BIO
Matthew Benjamin Canada is an award-winning, New York City based cinematographer known for a visual style that blends narrative depth with commercial precision. With a versatile career spanning independent feature films, short-form narratives, and global advertising campaigns, Matthew crafts immersive, character-driven visual experiences.
His path to filmmaking is uniquely unconventional. Holding a background in jazz theory and a degree in marketing, he possesses a rhythmic sensibility for pacing and a strategic eye for composition. Matthew began his filmmaking journey in 2008 within New York City’s fast-paced music video scene, where he honed his ability to utilize lighting and framing to deeply enhance story and emotional resonance.
Today, Matthew’s prolific narrative portfolio includes the feature film Acolyte, which premiered at the iconic TCL Chinese Theater at Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles, and the project Before They Kill Again, streaming on HBO Max. In the commercial sphere, his technical precision and adaptive creative instincts have led to collaborations with premier global brands and publications, including Ford Motors, BMW, the NFL, TIME, Goldman Sachs, and Rolling Stone. Grounded in collaboration, Matthew continuously pushes creative boundaries to bring powerful stories to life.
Recent Highlights:
Acolyte (Feature Film) – World Premiere at Dances With Films, Los Angeles.
Before They Kill Again – Streaming on HBO Max.
Commercial Portfolio: Ford Motors, BMW, the NFL, TIME, Goldman Sachs, and Rolling Stone.
Official Ambassador for Scriptation https://scriptation.com/matthewcanada
CONTACT
write: matt@controlaltmedia.com
SELECTED NARRATIVE CREDITS
Mans Best – World Premiere: Phoenix Film Festival - Feature Film
Before They Kill Again – Streaming on HBO Max – Series
Acolyte – World Premiere: Dances With Films(LA) – Feature Film
Wendy & The Lost Boy – Love & Hope International Film Festival Barcelona – Short
The Bargain – Portland Horror Film Festival – Short
Ophiology – Beverly Hills Film Festival – Short
The Worm – Dances With Films(NY) – Short
Precious Light – Lighthouse International Film Festival - Short
Funky – Miami Film Festival – Short
Janelle’s Baby – Telluride Horror Show – Short
SELECTED COMMERCIAL CREDITS
Ford Motors — Commercial Campaign
BMW — Brand Narrative
Lululemon — Apparel Campaign
The NFL — Promotional Content
TIME Magazine — Digital Editorial
Goldman Sachs — Corporate Profile
Rolling Stone x Dickel Whiskey — Branded Content
Sur La Table — Commercial Campaign
Lovesac — "A Couch That's Part of Your Story" Campaign
Widow Jane Whiskey — Promotional Campaign
Listen to my interview on The Film Situation Podcast episode #48:
"We dive into his early days filming music videos in New York City, his passion for narrative storytelling, and how he uses framing, lighting, and subtext to enhance story and character. Matthew also opens up about the collaborative nature of filmmaking, discussing his work with directors, production designers, and actors, and how he balances meticulous technical preparation with on-the-spot creative instincts." - host Zef Cota.
write: matt@controlaltmedia.com