Dream Teams: From Backyard Films to Blockbusters with Mint’s Matt Samperi and Andrew Seaton

From grumpy toddlers on a tennis court to award-winning filmmakers, Matt Samperi and Andrew Seaton have spent more than two decades blending their personal bond with professional ambition, building Mint Films into a dynamic production company.

Their story isn’t just about making films — it’s about how trust, shared passion, and a touch of childhood magic can turn a lifelong friendship into a thriving creative partnership.

Matt and Andrew’s story began long before Mint Films was even a glimmer in their imaginations.

Their parents were friends, and the two have known each other practically since birth.

“I have vague memories of us being grumpy with each other on a tennis court when we were about three or four,” Matt recalls.

Andrew, on the other hand, remembers Matt’s family backyard as a place of wonder — a space where their imaginations ran wild.

“We were creative collaborators even back then,” Andrew says.

“We’d make little films and stop-motion animations with point-and-shoot cameras. It was just pure fun.”

By the time they were teenagers, Matt and Andrew were already making films together, honing their skills and developing a shared creative language.

“We didn’t even realise it at the time,” Matt says, “but we were laying the groundwork for what would become our careers.”

What makes their partnership so unique is how their personalities and skills complement each other.

Matt, the calm and level-headed cinematographer, brings a technical precision to their work. Andrew, the visionary director, thrives on big ideas and emotional storytelling.

“Matt’s ability to stay grounded is invaluable,” Andrew explains.

“I can get carried away with the creative side, but he’s always there to bring me back to reality.”

Matt, in turn, admires Andrew’s ability to see the bigger picture.

“Andrew’s a natural leader,” he says.“He’s always thinking about the next step for the business or how to push our creative boundaries.And he genuinely cares about the people we work with — it’s not just about making a profit.”

Their creative process is almost telepathic, a testament to the deep connection they’ve built over the years.

“We don’t have to have many conversations about stuff,” Matt says. “We’re often thinking what each other is thinking before we’ve said anything.”

Andrew elaborates: “I’ll have an idea of how something could come to life, and Matt has this technical prowess to back that up and go, ‘This is how we’ll actually achieve it.’”

This synergy is at the heart of their success, enabling them to tackle complex projects with a rare blend of creativity and practicality. The idea to launch Mint Films came about almost by accident.

While studying at university, Matt and Andrew took on a gig creating instructional videos for a pasta company.

“We walked out of that meeting laughing,” Andrew remembers.“We couldn’t believe someone was going to pay us to do this.”

That project became the catalyst for formalising their partnership.

In 2008, they founded Mint Films, a production company built on their shared love of storytelling and a commitment to working with good people.

Over the years, Mint Films has grown into a respected name in the Australian film industry, known for its high-quality commercial work and innovative creative projects.

But for Matt and Andrew, the heart of their business has always been the relationships they’ve built along the way.

“We’ve been lucky to work with some incredible people,” Matt says. “It’s not just about the work — it’s about the connections we make.”

Running a production company isn’t without its challenges. Balancing creative ambition with the realities of running a business can be tricky, but Matt and Andrew have found a way to make it work.

“We’ve always prioritised making good work,” Andrew says. “Even if a project isn’t the most glamorous, we still put our best into it.”

They’ve also made a point of pursuing passion projects outside of their commercial work, even when they’re not profitable. From short films to music videos, these creative endeavours keep their artistic juices flowing. 

“Those projects are like a creative recharge for us,” Matt explains. “They remind us why we got into this in the first place.”

For Matt and Andrew, the balance between creativity and business is a delicate but essential dance.

“We’re in it to be a profitable business,” Matt admits, “but at the end of the day, we want to be making good work and enjoying ourselves.”

As the film industry continues to evolve, Matt and Andrew are excited about the possibilities that new technologies like virtual production and AI bring.

“Virtual production is something we’re really keen to explore,” Andrew says. “It’s such a powerful tool for storytelling, and we’re hoping to find the right project to dive into it.”

They’re also mindful of the ethical and practical challenges that come with these advancements.

“AI is a bit of a wild card,” Matt admits.“But if we can use it as a tool to enhance our creativity, rather than replace it, I think it could be really exciting.”

In an industry often characterised by ego and competition, their friendship has been a constant source of support and inspiration.

“We’ve been working together for almost two decades now,” Matt says.

“And I think the reason it works is because we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. We’re not just business partners — we’re friends.”

For Andrew, the key to their success is simple: “We trust each other completely. Whether we’re on set or in a business meeting, we know we’ve got each other’s backs. And that makes all the difference.”

Matt and Andrew’s story is a reminder that great things can happen when passion, talent, and friendship come together.

As they look to the future, their goal remains the same: to keep telling stories that matter, with the people they care about.

“At the end of the day,” Andrew says, “we’re just two guys who love making films. And we’re lucky enough to do it together.”