Educator. Filmmaker. Coach.
I teach and make films, and I coach creative, often neurodivergent adults on focus, follow-through, and finishing the work that matters.
FILMMAKER, EDUCATOR & ADHD 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 them build the focus to actually finish creative work. The first grows out of years in the classroom and on set; the second grows out of my work with focus, motivation, and follow-through. Wherever you’re starting from — student, filmmaker, or someone exploring coaching — here’s the place to begin.
Film
Instruction
Filmmaking
& Directing
ADHD
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.
ADHD Coaching
I coach creative and professional adults — many of them neurodivergent — on the practical work of getting things done: executive function, motivation, and follow-through. Together we build sustainable systems that fit how your mind actually works, so ideas turn into finished work. This is coaching and mentorship, not therapy or treatment.
SELECTED WORK
Film & Media
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. [TODO: add other roles, festivals, or notable projects Matt wants highlighted.]
Interested in working together?
If you’re hiring for a film course, looking for a mentor, or exploring ADHD 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.