Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Mathis.
Hi Michael , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Michael Mathis: The Vision Behind Handsonfilmz
Michael Mathis is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, producer, and visionary who has built his career around one simple belief: great stories deserve the opportunity to be seen.
Through Handsonfilmz, Michael has created a company focused on developing, producing, and bringing films from an idea to the screen. His work includes writing stories, developing projects, finding talent, coordinating production, managing film sets, overseeing post-production, and working toward distribution.
What started as a passion for filmmaking has grown into a larger business vision. Michael recognized that independent filmmakers often struggle to find the resources, equipment, locations, crews, and professional guidance needed to bring their projects to life. His goal became bigger than simply making movies—he wanted to create an environment where other filmmakers could make theirs.
That vision led to the development of a production studio in Houston designed to serve filmmakers, actors, producers, and creative businesses. The studio provides space and resources for productions while creating opportunities for people in the local film industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
* Financial pressure: Funding films, , studio expenses, and keeping projects moving while managing limited cash flow.
* Building without a large safety net: You’ve had to wear many hats—producer, business owner, project manager, negotiator, and problem solver.
* Managing large productions: Coordinating actors, crews, travel, hotels, food, locations, equipment, and schedules can become overwhelming, especially with 50+ people involved.
* People and trust: You’ve dealt with disagreements, people questioning your work, , business relationships that didn’t work out.
* Protecting your reputation: You’ve had situations where you felt people blamed you for problems you were actively trying to resolve, forcing you to defend your name and your company.
* Finishing projects: Getting a movie made is only part of the battle. You’ve had to deal with editing, sound, color, VFX, and getting completed projects in front of distributors.
* Growing the business: Turning Handsonfilmz from a production company into something bigger—with studio space, filmmaking services, and opportunities for other filmmakers—requires capital, structure, and long-term planning.
* Balancing vision with reality: You’ve had big ideas, but you’ve also had to figure out budgets, investors, contracts, staffing, and the practical steps required to make those ideas happen.
* Being underestimated: You’ve had moments where people didn’t see the amount of work happening behind the scenes. You’ve had to let your results speak for you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Handsonfilmz production first film production studio in Houston have 15 presents ?
What I Want People to Know About Me
I want people to know that I am a builder. I believe in creating opportunities, not waiting for them to come to me.
My journey in the film industry has taught me that having a vision is only the beginning. You have to be willing to put in the work, take risks, solve problems, and keep moving when things don’t go as planned.
Through Handsonfilmz, I am building more than a production company. I am building a platform where stories can be developed, films can be produced, filmmakers can have access to professional resources, and talented people can have opportunities to grow.
I have faced challenges along the way—financial pressure, difficult business situations, production problems, and people who didn’t always understand the work happening behind the scenes. But those experiences have made me stronger as a businessman and a leader.
I don’t claim to know everything. I’m constantly learning, improving, and finding better ways to build the business.
What matters most to me is my vision and my ability to keep going.
I want people to look at my journey and understand that success isn’t always about where you start. It’s about what you’re willing to build, how you handle adversity, and whether you keep moving when things get difficult. Subject:
I’m building a film school in Houston focused on giving people real, hands-on experience in the film and entertainment industry.
The goal is to create a place where students can learn all sides of filmmaking, including acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, camera work, lighting, editing, sound, visual effects, and production management.
I don’t want this to be a school where students only sit in a classroom and learn from books. I want them to actually make films, work on sets, use professional equipment, and gain the experience they need to build careers in the industry.
The school will also connect education with my production company and studio, giving students opportunities to work on real productions and learn how the business works from development all the way through distribution.
My vision is to build a program that develops local talent, creates opportunities, and helps people turn their passion for film into a real career.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about my city is the opportunity. There’s so much talent, creativity, and potential here.
What I don’t like is the lack of unity—the hate, the gatekeeping, and people not wanting to see each other win.
I believe there’s enough room for everybody to succeed. Instead of holding each other back, let’s build together, create together, and make our city stronger together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Handsonfilmz_
- Facebook: Michael Mathis
- Twitter: Handsonfilmz_
