{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Matthew Weiss on Going from Lawyer to Film Maker","description":"Matt Weiss, director and writer of the documentary \u201cMan in the Red Bandana,\u201d is a traffic ticket attorney turned filmmaker who was called to action after hearing the story of a 9\/11 hero. His film focuses on how one person can affect thousands with just one selfless act. Matt wrote, directed and funded the film, and has found more fulfillment and lasting impact in filmmaking than he ever thought possible. With the help of friends, connections through EO, and sheer determination, Matt succeeded in creating his film and is now continuing his journey as an esteemed filmmaker and director. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:51 \u2013 Matt is the director and writer of documentary \u201cMan in the Red Bandana,\u201d and the project has become the core of who Matt Weiss is 01:10 \u2013 The film focuses on how one person can affect thousands with one ultimate selfless act using heroes of 9\/11 and has gained awards, features, and attention around the country 01:43 \u2013 Matt is a traffic ticket attorney in New York and has been a member of EO for 20 years and a part of the South Florida chapter since he moved to FL two years ago for a better quality of life 02:51 \u2013 He still travels to NY, but he employs 20-30 lawyers who fight thousands of traffic tickets and take care of those cases, so his business runs smoothly without his presence on a day-to-day basis 03:42 \u2013 Matt started working on \u201cMan in the Red Bandana\u201d 6 years ago without any previous experience in filmmaking when he was suddenly inspired by a story he was told 04:10 \u2013 At lunch, Matt\u2019s banker told him his son\u2019s story and Matt became determined and inspired to share it 04:30 \u2013 The story: Wells, the banker\u2019s 24-year old son, worked in the South Tower and was there when the North and South Towers were hit 05:30 \u2013 His family and friends thought he had died and held a memorial service without a body, and his body wasn\u2019t found until 6 months later; however, his mother never stopped looking for her son 06:16 \u2013 8 months after 9\/11 mother reads article, \u201cFighting to Live as the Towers Die,\u201d which is an account from survivors and she recognizes a description of her son as the man who was their savior 07:03 \u2013 Well\u2019s mother instantly recognized her son in the survivor\u2019s account because of his red bandana, which he carried with him since he was 8, and she confirmed his identity with the survivors 07:30 \u2013 Survivors met with the family and were able to piece together Well\u2019s last hour, his finest hour in which he saved numerous people and made various trips through the building despite the destruction, carnage, and horror 08:41 \u2013 It is a story of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness 09:30 \u2013 Matt felt everyone needed to hear this powerful story of heroism and selflessness 10:18 \u2013 His hope in sharing the story is to inspire people to give, care, and put others first 10:30 \u2013 Business was set up so he didn\u2019t have to do the day-to-day, so he had some free time outside of his EO chapter presidency 11:40 \u2013 Matt has pursued and accomplished a variety of things, including having run for mayor, so his wife wasn\u2019t surprised when he came home wanting to make a film 13:00 \u2013 As an EO member since 1996, Matt has enjoyed friendships with growth-oriented people and loves the unique opportunities and connections that EO provides 16:40 \u2013 As a lawyer, the research and writing portions of creating the film were the most comfortable, a script was quite similar to legal writings he had done 18:15 \u2013 Research and interviews shed light on the story\u2019s details 19:00 \u2013 The film connects the story with the person, and adds a comprehensive understanding to what took place 19:36 \u2013 Matt worked deeply with his editor to create exactly what he wanted and funded the project himself 21:00 \u2013 He didn\u2019t know the project\u2019s budget or timeframe and he wanted control and responsibility of it 22:50 \u2013Matt touches on how his efforts in filmmaking are so widespread and fulfilling, whereas in a breach of contract case only a few people know or remember it later on 23:30 \u2013 Chad Verdi of Verdi Productions helped him complete his film, and has now asked Matt to be a part of his new project, a feature film called \u201cVault,\u201d a true story about the largest vault heist in U.S. history 24:19 \u2013 Matt had a learning curve with his own film, working with Verdi Productions will make for a faster end product 25:24 \u2013 Matt has taken away amazing relationships, experiences, and learning opportunities while creating his film 26:05 \u2013 Having been a part of every aspect of the film\u2019s creation, he also directed Gwyneth Paltrow and wrote her script 27:20 \u2013 He met Gwyneth through an EO connection and thought her feminine voice would add a softness to the film 28:50 \u2013 He received so much help along the way and feels the story inspired them 29:26 \u2013 It is a tragic yet uplifting story that has driven many to honor him through songs, runs, artwork 30:30 \u2013 There is an amazing secret about Wells that Matt will not reveal 31:30\u2013 Film is available on iTunes, and Amazon, and has been played in theaters all across the country in 40+ locations and 21 states 31:45 \u2013 Film website 32:30 \u2013 Dave introduces \u201cBoxers or Briefs\u201d New York or Florida \u2013 Florida Law or Film \u2013 Film Star Wars or Rocky \u2013 Rocky Loafers or Sneakers \u2013 Sneakers Train or Car \u2013 Car Tesla or Porche \u2013 Tesla Pickup or Prius \u2013 Prius Power or Sail \u2013 Sail Book or Movie \u2013 Movie Audible or Paperback - Paperback 34:00 \u2013 Conference in Florida recap where Flo Ryda was present 34:50 \u2013 You can contact Matt in regards to the film here or you can email him regarding legal help in New York here 35:35 Dave closes the episode and encourages you to visit his website 3 Key Points: If presented an opportunity or story that strongly calls to you or that you feel the need to share, do not limit yourself to the things you have done before. Take the leap and create something new. Connections and relationships are key \u2013 daunting projects come together with the involvement of those who want to see it succeed. Sharing a powerful and inspirational story can mean the creation of a legacy \u2013 seek the creation something that makes a lasting impact and fulfills you. Resources Mentioned: Entrepreneur's Organization \u2013 The EO Network Fighting to Live as the Towers Die \u2013 Article about survivor\u2019s accounts Verdi Productions \u2013 Chad Verdi\u2019s company Man in Red Bandana \u2013 Amazon Man in Red Bandana - iTunes ","author_name":"EO 360\u00b0: A podcast by the Entrepreneurs\u2019 Organization","author_url":"https:\/\/entrepreneursorg.libsyn.com\/","html":"