BlackBerry director Matt Johnson tells us what happens when an outsider filmmaker goes mainstream

Guerilla filmmaker-turned-Hollywood-darling Matt Johnson sits down with Tom Power to talk about his critically acclaimed film BlackBerry, which is now available as a three-part series on CBC Gem. He also discusses how he’s dealing with mainstream success, and why his mission in life is to inspire young filmmakers to stay in Canada and make great films.
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[@seansweetman]

Matt Johnson is such a succinct and descriptive communicator, vulnerable too... you can see why he is a talented director.

[@YaBoyMacD]

agreed. an amazing communicator and clearly passionate

[@folarinosibodu]

Good voice. Good speaker.

[@killedbykato]

matt johnson doesnt miss, his interviews are just as compelling as his work

[@folarinosibodu]

Correct

[@CubedDimensions]

Loved Matt as a schoolshooter, as a wannabe player at the rivoli, and loved blackberry. Whatever the success does to his creative voice I'm excited to see it, i bet it'll be different and that's partly why I'm excited. Good luck Matt!

[@mtgox420]

checkout operation avalanche

[@lpzolob8365]

I was the head of marketing for the indie distributor for one of their early projects THE DIRTIES. I spent more of my time thinking about how to make this project successful as compared to some of the other films in our portfolio - to the complaints of some inside the company. There was just something about the project, Matt and Matthew that just had a special feeling. I'm not surprised the success is happening.

[@mosharv]

God bless your heart

[@BobyB64NG]

nothing like a special feeling

[@jeremymorrow9477]

Love this guy. Can't wait to see what he makes next. Proud to have him representing Canadian talent.

[@Themaritimes99]

Love this guys introspective expression

[@tmtmtg]

What he was saying toward the end about young film makers defining Canada's voice was amazing

[@aaronhall5715]

Glenn Howerton puts in my favourite performance this year by far. Love this movie.

[@RocketDogShawn]

I can’t wait for the Nirvana the Band movie!

[@constantyen]

Great interview. Matt Johnson is a genius

[@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep]

Surprising how this interview went, not complaining at all. Very deep insight into what the film MEANS

[@HollyHargreaves]

Love Matt❤

[@GrindhouseFunhouse]

Loved every minute. Very insightful all the way through.

[@flower5185]

Such a great interview. Matt's a really thoughtful guy.

[@visualpr3cision]

Never heard of BlackBerry but The Dirties is incredible!

[@anasatok5189]

Matt Johnson vs the film industry is the only fight I would bet on

[@benrosn8154]

Phenomenal film

[@PandoraJonesmodel]

I wanna move to Canada TO be a filmmaker :)

[@TheCosmic_Pizza]

Matt has been hitting the gym

[@alreadycomplete1213]

Matt you are such a beacon of inspiration for us creative canadians. Ntbts is literally my favourite show that exists and I've watched a lot of incredible shows Thank you for leading the way, creating art on the edge and remaining canadian thru it all. God this makes me sound like a conservative patriot 😅but I hope you know Im referring to the canadian spirit (not our government and history of oppressing others) and how all our countless greatest artists musicians and actors all become american and creating this inferior sense of capability and voice for the ones who they left behind. We need more role models that show us we can be known for our art and vision and don't have to make it in the USA or move there to gain recognition and impact a big audience

[@cjhoyle]

Wow, very surprised to hear him say his portrayal of Doug Fregin was based on @Matthiaswandel.

[@thebandplayedon..6145]

Great interview. It's too bad, we had a good thing going here with BB. Personally, still my favorite phones and OS to date. I miss them, tbh.

[@ibopwebop]

Atom Egoyan, David Cronenberg, Clement Virgo. Those are well known English Canadian film directors.

[@truthbomb7787]

he has the same cadence as david foster wallace

[@TheMikenanners]

Might not be the most popular opinion, but I loved how he talked lol

[@Themaritimes99]

Needs more footnotes

[@stlamb]

i am obsessed with listening to the two of them talk

[@Nicolas-Kage]

Wherea Nirvana the band the show Season 3?????

[@shitpostheavy]

Asking the real questions

[@alreadycomplete1213]

They've been getting asked this question by every fan for the last 7 years. It must be incredibly annoying. Please watch more interviews and you'll find the answer.

[@themasterbaetor3719]

Weird Al diss lmfao

[@Slinkylinky179]

And Tom Green diss, wth

[@seanwebb605]

If you want to direct self indulgent art house film then go right ahead. If you want a viable commercial film and take the money from distributors then don't be surprised that they want to be certain on a return on investment. Surprise not every director is some brilliant creative genius who warrants praise and consideration. By all means just write and direct for your own enjoyment. That doesn't mean it has to be valued by anyone else. Did the host do no preparation at all for this hand job?

[@seanwebb605]

Oh this is just painful to watch.