Matt Adams

I moved to NYC 9 years and 11 months ago to learn how to make videos. When I first moved here, I didn’t even really even know the difference between film and video!! I’m serious. I had no clue. All I knew was that I wanted to make stuff that was completely new and I wanted to use some kind of camera to make that happen. 

I met Charlie in 2005 while I was taking classes at the UCB. He was my substitute teacher and I had recognized him from his website. My mom was actually the one who had told me about IE. She had heard about the No Pants subway ride and sent me a news clipping in the mail.

After my Improv class, I rushed home and emailed him. I told him that if he ever needed more people to help shoot videos that I would love to help out. I was so excited about what he was doing. It was totally new and it was unlike anything I had ever seen. 

Over 5 years later, I’ve been a part of over 40 IE videos and have met some pretty awesome people. IE continues to be a huge part of my life and Charlie has become of of my closest creative collaborators. I feel so lucky to be a part of a group with so many talented people. Thanks Charlie!!  charlietodd:

I moved to New York on July 10, 2001, exactly ten years ago. I figured I’d mark the occasion by posting a self-portrait I took somewhere in Manhattan my first week.

I worked in a used CD store (remember those?) for the first week and then moved on to the more lucrative job of temping. I slept on a too-short couch in an un-air-conditioned apartment with a roommate who smoked (remember when people smoked indoors?)  Also, my walk to the G train was uphill both ways.

Each year has been better than the one before it.  I love New York!