Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Matthew Michael Ross of Downtown Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Matthew Michael Ross. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Matthew Michael, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now my days are anything but normal. Since my feature film just launched on Prime Video, I’m juggling publicity, press, and advertising—basically wearing all the hats that come with being an independent filmmaker. I’m on social media a lot more than usual, creating posts and even memes to help promote the film, and I’ve been doing interviews too. It’s definitely a lot of work, but it’s also exciting. It’s one of those parts of the indie filmmaker’s life that most people don’t see, but it’s just as much a part of the process as making the film itself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started AON Films as an independent production and post-production studio with one goal: to tell stories that matter. Over the years, we’ve created everything from feature films and web series to shorts and PSAs, and I’m proud that our work has been recognized at some of the world’s top film festivals, winning awards across categories like Best Feature, Best Actor, and Best Editing.

For me, filmmaking is all or nothing—that’s literally what AON stands for. If we’re going to tell a story, we’re going to give it everything. That’s the motto that drives us, whether it’s developing a studio project with a strong female lead or pushing forward on a new low-budget feature in 2026.

I’ve had the chance to speak on entertainment panels and share my perspective in interviews, but at the heart of it all, I just believe in the power of quality stories and content that can make a difference.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
That’s such a powerful question. My first instinct might sound a little unusual, but I’d say anger and frustration. For a long time, those emotions pushed me through the challenges of being an independent filmmaker—the constant ups and downs, the setbacks, the uncertainty. But I’ve realized they’ve served their purpose. I don’t need to carry them anymore. Instead, I’d rather face those struggles with hope, enthusiasm, and patience. It feels like a much better fuel for the journey ahead. And I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting this interview to get so philosophical!

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
After finishing my feature and spending months on the festival circuit, I hit a low point during the distribution process. I met a lot of distributors who weren’t offering fair deals, and for a while it felt like the film was stalled—so much so that I seriously considered walking away and doing something else. It was a dark period, but instead of punishing myself I gave myself space to reckon with it. When I came up for air I found a distributor I respected, and that renewal of trust has turned into real excitement about the film’s release.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Man, these are hard-hitting questions! I’d love to say the public version of me is exactly the same as the real me, but that wouldn’t be true—and I don’t think anyone in this industry could honestly say it is. Before an interview, my publicist will coach me on certain talking points, so in that sense it’s not completely “me.” Same goes for premieres—I’d be happy showing up in jeans and a T-shirt, but instead I’ve got to look polished. Even on social media, I mostly use it to promote my projects, not to share personal things like my trip to England with my fiancée. For some people, their public and private selves overlap more. For me, I try to be as authentic as I can, but at the end of the day, it’s show business—and part of that is putting on a show.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Is this an interview or a therapy session? (Just kidding.) I was fortunate to have parents who never told me who I should be, never put limits on my dreams, and always supported whatever I pursued. I’m not entirely sure I believe anyone is “born” to do something, but I’ve always had a natural talent toward storytelling—whether through music, writing, or filmmaking. Following those passions hasn’t always been easy; there are sacrifices and compromises along the way. But I’m glad I chose to follow my heart, and I continue to do so. People who know me well might even say I was born to do exactly this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aonfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inv.isiblethemovie
• Facebook: INVISIBLEthemovie
• Youtube: @AONFilms

Image Credits
photos by Kiko Sweeney
photos by Camille Fadi
photo by Billy Bennight