Developing Stories that Explore Identity
AJ Mattioli
In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the LGBTQ media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood.
AJ Mattioli is a trans producer and director with over 16 years of involvement in the entertainment industry known for his films WORDS and GUYS AT PARTIES LIKE IT. AJ has collaborated with many notable people in the LGBTQ community through his work. As a founder of ‘Mattioli Productions’, he’s created a production and distribution company that serves as a place for the LGBTQ community to ‘share stories through groundbreaking globally distributed content.’
What are you best known for?
I am most know for the documentary WORDS, a documentary film that is an exploration of identity. It stars Bob the DragQueen, Marti Cummings, Carmen Carrera, Miss Fame, Shakina Nayfack, Rain Dove, Cory Wade, and many more LGBTQIAplus favs! WORDS was also my love note to NYC, which truly comes through in filmmaking. Something else that I love is how many teachers felt the need to show this film to their students. It is entertaining and educational.
What is the first film you produced/directed?
The first film I ever directed was a courtroom drama called AN AFFIRMATIVE ACT dealing with two lesbians who weren't able to get married or adopt a son. This was in 2010 before marriage equality. The first film I ever produced was this silly anthology film called THE COFFEE SHOP. It is a series of shorts that take place in a gay coffee house. This is circa 2011. These were made after working in the art dept for about 7 years, so I was already in the field. I think they are decent for my first ones but you can certainly see the growth as a filmmaker in each film. They are vastly different than lets say my work in NEON BOYS which I Produced and Directed. My later work got better, as it should.
What are you working on that no one knows about yet?
I have a feature film called GUYS AT PARTIES LIKE IT currently in post production. It is a me-too inspired thriller. This American Pie goes horribly wrong... or right pending on your perspective. This stars Rupaul's Drag race contestant and host of Youtube’s BOOTLEG OPINIONS, Yuhua Hamasaki.
