BIOGRAPHY
Matsuno is a filmmaker born and raised from Los Angeles, CA, known for his unique ability to infuse warmth and emotion into his visually stunning work. With a background in the arts, Matsuno draws inspiration from personal experiences, travel, and memories to create impactful stories.
His well-rounded portfolio includes technical directing for events like The Academy Awards, Dancing with the Stars, NBA Finals, and other major award shows and primetime television programming. Over the years, Matsuno has won multiple awards at film festivals nationwide, including Best Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Film Score, Sound Design, and Best Film.
In 2021, Matsuno released his feature film, Christmas in July, which garnered critical acclaim, won numerous film festival awards, and had a limited theatrical release, International TV broadcast, and streaming on major platforms. He also directed the documentary First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family, exploring his own family's experience in Japanese Internment Camps, which is currently distributed by New Day Films for educational purposes.
Beyond film, Matsuno has collaborated with notable brands such as Spotify, Universal Music Group, and Michelle Obama's Civic Nation to produce commercial content promoting diversity and inclusion. Recognized as Alumnus of the Year at his Alma Mater in 2019, Matsuno's passion for filmmaking extends to mentoring students and creating opportunities in the industry.
As Head of Acquisitions for NewDay Films, Matsuno continues to contribute to the field, while also pursuing his passion for marathon running. He made his Pro/Elite debut at the Los Angeles Marathon in 2022, achieving an impressive time of 2:30.
Matsuno's films are driven by the desire to inspire and create meaningful impact. He believes in the power of storytelling to provide an escape, make a lasting impression, and positively transform lives.
He maintains a motto that his great-grandfather held, which is honesty and kindness are best in business.
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
Films
- Theatrical Release of his feature film, “Christmas in July”, in 2021
- Austin Film Festival Screenwriting, 2020 - Semi-Finalist Feature Script “First to Go”. 3 Categories (Drama Feature, Humanitas Originals, and Enderby Feature)
- Canadian International Faith + Family Film Festival, 2020 - “Christmas in July” - Winner Best Supporting Actress, Nominated Best Director, Best Feature, Best Family Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
- Official Selection Burbank International Film Festival, 2020 - “Christmas in July” - Nominated Best Film.
- Official Selection ICFF, 2020 - “Christmas in July” - Winner Honorable Mention, Nominated Best Film, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay.
- Official Selection ME Film Fest, 2020 - “Christmas in July”
- Official Selection Telly Awards Winner, 2019. 2 Bronze for "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family." under documentary non-broadcast and craft of music. 1 Silver for "Join the Band". A commercial/promotional for Spotify.
- Official Selection Sidewalk Film Festival, 2017 - "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family" - Best Documentary Short Audience Award + Nominated Best Short Documentary
- Official Selection Hollywood Independent International Documentary Awards, 2017 - "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family" Best Director + Best Story
- Official Selection Atlanta Documentary Festival, 2017 - "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family" - Semi-Finalist
- Official Selection San Diego Asian Film Festival, 2017 - "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family"
- Official Selection Sacramento Asian Film Festival, 2017 - "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family"
- Certificate of Award of Excellence, 2017 - City of San Francisco
- Los Angeles Shorts Festival - "Ella" - Festival Gem
- Official Selection Big Bear International Film Festival, 2012 - "Ella"
- Official Selection LA Indie Film Festival, 2012 - "Ella"
- Official Selection Big Bear International Film Festival, 2013 - "Ella"
- Official Selection Chattanooga Film Festival. 2014 - "Ella"
- Official Selection Knoxville Film & Music Film Festival, 2014 - "Ella"
- Official Selection Cannes Court Metrage, 2011 - "Under the Sun"
- 48hr Film Festival Los Angeles - "Orchard & Under the Sun" - Best Director
- 48hr Film Festival Los Angeles - "One Day" - Best Cinematography
- 48hr Film Festival Los Angeles - "Ever Ours, Orchard, & One Day" - Best Film Score
- 48hr Film Festival Los Angeles - "Orchard" - Runner-Up Best Film
Television
- Academy Awards at ABC, Los Angeles - Technical Director
- Country Music Awards ABC, Los Angeles - Technical Director
- Dancing with the Stars ABC, Los Angeles - Technical Director
- American Music Awards ABC, Los Angeles - Technical Director
- NBA Playoffs ABC, Los Angeles - Technical Director
Contact form
Mailing Address:
Matsuno Media, LLC
2271 Lake Ave #6066
Altadena, CA 91001