Matt Mantyla — MLB Content, FC Cincinnati & A Hoover Video Kid’s Journey Across 30 Countries
On assignment for Miss Universe in Ecuador. The pink mic sock is a choice. The GOE escort is not. Photo Credit: Matt Mantyla. Used with permission.
Matt Mantyla raised his hand at Ohio University orientation and switched out of the business school in real time because he knew he was in the wrong room. That instinct, trust the direction and take the risk, has defined every career move since. Today he’s Director of Digital Content for FC Cincinnati in the MLS, a role he moved into in August 2024 after serving as Director of Production in Major League Baseball’s creative studio.
His path ran through Hoover High School, a Miss Universe internship in New York, the Chicago Sky, a tech startup licensing software to every major broadcaster in America, and 30 countries along the way. In this episode Matt breaks down how networking, persistence, and a willingness to get uncomfortable built a career nobody could have predicted.
Why It Matters
Matt’s three pieces of advice for young creators are network early, get outside your comfort zone, and don’t quit. No secret formula, no shortcuts. The Seth Rogen line he drops near the end says it best: the only thing his successful actor friends have in common is that none of them quit. For anyone trying to build a media production career from scratch, this episode is the blueprint.
About This Guest
Matt Mantyla is Director of Digital Content for FC Cincinnati in the MLS, a role he moved into in August 2024 after serving as Director of Production in Major League Baseball’s online creative studio. A North Canton Hoover High School video production alumnus and Ohio University communications graduate, his career has taken him through a Miss Universe internship in New York, WNBA content work in Chicago, a tech startup licensing broadcast software to networks like ESPN and Turner, a stint at MLB, and ultimately to MLS. His career spans 18 years and shooting in some 30 countries. He credits the Hoover video production program as the foundation that made all of it possible.
Matt’s Bonafides
“
The only thing my successful friends have in common is that none of them quit. Just keep pushing in the direction you want to go.
”— MATT MANTYLA, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT, FC CINCINNATIHear This Episode
Watch Here
Episode Timestamps
Your ZoomPod — Exit Ticket
After this episode, you'll know:
- Why building your network early, even in third grade, creates career opportunities you can’t plan for
- How getting outside your comfort zone consistently is the one habit that separates people who make it from people who don’t
- What persistence actually looks like across an 18-year career that crossed 30 countries
- Why knowing a little about everything as a producer matters more than being the best at one thing
Gear & Affiliate Links
Trick out your kit, and your wardrobe. Both Adorama and SmallRig are having sales right now. Or wear your photography mood, grab a ZWOF set-wear tee shirt. If you use a ZWOF link, we may earn a small commission that doesn’t increase the price of your item.
Explore More
Check out our other great podcast episodes. Link and follow for more great learn-photography content: IG @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet.
Matt’s career started by saying yes before he was ready and stepping into rooms he didn’t know yet. Same instinct applies every time you pick up a camera.
Stop Shooting From the Stands →BUILD NOTE: Full transcript pending paste-in from Buzzsprout.
More From Matt
