Matthieu Meynier is a distinguished European cinematographer who divides his time between the vibrant cities of San Francisco and Paris. While his primary residence is in San Francisco, he returns to his charming home town of Vandelicourt, located approximately 45 minutes northeast of Paris, for six months each year. This unique arrangement affords Matthieu the opportunity to immerse himself in the rich cultures and picturesque landscapes of both locations. In San Francisco, he can fully engage with the dynamic arts scene and the breathtaking natural beauty that the city offers. Conversely, in Vandelicourt, he enjoys the tranquility of the countryside and the profound historical context that shapes his hometown. Here we discuss Matthieu’s lengthy career, how he plans his overseas projects and his motivations…
C&B: “Matthieu, you seem to be living the best of both worlds with your perfect bi-continental lifestyle! How long have you been in the wedding videography business, and what first prompted you to pursue this field?”
MM: “I’ve been a wedding videographer for twenty four years. My journey into this career began quite by chance when a friend of mine asked if I would be interested in editing for a one-stop-shop wedding company in San Francisco. At the time, I had no prior knowledge of editing or computers, but I decided to take a leap of faith and give it a try!”
C&B: “Didn’t you have to study or work with someone to gain experience?”
MM: “I’m completely self-taught and utilised numerous books to grasp the technical aspects of editing. Initially, I observed the editor as he worked his ‘magic’ and instantly fell in love with the possibilities of dissolves, wipes, and other effects – just kidding! In reality, I recognised a powerful medium for storytelling and decided to pursue it. Soon, I discovered that I possessed a talent not only for editing but also for filming. Although I came from a background in photojournalism, I understood the principles of framing and composition. Witnessing the impact of movement in storytelling captivated me further. Twenty-four years later, I am still engaged in this craft and love it more than anything.”
C&B: “Do you work alone or have you built a team?”
MM: “My team is quite small, consisting of one dedicated shooter, Matt, who’s been with me for over eight years. We’ve developed a strong rhythm and typically work together on most weddings. When Matt is unavailable, I have a network of exceptional cinematographers whom I can call upon to assist me. I firmly believe that a team’s strength is determined by its weakest member, so I always strive to enlist someone who possesses greater skills than I do and can serve as an outstanding associate shooter.”
C&B: “Wedding videography is a highly competitive field on both sides of the Atlantic; what would you say is your USP?”
MM: “My versatility comes from the fact that I was born in France, and I believe I bring a French touch to the wedding industry for American couples. If you ask other professionals and vendors in the industry, I think they would acknowledge my dedication to being a team player and my commitment to never backing down from any challenges. My storytelling is my biggest strength.”
C&B: “Of the many beautiful locations around the world, which are your favourites?”
MM: “Most of my work has been in California, shot in places such as SF City Hall, Beaulieu Estate Gardens, Villa Montalvo, and many other high-profile venues. I enjoy venues that have a European feel, which I think is due to my European sensibility and upbringing. I always find beauty in the architecture and the landscape, and I long for beautiful details in both the architecture and the setups. I’ve also had the opportunity to associate shoot in some remarkable venues, including Villa Balbiano and Villa Erba on Lake Como, as well as in Venice and various locations in France. This is why I greatly appreciate being back in Europe and filming there; the venues are steeped in history.”
C&B: “The weather in both San Francisco and France can be quite extreme at times – is that your biggest challenge when on a project? Or are there other logistics?”
MM: “I wouldn’t say there is a single ‘biggest challenge.’ Rather, there are various situations that can be challenging, but that is when pre-planning becomes essential. For destination weddings, I ensure that I allocate ample time to reach my location, allowing me to arrive fresh and prepared for the event. I conduct thorough research to identify what’s most important in advance, and I make it a priority to scout the venue beforehand. This way, on the day of the event, I have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.”
C&B: “Do you find your work stressful with so many pressures and things to think about? How do you relax?”
MM: “I find my work exhilarating. Is there stress involved? Yes, of course, but I strive to minimise it by being as prepared as possible. The most important aspect for my team and me is to remain flexible and understand that circumstances can change; stress does not contribute positively to the situation. It only exacerbates the challenges we face. Instead, it is crucial to present a united front, ready to excel at the events.”
C&B: “The wedding planning business is huge, and there are so many opportunities for collaboration. What have you been working on lately, and with whom?”
MM: “Being in Europe this past summer, I’ve been fortunate to participate in some exciting projects. Although not all of them fall under my brand, I truly enjoy collaborating with elite studios whose work has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Over The Moon, and Harper’s Bazaar. I had the opportunity to work on an editorial in Paris, which was immensely enjoyable, as well as associate shoots in France and Italy. I feel blessed to do what I do, and I am grateful to all the individuals who trust me to assist them. Whether I am shooting under my own name or for someone else, I always give it my all. I love what I do and do what I love!”
C&B: “With 2025 coming up fast, what are your aspirations for the coming year? Do you have any big plans or dream projects in mind?”
MM: “There are so many incredible individuals in our industry, and I am merely scratching the surface. However, expanding my network is always on my mind. Meeting exceptional creatives at conferences such as Engage and RSVP is immensely valuable. I’m truly in awe of all the talented people in our field.”
C&B: “Matthieu, your enthusiasm and professionalism come across loud and clear! What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment over your many years in the business?”
MM: “I believe that being in business for 24 years is a significant accomplishment, but my biggest achievement to date is marrying my lovely wife, Regina (above), in 2012. She’s the reason I am still pursuing my passion. She has encouraged me, even when it means me being away for several days. She’s my rock, and she makes me a better man.”
CONTACT: http://www.matthieumeynier.com
