Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Skinner
Hi MATTHEW, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for video production and cinema really started back when I worked at Hollywood Video and Blockbuster. I loved seeing how movies could bring people together, and that connection sparked something in me. That love for film eventually led me to Alamo City Comic Con, where I managed vendors, booked guest artists, and even contributed creatively to their YouTube channel. It was through this work that I ended up sharing an office space at Alamo City Studios—a place that really opened my eyes to what was possible.
At Alamo City Studios, I was surrounded by an incredible community of creative professionals, and it changed everything for me. A huge shout-out to Kerry Valderrama, the owner of the studio. He gave me guidance and introduced me to a network of amazing people. Those connections helped me grow, both personally and professionally, and really pushed me to dive deeper into video production, photography, and multimedia.
During this time, I also co-founded Fanboy Media & Art, which gave me the chance to dive even deeper into the comic convention world. We represented comic book artists, helped connect them with conventions, and traveled across the U.S. and even internationally to book clients. That experience not only sharpened my business skills but also gave me firsthand insight into the creative processes and challenges that artists face.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I created and directed a documentary called Marbachumentary. It was a social experiment in the Marbach community, encouraging residents to help clean up their neighborhood. We featured local talent like Tejano Hall of Famer Gilbert Rodriguez, and the documentary ended up having a huge positive impact. To my surprise, it won multiple film awards at festivals across the country and worldwide.
Through Skinner Productions, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible people and notable figures. I’ve collaborated with the legendary metal band GWAR, worked with Major League Baseball stars like the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching coach, and partnered with New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino. I’ve also had the privilege of working with so many amazing business owners and companies, which has expanded my network and experiences.
Earlier in my career, through Fanboy Media & Art, I had the chance to interview incredible people like the band GWAR and Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Those were some unforgettable moments.
On the advocacy side, Beard vs Beans started in 2017 as a fun way for my brother and me to channel our energy while coping with our grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. What began as a playful rivalry has now raised over $135,000 with help from friends, family, and the community. The event has grown to include two 5K/10K runs (one is even an official Fiesta event), plus a 0.5K beer run for a little extra fun. In 2019, I was invited to join the board of the Alzheimer’s Association of San Antonio and South Texas, and for 2025, I’ve taken on the role of executive chair for the Longest Day campaign.
For me, this whole journey has been about learning, growing, and helping others along the way. I want to share what I’ve learned—mistakes and all—to make the path easier for others. That drive comes from the values my parents instilled in me while they cared for my grandparents and even a neighbor with Alzheimer’s. They taught me the importance of family, community, and showing up when it matters most.
At my core, I’m a pretty simple guy. I love dinosaurs, enjoy geeking out about conspiracies and UFOs when it’s not time to be serious, and am always trying to find that balance between work, business, and family. Whether it’s through my craft or my advocacy, I just want to keep growing, sharing, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has always been a struggle, in fact I’ve always considered myself one of the people that always has learned the hard way. I don’t like to take short cuts. Its a fast track to failure in the end, and unauthentic people, I’ve been let down my many people who I once followed for business advice.
Also the road of caregiving was brutal. My mother was the main caregiver for my grandpa and grandma, but my mother and father weren’t in the best heath, so the relied so much on me to help. From feeding my grandparents, bathing, doctor visits, and even restroom duties… all things that a young man doesn’t want to deal with. I kicked and screamed alot down this road, but I knew in my heart that I wasn’t going to deny the care that they once gave me.
I lost my mother shortly after we lost my grandfather which was a huge struggle. Not to just me but to my entire family. And once we lost my grandmother, it felt like someone hit the reset button and I had no idea what I needed to do, and lost alot of who I was. Its been a struggle building a business, growing an organization, and finding myself throughout all the trama that many of us deal with as humans.
On my business side I’ve always been good about networking, but sometimes the people who I looked up to weren’t always the greatest to colaborate with or grow with. I allowed myself to get walked over many times throughout my journey. I’ve had many mentors but I’ve learned that regardless of a positive or negative experience, I still learned alot. I learned who I can work with, who I can trust, and who I should trust. This has helped make the road a bit more smooth along the way, but has givien me insite to second question things, certian events, people, or projects that come along.
I would have to say that the hardes obstable for me to overcome has been myself. I have learned to stay out of my way at times, but i’ve always been my toughest critic.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SKINNER PRODUCTIONS, LLC?
Everyday I as a business owner I am focused on creating my own opportunities to grow.
I can’t rely on a single client to pay my bills, so I have to be as open to a range of different projects but within areas that I want to pursue. For instance… I’m not a wedding photographer, but I enjoy event photography for small business or entertainment related events. I love shooting photography for bands that come into town if I can reach a promoter or band manager, but would like to partner up with writers or local media sources to gain access to other things that a freelancer can’t reach. Currently i specialize in marketing media for small business and do a ton of real estate media as well. I don’t plan on changing this as they are crucial to keeping my business running smooth, but I do intend on growing in areas that I find additional, love, humor, or happiness in. The biggest thing that I am proud of when it comes to my business is that I built it all. I had to learn the skill necesary, I had to presue my clientel, and that I have created opprotunity for myself when no one would of just handed it to me. I haven’t always been a positive mindset person, in fact I still get in my own way sometimes, but I have found that in presuing my passion, I have found happiness that no one could of just given me. I’m self made and I’m proud to say that I litereally started at the bottom and I’m still trying to climb. I want readers to know that I’m struggling like any other person out there. I put one foot in front of the other and set goals that I would like to acheieve. Building a production company was one of them that has been over 10 years in the making. I’m not close to done, and I’ve only scratched the surface on my abilities, business ventures, and projects. I’m hoping to network with individuals in places that I find happiness and once I get there, I’m holding on tight because nothing lasts forever and experiences is all we have.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutley love my city, I love the culture, the sense of humor our people have, and no one else has the best tacos. I’m know for talking trash about Austin, Texas’ taco game. But I really give my all for my community, I advocate for the neighborhood I grew up in through marbachumentary. I helped clean up the entire road from pin road past 1604 because I needed to give back. I love how my community has help mold me into who I am today. In addition, I am a board member with the Alzheimer’s Association of San Antonio and South Texas. I’ve seen memories melt away due to alzheimer’s disease and I’m trying to advocate and share knowledge with those who may not know where to turn.
The thing I least like about our city is the homelessness and drug issues. Its not always easy for peopel to turn and ask for help, and some just don’t want help. But it is an issue and I’ve seen it firsthand on Marbach and 410.
Pricing:
- Every small business video or photography project has a different price point based on the needs of the client. Not all projects are created equally.
- I have a booking and service link for real estate media since the service needs are consistent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skinnerproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinnerproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skinnerproductions
- Other: https://vimeo.com/skinnerproductionsllc
