Is there a “secret sauce” to fast-tracking your career in the television industry? If you’re Matt McInnis, whose rapid ascent from assistant to a producer and as someone many aspiring producers would seek to emulate, that “sauce” actually lies in starting at the bottom. From his humble beginnings as a producers’ assistant on Smallville to producing some of the most highly regarded and beloved Marvel Television series and the worldwide sensation The Witcher, McInnis’ career trajectory is a testament to being rewarded for putting your ego aside, embracing learning from those more experienced than yourself, and contributing whatever needs to be done for the team.
With MicInnis’ love for genre television dating back to when he was just nine years old and a huge fan of The X-Files, fate intervened when he discovered that a neighbor was a producer of the show in Vancouver, Canada. Boldly knocking on the neighbor’s door, young McInnis asked if he could be in the series. The producer obliged, inviting him to be an extra, and from that moment, McInnis knew he wanted to dedicate his life to making others feel the way he did while watching his favorite stories unfold on television.
Now, McInnis has produced major international television series on location in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Iceland, Cape Town, Toronto, and Vancouver. However, when first starting out, McInnis credits his time as a producers’ assistant on Smallville for laying the foundation of his career. Taking a roll-up-his-sleeve attitude to perform tasks such as making photocopies and fetching lunches, he used the opportunity to absorb as much information as possible by sitting in on meetings. “Becoming an assistant is the best thing that could have happened to me,” he reflects. “It is also truly what you make of it.”
McInnis advises those looking to break into the industry not to be afraid of starting at the bottom, as hard work is recognized and teamwork is highly rewarded. With the entertainment industry being one of the last true apprenticeship industries, McInnis emphasizes that kindness is paramount in forging one’s path to success.
One of McInnis’ passions lies in representation and inclusivity. He envisions a future where he can use his influence to further inclusion and create content where everyone sees themselves represented meaningfully. His dedication to this cause sets an inspiring example for others in the industry.
Rising from producer’s assistant to a world-class producer is a testament to Matt McInnis’ power of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. As he continues to produce beloved series like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and The Defenders, his story serves as an inspiration for those aspiring to make their mark in the entertainment industry. Through his journey, McInnis has demonstrated that starting at the bottom can lead to greatness and that kindness, dedication, and a passion for representation and inclusivity can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career.