Matt Shea is a highly acclaimed and esteemed British documentary filmmaker, journalist, and presenter, widely recognized for his extensive and diverse range of work that consistently explores the most intriguing and often controversial aspects of crime and fringe stories, captivating and engaging audiences from all corners of the globe with his unique and thought-provoking perspectives.
Shea's remarkable career trajectory commenced with a writing stint at VICE Magazine, serving as a creative catalyst for the burgeoning digital landscape. As the medium continued to evolve, he adeptly transitioned into the realm of production, overseeing a diverse range of films and series that captivated audiences across digital, broadcast, and feature documentary platforms.
One of his most notable endeavors is the critically acclaimed documentary series Gaycation, which boasts the talented Elliot Page as a prominent cast member. Additionally, his thought-provoking documentary Chemsex garnered widespread attention for its thought-provoking narrative and poignant exploration of its subject matter.
Shea, a multifaceted creative force, is the mastermind behind the documentary series High Society, which delves into the complex and often controversial world of the UK's drug culture. Through his tireless efforts, he has managed to secure unprecedented access to individuals involved in the criminal underworld, providing a one-of-a-kind perspective on this sensitive topic.
In addition to his work on High Society, Shea has also directed and produced a feature-length documentary titled Time To Die, a project that spanned an impressive four years in the making. This award-winning exposé shines a light on the illegal global network that traffics in assisted-dying methods, revealing the shocking truth behind this lucrative and often deadly trade.
Through his work on Time To Die, Shea has demonstrated his ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and integrity, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim within the documentary filmmaking community.
Shea's impressive portfolio comprises a diverse array of viral documentaries produced in collaboration with VICE, showcasing his remarkable storytelling abilities and versatility as a filmmaker. Notably, his documentary series "Iceman" garnered significant attention, as did "Targeted Individuals", "The Pink Cocaine Wave", "Ravers Vs. Putin", "The Celebrity Millionaires of Competitive Gaming", and "The Last Festival on Earth", further solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller capable of captivating audiences with his unique narrative style.
Shea's remarkable contributions to the world of filmmaking have left an indelible mark, garnering widespread acclaim from his peers in the industry. His pioneering efforts have enabled him to achieve a milestone, making him the first journalist and presenter to ever gain unparalleled access to the Albanian Mafia and the notorious Colombian Clan Del Golfo Cartel.
This groundbreaking achievement has been showcased in the esteemed Channel 4 documentary, A New Cocaine Mafia, where his tireless work has shed new light on the dark underbelly of organized crime.
Shea's exceptional reporting for VICE, a special report titled "The Dangerous Rise of Andrew Tate", published in January 2023, sparked widespread interest and attention, but later faced scrutiny and criticism due to accusations of fabricating false information.