– By Melissa Tobin and Steven Woodhead

Talking to independent filmmakers is one thing, but sit down with any of them and they’re all quick to point out that all their films are the result of the hard work of many.

There are those working behind the camera, too - sometimes in larger crews than you would ever expect for an indie film. These are the people that come out to work for sandwiches and beer, not money (in every case). On any given set, there are people with acting expertise, lighting skills, or camera savvy.

We found two such members. Glen Matthews, an actor, and Henry Townsend, a special effects technician. As it happens, they had both been working on the same film when we found them.

Glen Matthews

Glen Matthews on set of Headrush

Glen Matthews has become a name to watch out for in the Halifax independent film scene, whether he likes it or not.

The 23-year-old actor has been in the business for just three short years, with about 15 gigs behind his belt and plenty to follow. This year alone he was part of the comedy short Headrush, the online show Parker Porkham, and the feature film Streets of Domination, all pending release dates. As well, Matthews had written, produced, and directed several of his own works.

Originally from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Matthews moved to Halifax to go to school. He began acting as a side project and decided to take classes at the Neptune Theatre to improve his acting skills. He says his success is in part due to being at the right place in the right time.

“I’ve been really lucky in terms of doing things that I actually really like and not doing stuff just to keep busy or just for money,” said Matthews.

While he has only been a part of the community for a few years, he has become a well-known figure within the indie scene.

But like many in his position, Matthews still works a minimum wage job to pay the bills. He says he needs to do this because there is not enough work out there for him.

“The positive (part of the Halifax indie scene) is there’s a lot of talented people here. The negative is that there isn’t much work going around.”

Matthews enjoys being an actor in Halifax. The indie community is easy-going and welcoming, but he says that fact that it is a tight knit community means everyone talks.

“You have to be willing to work with people. You have to show up with a good positive vibe, because if you don’t, I think word of mouth will instantly kill you.”

As for making it in the big leagues, it’s just as wait-and-see. Matthews has a role in the Jason Eisener feature film Hobo with a Shotgun, and hopes to continue doing acting, but without the spotlight.

“I always wanted the Intercontinental Title, not the champion, like the very, very top one,” said Matthews. “Because I always thought that was much more important. That’s the body, that’s the middle card, that’s where it all lies. And I think I hold a lot of that underdog love for supporting characters in a film.”

You can check out Glen Matthews in the new Picnicface video Rollertown, or check his blog.

Page Two