About

Software Engineer, Filmmaker, Amateur Landscaper

With over two decades at the intersection of storytelling and technology, Matthew is a seasoned Creative Technologist specializing in building high-performance digital ecosystems. Currently a Lead at Valtech (formerly Kin + Carta), he focuses on migrating legacy monoliths into modern MACH architectures (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless). By integrating complex data streams with cloud-based delivery, he ensures data integrity while achieving industry-leading performance.

The Digital Portfolio

Matthew’s work has supported some of the world’s most iconic franchises, including Spider-Man, Disney’s Cars, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Fast and the Furious. A career highlight remains seeing his Fast and the Furious web build featured during a Final Four broadcast—a proud moment for a lifelong Michigan State Spartan.

His technical and design excellence has earned prestigious industry recognition, including:

• 3 W3 Awards

• FWA Site of the Day

• Communication Arts & Pixel Awards

The Cinematic Lens

Beyond the browser, Matthew is an accomplished filmmaker with two feature films and over 20 shorts to his credit. His work has garnered 25+ Official Festival Selections, most recently showcasing his short film, Reasonable Doubt, at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

In 2001, he founded the uPressplay Online Entertainment Network, a pioneering platform that promoted over 1,000 independent artists and produced award-winning original content, including "Best Dramatic Short" at the NY International Film Festival.

Background & Education

A Detroit native and Michigan State University alumnus (B.A. in Advertising), Matthew’s creative spark began with comic book illustration and theater. He further refined his craft at Columbia College Chicago’s Film and Video Program, graduating with honors. He is currently based in Chicago and is adding "French" to his list of spoken languages.

Technical Specialties

• Frontend & Logic: Next.js, React, TypeScript, JavaScript, GraphQL, Node.js

• Styling & UI: SASS, Tailwind CSS

• Headless & Search: Contentful, Contentstack, Algolia

• Creative Suite: Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere

• AI Implementation: OpenAI, Gemini, Sora