Meet Matt Eskew of Generation X-Ray in Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Eskew.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been creative. Some of my earliest memories were of me sitting by my Mom’s Registrar desk at San Jose City College drawing images from movies, comic books or whatever came into my mind onto left-over dot-matrix paper.

Dyslexia played a big part in my having to communicate with images instead of words. I was a terrible student, but I excelled in Art class. After high school, creating art took a back seat while I struggled to find a career niche. Working for construction contractors while still trying to stay creative. Music became my creative outlet. I played bass in several Bay Area bands.

My Construction “Career” wasn’t for me. I needed to get out. Film had always been a great interest to me, and I sought out a new path. I discovered a Film Program at De Anza College in Cupertino CA. and began a 2-year journey. During my time there, I developed a deep love of the craft of film making and a hardcore addiction to Film Noir. While I was in school, I worked at a small post house and learned 3-D and Visual Effects software.

I moved to Los Angeles and worked in VFX/Animation. I had the pleasure of working some awesome animated TV Shows and “bottom of the barrel” action movies. Opportunity came knocking when I was asked to VFX supervise a film in Bulgaria. Excited to begin a new stage in my career, I applied for a passport. The next day was 9/11 and all Americans were let go from the production. Hollywood shut down. I left Los Angeles and moved back to the Bay Area.

I returned to school and received a BS Degree in Animation from The Art Institute of California- San Francisco. After that, I got a job at DreamWorks Animation. There, I worked my way into the Final Layout Department and had the pleasure and good fortune to work on such films as MADAGASCAR, MADAGASCAR 2: ESCAPE TO AFRICA, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and MEGAMIND. After seven years at DreamWorks, I moved into the video game world at Sony PlayStation. Spent a couple of years working in the Media Department where I got a taste for Concept Art, building props and working on set.

I moved back to Los Angeles and started my company Generation X-Ray Films. I started shooting and directing Music Videos for bands like Channel 3, Michael Des Barres and The Darts. I was honored to serve as Animation Director for the Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) documentary: “It’s So Easy and Other Lies”. I am currently developing and pitching an animated television show with his longtime friend, Kari Byron (Mythbusters) called “The Adventures of Crash Tucker”.

Soon after I returned to LA, Music Returned to my life. My wife Christina and I started our band: The Hellflowers. We just released our first full-length record on Die Laughing Records and are set for an East Coast and Mexico Tour (Just as soon as this pesky virus goes away).

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding a balance between Professional Art and Personal Passions were gigantic roadblock in the beginning of this journey. I was often so wrapped up in having a Commercial Art career that I would lose sight on my own projects. I would put so much time and energy on someone else’s vision that I would sacrifice my own creations. It is important to put the time in on your own art, films and music. So, I do.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Generation X-Ray is growing. Everything from Music Video Creation, Animated show development and my own personal art. I‘ve been very fortunate to work with some amazing bands and collaborate with amazing creators.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m continually pushing myself forward. I see myself putting tons more paint on canvas for sure. A second album from The Hellflowers is already in the works. Directing more Music videos as well. I am also currently writing a script for a Punk Rock ghost story that I plan to direct next year. No stopping now.

Contact Info:

• Website: matteskew.com Generationxray.com
• Email: matt@matteskew.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingkan13/

Image Credit:
Personal Photo by Riki Feldmann

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