, and digital platforms.
I thrive on bringing creative visions to life, whether leading brand campaigns, directing films, or cutting engaging promos. With a strong background in visual storytelling, comedy, and marketing-driven content, I excel at pitching ideas, leading teams, and delivering polished, compelling work that resonates with audiences.
Key Expertise
✅ Creative Direction & Visual Storytelling – Leading brand campaigns, video projects, and marketing-driven narratives
✅ Video Editing & Post-Production – Specializing in film, TV, trailers, promos, and high-engagement digital content
✅ Multi-Platform Content Strategy – Developing video and marketing content for TV, digital, streaming, and social media
✅ Comedy & Narrative Storytelling – Skilled in sketch, satire, screwball, broad comedy, and humorous interviews
✅ Pitching & Presenting – Expert in selling creative ideas, developing pitch materials, and leading client presentations
✅ Team Leadership & Collaboration – Managing and mentoring editors, designers, writers, and production teams
💡 Professional Experience
Freelance Creative Director | Filmmaker | Video Producer
2015 – Present | Remote
Directed and produced the 2.5-hour audio drama Illinois Hell Hole, assembling a team of Hollywood voice actors, an SNL star, sound engineers, and designers for an immersive storytelling experience.
Edited and produced major TV and digital projects, including Expedition Bigfoot (TRVL), Swamp People (History), and CBS’s Secret Celebrity Renovation.
Developed trailers, promos, and brand content for entertainment, marketing, and digital campaigns.
Worked with corporate and entertainment clients to enhance their visual storytelling, brand messaging, and audience engagement.
CBS / Paramount+ | Senior Video Editor & Content Producer
2018 – 2022 | Remote
Edited and produced marketing content for Young Sheldon, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Evil, and Halo the Series Aftershow, driving engagement for CBS’s primetime lineup.
Created high-impact trailers, promos, and digital content for social, streaming, and network platforms.
Collaborated with showrunners, marketing teams, and motion designers to craft compelling story-driven marketing assets.
Pilgrim Media Group (Lionsgate) | Lead Editor & Content Producer
2017 – 2024 | Remote
Led creative development for sizzle reels and pitches, helping secure network deals for new series concepts.
Edited and shaped branded content, including Secrets of the Garden (National Geographic & Proctor & Gamble), transforming corporate messaging into engaging, story-driven video content.
Worked directly with VPs and producers to craft visually compelling, high-energy pitch materials.
Guitar Center | Senior Art Director / Video Producer
2008 – 2014 | Los Angeles, CA
Directed, produced, and edited branded content for Guitar Center TV, including artist interviews, product demos, and commercials—earning 90M+ views on YouTube.
Led major rebrands for Simmons Electronic Drums and Orange County Drum & Percussion, creating packaging, print ads, web content, social media, and in-store displays.
Executed high-profile brand collaborations, including a Travis Barker interview campaign tied to product releases and retail activations.
Worked closely with product managers, sales teams, and designers to align brand storytelling with retail and e-commerce strategies.
Managed a team of five designers and video creatives, overseeing content strategy and execution.
Musicians Institute | Video Production Manager
2014 – 2015 | Los Angeles, CA
Built and led an in-house video team, overseeing content creation, marketing strategy, and YouTube optimization.
Developed serialized content and interviews, increasing YouTube engagement by 96.93% in one year.
Alberto Culver (Now Unilever) | Art Director & Senior Designer
2006 – 2008 | Chicago, IL
Designed packaging and branding for TRESemmé, VO5, Nexxus, and St. Ives, ensuring consistency across global markets.
Led product branding for VO5 in South America, overseeing packaging, print ads, and product marketing materials.
Worked closely with marketing and research teams to refine product positioning based on consumer behavior studies.
🏆 Notable Projects & Achievements
🎬 Secret Celebrity Renovation (CBS) – Hired and led post-production team, ensuring top-tier storytelling.
🎙 Illinois Hell Hole (Self-Produced) – Directed and produced a Hollywood-caliber audio drama with AI-driven marketing and immersive storytelling.
🎞 The Art of Pain (Feature Film) – Wrote, directed, and managed a feature film with an 80+ person team, distributed on Netflix & Amazon.
📈 150M+ Views Across Digital & Social – Created viral content that drove massive engagement for major brands and entertainment platforms.
🏆 Telly Award Winner (2020) – Recognized for excellence in video editing & branded content marketing.
📚 Education & Training
🎓 Columbia College Chicago – Bachelor of Arts, Film 1999
🎭 Upright Citizens Brigade – Advanced Improv & Sketch Comedy
🛠 Software & Tools
🎞 Video & Design Software – Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Avid, Final Cut Pro
📊 Marketing & Brand Growth – Developing high-impact video and marketing content to increase engagement and sales
🎬 Production & Post-Production Leadership – Hiring, mentoring, and managing creative teams and workflows
🎯 Why Work With Me?
✅ Vision-Driven Storytelling – I craft engaging, high-impact content that resonates with audiences.
✅ Multi-Disciplinary Expertise – Skilled in film, branding, marketing, and digital content creation.
✅ Proven Track Record of Success – From feature films to brand campaigns, I deliver results.
📩 Let’s Connect – If you need a Creative Director, Filmmaker, or Video Editor who knows how to execute with excellence, pitch ideas, and craft unforgettable content, I’d love to chat! 🚀