THICKK MAGAZINE ISSUE #2 by Innova X Arts

My second instance was going to a darkened movie theater with my parents watching “Men In Black” having cold
cherry Coke and Twizzlers and hot buttered popcorn and nachos is one of my earlier experiences in movie theaters
that made me want to be in this business in industry.
Seeing the intensity of the action shots, Will Smith's poise charm and dramatic chops, Tommy Lee Jones funny yet
dry sarcastic witty humor and an overall great work of cinema. Also seeing my mentor, Spike Leeʼs “Do The Right
Thing” VHS tape box cover around the same age and falling in love with the portrait..the cover paints alone, then
finally witnessing it the power and reality of that imagery sounds and sites.
It was incredible. knew I wanted to be in the world of film, especially behind the camera. I never really envisioned in
front but stranger things happened. I was blessed to be able to for last 5 years be in the Union as an actor with SAG-
AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild). My first opportunity to appear on “Empire” was in late 2014, I was featured in a scene
on the first season with Taraji, Jussie and Terrance.
From there, more castings and bookings came through for featured extra parts as well as a few principles speaking
roles. I had signed with two agencies back in 2015; BNB Chicago Model & Talent Agency & Modelogic Midwest...
More roles came in on sitcoms like “Shameless”, “Chicago PD”, “Chicago Fire” and feature films that came to Chicago
over last few years such as Spike Leeʼs “Chi-Raq” and Melissa McCarthyʼs “The Boss.” One of the most incredible,
surreal, and hard working testaments and moments in the early part of my career on screen as an actor was being
upgraded from a featured extra already booked, to ON THE SPOT, being upgraded to a higher principal/speaking
co-starring role in the Fox TV Pilot “University”.
I was in a scene with actress Erin Moriarty of Netflix "Jessica Jones" fame amongst other works
(https://m.imdb.com/name/nm3929195/), where I played one of the best football players in the country and a
5-star high school recruit being shown around the fictional campus on the show, which we filmed in Chicago near
DePaul. In that scene, I was being recruited by Erin and another co-starring actress. It all came from sheer blessings
and luck and like the phrase "when preparation and readiness meets opportunity and luck..then good things happen". Or
along those lines at least.
And the director and producers upgraded me and another fellow featured extra to co-starring roles on the spot.
needless to say there was a lot of excitement! But the process still continues as always , I'm content but NEVER
complacent.
As far as acting PRE-PANDEMIC, the last speaking role I had was on Season 10 of “Shameless” on Showtime
Networks (https://www.facebook.com/ForTheCultureProductionsAndMediaLLC/videos/2771363589765388/?
extid=0)
But now in 2020/2021...my shift and continuing focus is on my Production & Media company (For the Culture
Productions and Media LLC)...my beautiful 3-year old daughter Braelyn and living a healthy, productive, positive
and peaceful life in that regards.
"What inspired you to create your production company, For The Culture Productions And Media LLC,
and where do you see it going?"
I started FTC Productions and Media LLC so that people never give up on their dreams, while showing through
inclusion and originality, that dreams and stories are endless. Future plans for FTC is to just keep growing and
bringing original content to viewers/readers/listeners and to change minds and conversations through art and being
proud of yourself, culture and vision!
It 's always important to continue to inspire people, fans, friends, family...myself and be also inspired and motivated
by many others while being a good person and hard worker.
- Matt Salter