NYWIFT Blog

By Nicolette Page

Welcome to NYWIFT, Carmen Matias!

A graduate of Hunter College in the 1970s, producer Carmen earned a degree in Broadcast with a minor in Theatre. Television was both an escape and a source of fantasy throughout her early life, ultimately guiding her toward a career in the medium, which she came to see as the best possible profession for her creative ambitions.

In our interview, Carmen discussed her experience producing and shared her advice for young creatives. 

NYWIFT Member Carmen Matias

You’ve been an award-winning television and radio producer since the 1970s. What first drew you to producing?

I was informed that to get a TV gig, I had to leave NYC, get experience in a smaller market, and if lucky, get back to NYC. I instead went to the NYS Employment Office and met Mr. Cohen, who said he would keep an eye out for me. He did and sent me to WNEW-TV on East 67th and 3rd Avenue. I interviewed for a PA job on Midday with Bill Boggs and got it. I was living the dream.

I was part of a team that consisted of an executive producer, producer, associate producer, and the host.

Producing came naturally to me because it was telling a story. Midday was a public affairs show. It got tricky to book talent from Broadway and the arts but we managed. 

Looking back, what moments feel most defining in your career?

A defining moment for me was when Desi Arnaz was a guest, and my producer asked me to have him on the show wearing a camouflage hat and a cigar and pretend he was Fidel Castro. I was mortified, but my boss insisted. 

I whispered in Spanish to Mr. Arnaz, and he said, “No worries, I’ll take care of you.” He said in a loud voice, “Absolutely not, I pay a publicity person to be here. Let Fidel Castro get his own”. This was a pivotal moment for me. Speaking Spanish helped me avoid an awkward moment, and I knew then that I was in the right place.

I have fond memories of my television days: holding Imogene Coca’s girdle as she removed it; explaining bilingual education to Rita Moreno; walking Alan Arkin to his hotel, talking about his favorite shoe brand, Mephisto. And Yul Brynner did not want to sign autographs because he did it only at the theatre. 

What advice would you give to aspiring producers who want to take creative risks?

My advice to aspiring producers is to be YOU! Stick to your ideas and know how you see them evolving. And always have a plan B ready. 

How do you build a strong creative team around a project?

Always have a team that you respect and who have their own ideas. Bring in those who differ but understand your vision for a project. I am now developing a TV sitcom, and my team couldn’t be more different than one another, although in similar media fields. 

What brings you to NYWIFT?

I joined NYWIFT to be in a community with fellow producers, exchange ideas, and support one another.

(All images courtesy of Carmen Matias)