Coming up with a great idea is only half the battle, you’ll need to know how to effectively “pitch” your vision to get the sale. In this unique event, Award-Winning UO Alumna and Little Engine Productions Founder, Gina Matthews, shares the secrets to crafting an entertaining pitch for a film, television series, product or even yourself, that will keep audiences on the edge of their seat.
Matthews’ experience and success in film and television as a producer, writer and director (see full bio) has given her a front row seat to countless pitches, across all genres - some successful, some not. She will share her wisdom, show excerpts from real-life Hollywood pitches, and sprinkle memorable anecdotes along the way.
Tuesday, May 9 | 7 pm | Allen Hall 141
ABOUT GINA MATTHEWS
Like the acclaimed children’s book, Little Engine Founder and Award Winning Producer, Director and Writer, Gina Matthews has a guiding belief when it comes to business; “I think I can.” That ‘can do’ attitude was ingrained in Matthews at a young age by her hard working immigrant mother, and it has proved especially valuable in the making of several successful films and over 100 hours of television.
Matthews’ credits include the hit romantic comedies “What Women Want” starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, “13 Going On 30” starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and “Isn’t it Romantic” starring Rebel Wilson and Liam Hemsworth. She began her producing career with the “Urban Legend” horror franchise, and most recently produced the true story romantic drama “All My Life” for Universal Pictures.
Having produced big budget films and show-running several television series, Matthews has honed her skills by working with all aspects of the entertainment industry from writers and directors, A-List stars, film and television crews, physical production, post production, studio and network executives.
Matthews is known for her tireless work ethic, strong creative skills and deep talent relationships and has garnered particular praise and recognition for her commitment to developing projects with strong female characters and underrepresented voices.
She was awarded an Emmy for Showtime’s “Summer’s End” starring James Earl Jones. “The Wishing Tree” starring Alfred Woodard and Blair Underwood was nominated for five Emmys. Matthews received a GLAAD award for tv series “Popular” which she co-created with Ryan Murphy. Her Event Series “Saints & Strangers” was lauded for the authentic portrayal of American Indians and received a WGA Award, the prestigious NAMIC award as well as three Critics Choice Nominations.
But the recognition in which Matthews feels will have a “lasting impact” is the ReFrame Stamp earned by “Isn’t It Romantic” for demonstrating success in gender-balanced hiring.
As an EU Passport holder, Matthews is well-versed in the world of International Co-Productions and has filmed projects all over the globe including the Czech Republic, Croatia, Turkey, Canada and South Africa. Her Emmy nominated series, “Missing” starring Ashley Judd, was shot entirely on location in Europe and was delivered on time and under budget.
Most recently, Matthews’ served as Executive Producer and Show Runner for the holiday RomCom series, HOLIDAZED. In addition to co-writing the finale, Matthews stepped into the directors chair for the first time, launching what will no doubt be the next successful phase of her career.
Matthews works in the tech space as well having created and produced the world’s first interactive AR dance show, MOVE IT! for Snapchat, in which Matthews build 60 AR Lenses. Little Engine served as the studio.
Matthews graduated from University Of Oregon with a BA in Telecommunications & Film and a Minor in Photography. She is a member of the WGA, PGA, and Television Academy and resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two wonderful children who still cite “The Little Engine That Could” as their favorite children’s book.