Bio
Mateo is an Ecuadorian-American documentary director and photographer based in Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in Ecuador, Mateo became passionate about storytelling after living in three different countries during his teenage years.
Moving to Los Angeles in 2018, Mateo enrolled in Santa Monica College to pursue an Associate's degree in Film Production, before transferring to UCLA's School of Film and Television for his Undergraduate degree on a full scholarship.
In 2020, he founded 'Decoded Artists', an initiative to uplift aspiring filmmakers with free workshops and grants. Decoded Artists' "Mobile Filmmaking Masterclass" was a great success, with over 15 short film submissions and sponsorship support from companies like LumaTouch, Filmic Inc, Moondog Labs and Final Draft Inc. Starting in 2022, he embarked on various crowdfunded trips to South America to seek stories for his documentary 'Artist Diaries' while simultaneously breaking into the industry in Los Angeles, working on film productions of all sizes.
In 2023, Mateo was chosen to partake in the Television Academy's Internship Program, joining Bunim-Murray Productions to work with their development team and receive mentorship for his documentary work.
Most recently, Mateo directed his first commercial for Apple/Beats by Dre with NCAA basketball athlete Kiki Rice. His project "Algun Dia" was chosen by UCLA Faculty for submission to the 2024 Student BAFTA Awards and the Student Academy Awards.
Directing Reel
HOME is with YOU (2024)
OPERATION STREET KIDS DOCUMENTARY (2024)
CAosina (2024)
this is taxco documentary series (2025)
Camera Work
