A film producer is someone who oversees various aspects of a film’s production, from finances to script selection. However, there’s an aspect of it all that every producer must face: telling a story and communicating a message.
For Matthew Thornton, a senior Mass Communications student at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), telling a story is an essential part of his craft. Thornton recently has been awarded the Damon Runyon scholarship, given to him and six other students across the state.
“Selflessness drives my longing to tell other peoples stories and communicate their messages. I will always be searching for a way to show the world in a new perspective,” Thornton said.
New perspective indeed. Thornton’s production history includes documentaries on the history of Palisade and the Fencing Club, and that’s just from his time at CMU. The fencing club documentary, titled “Victor,” follows the story of Victor Richardson and his love of fencing. While “Palisade Then and Now” features many different local business owners and their personal stories and histories.
Now working as a content producer for CMU-TV, Thornton prescribes to the mentality of ‘beggars can’t be choosers,’ hoping to start somewhere and work up from there. “Not applying my sharpest skills will be a waste to me and the industry. I will always be learning new methods and techniques to make me a better producer,” Thornton said.
Thornton chose the visual medium of video production over other forms like print and picture. “Stimulating is a better way to describe video in comparison to other media. By combining both auditory and visual elements, video can stimulate more senses, immerging the viewer and holding their attention for longer,” he said.
With his graduation date approaching and Runyon Scholarship in hand, Thornton looks toward the future. Already having a background as an assistant director for Drakewise Technology and general manager of BC Surf and Sport, he hopes to live happily while supporting his family. “I am confident that I will find something I will enjoy doing,” he said. “I am extremely honored to have received the award. Regardless of monetary value, it has provided me an opportunity to shake hands with industry professionals.”
In the meantime, Thornton is busy with his studies, jobs and Mav Pong, a mix of water pong and trivia, which CMU-TV has been putting on with success this year. You can find him on LinkedIn and his documentaries are available on YouTube.
