MATHEW ATKINSON, Director

Director Matthew Atkinson was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. Matt moved to Toronto in 2001 to attend Humber College’s Film and Television Production Program. In 2004, Matt graduated from Humber’s Film program with honours in writing and directing. His thesis film, THE VACANCY, was chosen to screen as one of the top ten student films in Canada by the Toronto International Film Festival’s ‘The Best of the Best Student Film Festival’. Upon graduation from film school, Matt and his childhood friend Shawn Myrick, founded El Duo Motion Pictures, which would become the basis of the creation of DAKOTA.

DAKOTA is Matt’s debut feature length film. His short films have played around the world, picking up accolades along the way. He is currently writing a new screenplay entitled The Wild Society slated for production in the summer of 2009.

Filmography:

PERSONAL EFFECTS – 2007, 5 min comedy

STUBBS – 2006, 30 min comedy - TV Pilot

• The Comedy Network – Dave Ivcavic Productions

THE VACANCY – 2004, 11 min, comedy
• Honorable mention at ‘The Best of The Best Student Film Showcase’ presented by The Toronto Film Festival Group.
• The William F. White Award of Excellence for Filmmaking
• Official Selection of the New Zealand Film Festival
• Official Selection of the Rhode Island Film Festival

THE FILMMAKER’S WIFE – 2004, 22 min comedy
• Official Selection of the Coney Island Short Film Festival