Matthew Downe

Content Director  •  Producer  •  Director  •  Editor  •  FAA Part 107 Certified

mwd@matthewdowne.com   |   matthewdowne.com   |   linkedin.com/in/matthewdowne   |   Chicago, IL


Creative and technically skilled video production leader with 10+ years of experience spanning cinematography, post-production, creative direction, and branded content strategy. Proven ability to manage end-to-end production for national broadcast, digital, and social campaigns across technology, retail, healthcare, and entertainment. Now bringing deep production expertise in-house to partner with marketing and distribution teams, bridging the gap between compelling creative and measurable content performance. FAA Certified Remote Pilot with a passion for visual storytelling that drives results.

Managing Director  /  KWILL Studios | KWILL Merchant Advisors
July 2023 – Present  •  Chicago, IL
  • Lead creative strategy, content production, and team management for a full-service video studio serving clients in commercial real estate, private equity, and healthcare.
  • Oversee end-to-end content campaigns, from concept and scripting through production, post-production, and delivery, ensuring alignment with client brand and marketing goals.
  • Partner with clients to shape content distribution strategies for web, social, and internal communications channels.
  • Apply expertise in cinematography, drone piloting, and post-production to deliver broadcast- and digital-ready content on budget and on schedule.
Freelance Editor  /  Eicoff (Ad Agency)
June 2024 – January 2026  •  Chicago, IL
  • Edited national television commercials for United Healthcare and Relief Factor, delivering broadcast-ready spots under tight agency deadlines.
  • Collaborated with creative directors, producers, and account teams to align final cuts with campaign messaging and distribution requirements.
  • Gained deep familiarity with the full lifecycle of TV advertising, from agency brief through network delivery.
Partner / Creative Director / Editor / Cinematographer  /  Tall Tale Productions
May 2013 – September 2023  •  Chicago, IL
  • Co-founded and grew a full-service production company delivering commercial, documentary, and branded video content for 10+ years.
  • Directed, shot, and edited content for clients across multiple verticals; managed client relationships, scoping, budgeting, and project timelines.
  • Built branded content strategies in partnership with marketing teams to support campaign goals across TV, digital, and social platforms.
  • Utilized FAA Part 107 certification to produce aerial footage integrated into client deliverables.
Video Editor  /  AL Media Strategy
Aug–Nov 2022 & May–Nov 2024  •  Chicago, IL
  • Produced political advertising for local and national candidates in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
  • Collaborated with producers, motion designers, and creative partners to deliver content across TV, radio, and web, developing fluency in multi-channel content distribution and audience targeting.
Video Producer / Editor  /  Acquity Group
June 2011 – May 2013  •  Chicago, IL
  • Produced corporate marketing case studies, training videos, and event coverage; managed photography studio and equipment.
  • Partnered with HR and internal communications teams to create content aligned with brand and organizational messaging goals.
B.A. & B.S., Psychology  /  Southern Methodist University, Dedman College
2004 – 2008
Film & Media Production  /  Flashpoint Academy  •  Dean's List
2010 – 2011
Production & Creative Cinematography, Post-Production, Creative Direction, Drone / Aerial Photography, Broadcast Advertising, Branded Content, Documentary
Content & Strategy Content Campaign Development, Multi-Channel Distribution, Brand Storytelling, Content Performance (in progress: Google Analytics 4, Meta Blueprint, HubSpot Content Marketing)
Software Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer
Certifications FAA Certified Remote Pilot (Part 107)