My name is Matthew Roman, but I go by my middle name, Ari. I am a filmmaker and actor based in both Buffalo and Syracuse, New York. Having studied and worked on set in four countries, I am interested in the perspectives that can be represented and integrated into film. While my focus is in film, I have a past in history studies, esports producing, video game development, and photography. Some of my achievements that I am proud of from these other fields are: having competed in the National History Bowl for four consecutive years, organizing several esports events raising over $2500 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, and leading development on a VR game called Octagon.

 

​I am pursuing a BFA in film at Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts. Meanwhile, I’ve been employed by the VPA Equipment Cage where I have become proficient in various equipment spanning filmmaking, photography, animation, etc. Constantly, I am searching for a place to test what I’ve learned in these spaces. In total, I have worked on 60+ short film sets, one feature film set, and one TV series. The work that I am most proud of are: My role as key gaffer on Tim Rose’s “The Hunter,” best boy grip on Soudabeh Moradian’s “The Mermaid,” co-director of "Kiss of God" by Piper Mohring and myself, and finally co-writer, co-director, and producer of  “Felix” by Rob Petrie and myself.

 

As I finish up school, I am looking to continue working on set in the camera and film departments. Please reach out if there is any job you would like me to fulfill! In the meantime, I am working to distribute my current projects and writing the next one!