Film Mentor: Matt Field

Broadcaster, television producer, and proud descendant from Kuku Yalanji Country: Matt Field is making waves in the entertainment industry. His notable achievement is creating the television series Music People, which reaches audiences across Australia, America, and Europe and utlises live music to raise awareness and revenue for social causes.

Matt's artistic journey began at a young age when he discovered a love for creating music. He started playing the drums at the age of eight, and his passion for drums, groove, rhythm, and music has since remained strong. He credits his parents for buying him his first drum kit at the age of nine, which sparked his lifelong devotion to the instrument.

Matt is always grateful for the wonderful people he meets in the creative industries, as they continue to inspire him. Among his greatest achievements, he proudly acknowledges his wife and two children.

He has realised his dream of producing and hosting a music TV show in Music People, which provides a platform for talented creatives and offers him the opportunity to meet remarkable artists in the industry. Matt values the stability and love he shares with his family while working in an industry that often challenges traditional family dynamics, and recognises that this balance requires hard work.

An early but already powerful legacy of Music People is its contribution to amplifying the voices of First Nations storytellers. Matt believes that sharing knowledge is crucial for the unity and progress of their country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when venues closed and musicians faced unemployment, Matt raised enough capital to pay over 140 musicians to perform on Music People. He also provided employment for a production crew of 10, ensuring their livelihoods during difficult times.

Music People continues to make a difference by providing instruments and music tuition to families in need. For instance, last month, the show supported 12 households in the Rivergum Grandparents as Parents group, where grandparents serve as primary caregivers for their grandkids on limited incomes.

Matt's experience working in the TV industry is extensive and diverse. In 2006, he was involved in one of the first live-streamed music television shows called Monday Night LIVE, streamed on the internet. He also worked on the ABC music show Live at Basement. Following his passion for drumming, he performed with various touring bands. From 2014 to 2018, Matt hosted and produced Balcony TV, a music television show in Sydney. It gained popularity through a YouTube channel, showcasing Australian artists to an international audience. In 2019, recognising the potential of social media live stream broadcasts, Matt raised more than $200,000 to launch his music show, Music People.

For aspiring individuals seeking a career in the TV industry, Matt offers valuable advice. He acknowledges the challenges of breaking into the industry but encourages persistence and remaining open to unexpected opportunities that align with one's vision.

Matt emphasises the importance of integrity and the ability to accept rejection, as it only takes one "yes" to move forward. He advises staying focused on the vision and working diligently, even during times when progress may seem slow. Finally, he recommends spending time in silence, connecting with the spiritual language of the land, and gaining wisdom from the experience.

Matt's journey as a broadcaster, TV producer, and advocate for social causes exemplifies his commitment to the arts and making a positive impact through his work. With Music People, he continues to bring the power of live music to audiences worldwide while uplifting marginalised voices and supporting communities in need.

Written by JACK BAILEY