Born on November 15, 1982, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Shaun Mathis embarked on his journey in the film industry with a vision to tell compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. His initial foray into storytelling began with writing novels, but his passion soon led him to the dynamic world of filmmaking. In 2010, Mathis relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, a burgeoning hub for film and television production, to immerse himself in the cinematic arts. FilmFreeway
Breakthrough in Filmmaking
Mathis’s significant breakthrough came in 2015 when he co-wrote and co-produced the short film “Take Over Your Trap,” featuring Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist 2 Chainz and the late Bankroll Fresh. The film premiered at the 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, garnering widespread acclaim and establishing Mathis as a formidable talent in the industry. FilmFreewayHome
Establishing Laconic Productions
Following the success of “Take Over Your Trap,” Mathis co-founded Laconic Productions with Justin Toulon. Under this banner, he wrote, directed, and produced his first feature film, “The Plug,” in 2016. The film achieved remarkable success, securing distribution via Amazon Prime Video and amassing over 4.6 million views since its release in December 2017. HomeFilmFreeway
Documentary Filmmaking: “Miles in the Life”
In 2017, Mathis expanded his repertoire by directing and producing the documentary “Miles in the Life: The Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker.” Narrated by esteemed actor Clifton Powell and executive produced by Benny Boom, the documentary delves into the life of Jabari Hayes, offering an unvarnished look at his experiences within the Black Mafia Family. The film secured distribution at the American Film Market and was publicly released in October 2019, receiving critical acclaim for its candid storytelling. FilmFreeway+2Los Angeles Sentinel+2Home+2
Founding Anti-Hero Productions
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Mathis established Anti-Hero Productions, a full-service production company specializing in music videos, short films, documentaries, feature films, and reality shows. The company has collaborated with Grammy-nominated recording artists, legendary actors, and major studios, with its work premiering at prestigious festivals such as SXSW and Sundance, and airing on platforms like Apple TV, STARZ, BET+, TV One, AspireTV, Amazon Prime, and Tubi. Home+3Anti-HeroProductions+3FilmFreeway+3
Commitment to Mentorship: The Writers Room Collective
Beyond his production endeavors, Mathis is deeply committed to nurturing emerging talent. He leads the Writers Room Collective, an award-winning writers’ room based in Atlanta. The collective boasts nearly 50 members, with four writers securing positions on major network television shows. Classes are held weekly via Zoom, allowing global participation, and each session is recorded to accommodate varying schedules. Anti-HeroProductions+1FilmFreeway+1
Recent Projects and Collaborations
Continuing to diversify his portfolio, Mathis penned the horror film “The Curse of La Patasola,” which received a theatrical release on January 14, 2022. His collaborations span a wide array of notable figures, including Cam Newton, Killer Mike, Future, Jermaine Dupri, and Clifton Powell. His films have been distributed across platforms such as AspireTV, BET+, Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Roku, reflecting the broad appeal and quality of his work. FilmFreeway+2FilmFreeway+2IMDbPro+2
Personal Life and Philosophy
Residing in Atlanta, Mathis balances his professional pursuits with his role as a father to two children, Jordyn and Egypt. He operates under the principles of integrity and quality, treating collaborators with utmost respect and ensuring that every project meets high standards. This philosophy has been instrumental in his smooth journey within the film industry. FilmFreewayHome
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Shaun Mathis’s trajectory in the film industry exemplifies a blend of creative vision, entrepreneurial acumen, and a dedication to mentorship. As he continues to craft compelling narratives and support the next generation of filmmakers, Mathis remains a pivotal figure in shaping the cinematic landscape of Atlanta and beyond.
