For Nick Remy Matthews (BA(Hons) ’96), storytelling has never been confined to a single place, role or perspective. From making films as a 12-year-old in Adelaide to working on international productions across Europe, India, Australia and North America, his career has been shaped by curiosity and a willingness to embrace opportunity wherever it appears. Today, Nick is recognised internationally for his work behind the camera, collaborating with acclaimed directors, producers and actors on major film productions.

We caught up with Nick from his adopted home of the Mediterranean to hear all about a life in film…

Looking back, how did your filmmaking journey begin?

I’ve been making films since I was about 12 years old. The budgets have gone up a little since then, and thankfully I’m no longer roping my mum into acting in my projects! By the time I arrived at Flinders University, I knew I wanted a career in the creative arts but wasn’t entirely sure what form that would take. Studying acting and filmmaking gave me the chance to experiment, develop my skills and discover a real passion for visual storytelling.

What role did Flinders play in shaping your career?

Flinders gave me the freedom to explore. When I first arrived at Flinders, I thought acting might be my path. I’m still fascinated by performance and have enormous respect for actors, but I quickly realised I was more excited by the filmmaking process itself. Throughout my studies I was encouraged to think expansively and creatively while also developing confidence and communication skills. I still draw on those experiences today when presenting ideas or collaborating with large creative teams. Most importantly, it was where I fell in love with filmmaking and working with cameras.

You had as you call it, “a brilliant introduction to the industry.” What did those early years look like?

My first job was on Steven Spielberg’s mini-series Band of Brothers. I worked as a ‘slave’ in the camera department and learnt all about how big film sets work – it was a brilliant introduction to the industry. I remember sitting next to Tom Hanks and thinking ‘hang on, a minute ago I was making wedding videos in Adelaide!’.

Back in 2018 I filmed Hotel Mumbai, directed by Flinders graduate Anthony Maras (LLB/LP ‘03). I’ve been collaborating with Anthony for more than 20 years now and producing this film was the pinnacle of my career at the time. Shooting in India and Australia with the stellar cast, Armie Hammer, Dev Patel and Tilda Cobham-Hervey was an ambitious but rewarding project. I’m really proud to have been involved in that.

You’ve since won many awards for your filmmaking, and most recently won an International Film Festival of Australia Best Cinematography Award for Last Breath, which was based on a true story. How do you approach telling true stories?

There’s always a balance between factual accuracy and cinematic storytelling. It starts with the script, but there are occasions where creative decisions are necessary. On Last Breath, for example, I introduced lighting on an underwater structure that, in reality, wouldn’t have had any. Visually, audiences need to be able to see what’s happening. It’s a good example of how filmmakers sometimes adjust reality to serve the story while remaining true to the essence of what happened.

Much of Last Breath takes place underwater. What were the biggest challenges?

Communication was by far the most complicated part. We could speak to actors underwater through speakers, but they couldn’t easily respond. It made collaboration more complicated than on a traditional film set. This film also incorporated every kind of shooting: underwater sets, tiny cramped spaces, boats, and land. While the director and I spent months planning the visual style of the film, the specialist expertise of the underwater cinematography team was invaluable. Filming beneath the surface really is a completely different discipline.

What do you find most rewarding about your career?

The people, and the travel. I love that I work on film sets that bring together talented individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, all striving towards a shared goal. As someone who has been in the industry for a while now, I enjoy being able to help set the tone and create an environment where people feel supported and enjoy coming to work. Early in my career I experienced some sets that weren’t particularly positive, and I always promised myself I’d do things differently if I ever had the chance. I’ve also had the privilege of working with some extraordinary performers throughout my career, and capturing those performances remains one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

And what are the most challenging aspects?

The challenges are often the other side of the rewards. Travel can be tiring, and the intensity of production can take its toll. But I still feel incredibly lucky to do something I genuinely love. Whenever things get difficult, I remind myself of that and just get on with it.

Is there a dream project still on your wish list?

It’s not really in my nature to think about what might have been. I’m more interested in being good at “going with the flow”. That said, I’d love to work on a dark, intelligent, action-packed international espionage story. Consider that officially manifested through the Flinders alumni community!

Have you had opportunities to work with fellow Flinders alumni in recent years?

Not as many as I would like. Living in Europe means I’m a bit removed from Australia-based alumni. However, I was fortunate to reconnect with long-time collaborator and filmmaker Anthony Maras (LLB/LP’03). Last year we worked together on Pressure, a World War II drama starring Brendan Fraser and Kerry Condon. It has been wonderful to see audiences responding positively to the film, and Anthony has done an incredible job bringing a fascinating piece of history to life.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Probably the biggest change has been taking up free-diving. I’ve lived on the Mediterranean for more than a decade and finally started pursuing some of the hobbies I’d always dreamed about, including diving and learning to sail. Working regularly in Malta has helped with that. Interestingly, after shooting Last Breath, a film about a diving accident starring Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, I became even more interested in the sport. During filming I was often able to dive in the early morning before heading to set. Thankfully, my own experiences have been much less dramatic than the story we were telling on screen.

Last Breath is currently available to watch on Netflix, Hotel Mumbai is on Stan, and Pressure is scheduled for release in Australian cinemas in late-October 2026.

 

Interested in a career in film?  Studying Film and Television can lead to a variety of jobs. These include cinematographer, production assistant, video editor, multimedia designer, film festival programmer and film/television critic.