Mateo is an Ecuadorian-American storyteller with experience in creative direction, content production and branding. He is based in Los Angeles, California.
Growing up between South America and the United States, Mateo developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives from a young age. A graduate of UCLA's School of Film & Television, he is passionate about crafting narratives that celebrate unheard voices and highlight universal human experiences.
In 2020, Mateo founded Queer Films Now!, an online initiative supporting aspiring filmmakers through grants and workshops. In 2023, he launched Mindo Laboratories, a production company focused on branded content and original films.
As of 2025, Mateo has filmed and produced content in the U.S., Colombia, Western Europe, and China. Beyond his production work, he has contributed to creative marketing teams at HBO, Illumination Entertainment, and the Television Academy Foundation.
Inquiries: contact@mateonikolav.com