Meet The Team
Writer Director and Producer
Matthew Brdlik
Matthew Brdlik is an award-winning independent filmmaker based in Chicago, Illinois, known for his exploration of strong themes and tonality in his work.
While studying at DePaul University, Matthew played a pivotal role in the creation of over 25 narrative, documentary, and experimental films. Among these was Dissidence (2084), a short film he wrote, directed, and produced that achieved notable success on the international festival circuit, earning two awards and five nominations. The film was subsequently optioned and licensed by Strange Loop Films.
After graduating, Matthew continued to make waves in the film industry with Tantalization, a project he wrote, directed, and produced that won The Storytellers Award at the Sidewalk Film Festival. His talents were further recognized when he was hired by Shed Films to direct and produce the Wild Gamble Documentary Series, a major $700,000+ project.
As he prepared to return to narrative filmmaking, Matthew crafted a series of engaging short films, including Nova Scotia Man, Rebranded, and his latest work, Reversed. He also wrote eight feature film scripts, ultimately selecting the best among them for his eagerly anticipated debut feature film, Instinct of Fear.
To view samples of Matthew’s work and explore his full resume, visit his personal website by clicking the button below.
Producer and Casting Director
Jake Bloom
Jake Bloom is a seasoned producer with over a decade of experience and a specialized expertise in locations management. Renowned for his “get-it-done” attitude, Jake has built a stellar reputation through his work on numerous successful award winning films, commercials, and music videos across the country. When a project demands quick, efficient, and high-quality solutions, Jake is the go-to professional.
In addition to his production work, Jake founded Wayward Casting in 2016, which has quickly become one of Chicago’s leading casting companies. Under his leadership, the company has collaborated with an impressive roster of talent, including Michael Shannon, Tobin Bell, Alicia Keys, Chance the Rapper, Lil Durk, Mick Jenkins, Vic Mensa, and many more.
Matthew Brdlik recognized Jake’s exceptional talent and work ethic during their first co-producing project together in 2018. Since then, they have continued to collaborate closely on a range of projects, including shorts, music videos, and feature films.
Jake’s dual expertise in both production and casting makes him a versatile and invaluable asset to any creative endeavor.
Director of Photography
Nicholas Emmanuele
Nicholas Emanuele is a distinguished cinematographer whose creative vision and technical prowess have made a significant impact in the Chicago film scene. He served as the cinematographer on the acclaimed feature-length experimental film Endless Content Forever, which earned the prestigious Grand Jury Award at the Chicago Underground Film Festival. Nicholas’s talent for capturing compelling visuals is also showcased in dozens of short films, including Dirtbag, which recently premiered at the renowned Chicago International Film Festival.
Nicholas brings a wealth of experience from working in the lighting department on high-profile blockbuster films such as The Killer and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. His expertise extends to serving as the 2nd Unit Gaffer for Paramount+’s acclaimed series The Chi across seasons 6 and 7. Over the years, Nicholas has contributed to a diverse array of projects, from feature films and shorts to documentaries and commercials, honing his ability to craft stunning imagery on both large and small scales.
One of Nicholas’s greatest assets as a cinematographer is his background in lighting. His extensive experience in this area has equipped him with the skill to achieve breathtaking visuals efficiently, often working with limited resources and small crew sizes. This expertise allows him to master the art of creating beautiful, time-efficient images that resonate with audiences.
Nicholas’s collaboration with filmmaker Matthew Brdlik has been both fruitful and enduring, spanning three short films: Nova Scotia Man, Rebranded, and their latest project, Reversed. This deep and established partnership has cultivated a seamless working dynamic, enabling them to hit the ground running on every new venture with a shared vision and mutual understanding.
As he continues to explore new creative avenues, Nicholas is excited to bring his refined cinematographic skills and innovative lighting techniques to The Gift of Fear, further cementing his reputation as a leading talent in the industry.
Production Designer
Hannah Darlene Strieber
Hannah Darlene Strieber is a highly accomplished production designer based in Austin, Texas, celebrated for her exceptional creativity and wide-ranging expertise in the film and television industry. A distinguished graduate of DePaul University’s honors program, Hannah holds a BFA in Film & Television with a specialized concentration in Production Design, underscoring her academic excellence and artistic vision.
Hannah’s career is marked by her impressive work on over 30 diverse projects, including narrative films, commercials, photoshoots, and complex fabrication tasks. Her expansive skill set encompasses critical roles such as Production Designer, Art Director, Set Decorator, Prop Master, and Special Effects (SFX) Makeup Artist. This broad range of experience allows Hannah to bring a unique and innovative perspective to every project she undertakes, blending traditional production design with advanced SFX techniques.
In June 2024, Hannah was honored with the prestigious “Best Production Design” award at the Premier Film Festival, recognizing her extraordinary talent and commitment to excellence. As she embarks on the exciting journey of Instinct of Fear, Hannah is eager to leverage her diverse skill set to explore new creative opportunities and contribute to the project’s success.
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