Matt Lubetich sits as the COO of Bigfoot Entertainment, a sprawling complex located in Mactan, Cebu. Bigfoot Entertainment is the parent company of Bigfoot Productions, Bigfoot Studios, the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT), Fashion TV and New Cebu Films. His diverse interests range from corporate to creative. Before joining Bigfoot, he was a partner at Big Twenty, Inc., specializing in multimedia productions for Microsoft and Paul Allen and edutainment for kids and music videos. Following that, he moved onto the role of corporate producer at Microsoft Studios before going into independent consultancy. Matt has created a wide-ranging portfolio of marketing/training programs for Fortune 500 clients, including Conoco-Phillips, Georgia-Pacific, and Target Stores. He has also bagged accolades, with Multiple Telly, MCA-i and Omni under his belt. He has produced two feature films Redemption (1997), which earned an honorable mention at the 1999 Methodfest Film Festival in Los Angeles, and dot-CON, an award-winning high definition drama/satire. For more about Matt, read on.
Would you rather be feared or loved?
It is easy to be feared. I’d much rather be loved. It takes more effort to be loved.
Which period in the past would you like to visit? Why?
Turn of the 20th century. A boom of immigrants migrated to the USA. I’d like to see how they were treated and how they felt (Italians, French, Polish, Slavs) so they can be reminded what it’s like for the Asians that are migrating to North America now and not to be so judgmental.
The worst book you have read?
Any book mandatory in high school. What good is reading if you gain nothing from it? Dante’s Inferno and Homer. I could barely understand Scooby Doo in high school, how could I understand century old English?
The most photogenic face in the world?
My baby boy, Jakob.
If you were a movie what would its title be?
Around The World in 80 Days.
What color describes your life? Why?
Black. Because most people don’t know of this part of black in the creative realm known as 110 percent black, like ultra black. On the surface, you think it’s just black, but once you look, there is so much more in 110 percent black. It becomes colorful.
How would you describe your state of mind?
My state of mind right now is a bit chaotic. I expect it to regain clarity in my 40s.
Why do roses have thorns?
So we all remember the bite of beauty. Better yet, the bite of supposed beauty, I don’t like roses. Too perfect, too bland.
If you were to confess only one sin to God, what would it be?
That all my selfless deeds are done in selfishness.
The best place on earth? Why?
For me, there is no best place on earth unless it is combined with the best time of the day/night. Sunset, San Juan Island in Washington, in August when the whales are migrating. October, Pacific Northwest when the winds and rain start and the leaves have fallen making a big mess on the ground. It’s dark and dreary at 5 p.m. Morning coffee on any major holiday in Cebu when all the people have left for the province and the place is like a ghost town.
The worst movie that you have seen?
Slacker, received a lot of praise for nothing. Should have never been released.
Who is your greatest influence?
My parents. Both in their mid-70s, they just visited the Philippines in February. My mom’s first long flight. It was one of my greatest moments to see their minds open up to what the Philippines and Filipino culture is about.
What do you value most in friends?
Truth. Whether good or bad it’s the only way to keep respect.
What supernatural gift would you like to have?
A healing touch so I could cure people’s physical ailments. Not necessarily disabilities, but painful ailments. Disabilities can be overcome. But there is nothing more disabling to the spirit than nagging, chronic pain.
The worst misconception about you?
I was born very broad shouldered so the misconception that I’m tough bothers me. I’m mentally tough, but physically, I’m not strong. And quickness and grace are much more powerful than girth.
If there is a name in your heart right now, who is it?
Ester, always Ester.
The one movie that made a lasting impression on you?
I’ve dedicated my life to movies, but hardly any leave lasting impressions. Recently, the Fountain. It just expresses the literal and figurative in a way I hadn’t thought of recently (story). The Banquet, for the use of colors. I really felt at home in the black/gold/red combinations. Too much of today’s world is decorated in white or cream, no emotion. From the past, it’s a Wonderful Life, not every star in the world is seen, but if gone, things would be different, like a negative black hole.
What do you like most about your work?
I have a dream job and am exposed to new cultures and challenges from around the globe every day.
What don’t you like about it?
It’s addicting. Once you are hooked, it’s hard to stop.
Complete the sentence…The world is a better place to live in if…
Everyone had a first person perspective of where everyone else comes from.
What makes you angry?
Tough question.
When are you happiest?
When I’m meditating, giving myself some time.
If you have wings, where would you go?
Nowhere special, I’d just take a bird’s eye view of my immediate surroundings. So much to be learned when looking down from above.
The movie that made you cry?
Recently, Reservation Road.
What is your philosophy in life?
Put down the books, find your own philosophy and live your life whole heartedly until you die.
If you were a tree, what would you be? Why?
I want to be a Teak because they are limited, hard, live long and are desired. But I am more like Bamboo, flexible, strong and quick to re-grow. Not quite like a tree.
What do you think of organized religion?
I was raised Catholic. My parents are devout Catholic. My son is named after two great Christians. I love the tradition of organized religion, but I fear the steadfastness of organized religion.
How do you want to be remembered?
If I am remembered, that’s a great thing. But in the end I’d rather not be remembered than be remembered for something terrible.