Educator. Filmmaker. Coach.
I teach and make films, and I coach people who want to understand how they work and find a way forward that fits.
FILMMAKER, EDUCATOR & COACH BASED IN SONOMA COUNTY
I’m Matt Ahl — a director, producer, and editor who has spent much of my career in the classroom. I studied film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, taught production at NYU Abu Dhabi, and returned to Tisch for a master’s in Art and Public Policy. Today I teach, make films, and coach creative adults here in Northern California.
WHAT I DO
Teaching, Film & Coaching
My work runs along two connected paths: helping people learn the craft of filmmaking, and helping people understand how they work and move toward what matters to them. The first grows out of years in the classroom and on set; the second grows out of years of mentoring students and creative people through the gap between intention and action. Wherever you’re starting from — student, filmmaker, or someone exploring coaching — here’s the place to begin.
Film
Instruction
Filmmaking
& Directing
Desire Path
Coaching
Teaching & Film
I teach filmmaking the way I learned it — hands on, with real projects and honest feedback. Students work through story, camera, sound, and editing while building the habits that carry a film from first idea to finished cut. Alongside teaching, I direct, produce, and edit my own documentary and narrative work.
Desire Path Coaching
Defeat “Clock Shock.” You know that moment when you look at the clock and think, “Where did the time go?” As an ADHD coach, I ask the questions we’re often too busy — or too afraid — to ask ourselves, so that we can uncover what’s blocking you and actually reclaim your time.
BACKGROUND
Education & Experience
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts — BFA in Film & Television Production. NYU Tisch — MA in Art and Public Policy. NYU Abu Dhabi — film production faculty.
Interested in working together?
If you’re hiring for a film course, looking for a mentor, or exploring coaching, I’d be glad to hear from you. Tell me a little about what you’re working on, and we’ll find the right next step.