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BIO...

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At age 10 Matthew was diagnosed with the physical disabilities Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and avascular necrosis. These conditions caused the collapse of Matthew’s right hip, resulting in crippling and chronic pain.  Because Perthes Disease is a progressive form of arthritis, Matthew continued to suffer from chronic pain and depression.  He began writing and performing to cope with the trauma and months spent in a body cast.  Creative writing gave Matthew a very necessary channel for accepting his difficult reality. 

While in high school, Matthew wrote for his school’s newspaper, garnering awards for journalism, poetry and artwork.  While attending the University of North Texas, Matthew’s literary talents further developed garnering him academic recognition with Phi Beta Kappa honors and numerous awards for his short stories.

As a novelist, Matthew has been published worldwide. In 1994 his novel Webcutter was published in the U.S., France and Japan, and Canada in 1996. Between 1995 and 1996, Matthew wrote, directed and co-produced a series of short films, including “Garden of Eden,” an official entry in the 1996 AFI/Sony Video Competition.  His other literary accomplishments include being a semi-finalist in the Chesterfield Company's 1997 screenplay competition. In 2003, Matthew optioned an independent screenplay and in 2005 sold his screenplay “Three Meters to the Left.”

In 1998, Matthew wrote, directed and starred in the short film “Petty Thieves.” That same year Matthew was accepted for admission to the prestigious British American Drama Academy’s Midsummer in Oxford Program. However, due to complications from his chronic pain and progressive arthritis was unable to attend. In 2000, Matthew was diagnosed with osteonecrosis and re-diagnosed with avascular necrosis, forcing him to undergo total hip replacement in early 2001 returning to filmmaking in 2002.

Matthew has built an impressive resume inside the film industry, working for Encore Non-Linear, Warner Bros. Theatrical Legal Department, Universal Home Entertainment, and MGM's Business Affairs and Entertainment Legal departments.  In 2005, Matthew was diagnosed with congenital spinal defects and neuropathy, both of which result in intense chronic pain.  This led to his retiring from studio work and re-dedicating himself to his craft of writing.



Copyright 2013 Matthew Van Vlack & Laura Tooley.