MATT CLARK

Staff Writer & Visual Journalist

• Contact MATT via e-mail
• Call MATT at 239-213-6042

He is a computer-geek-turned- filmmaker-turned-journalist, but for the Scripps Southwest Florida Group he is all three. Matt Clark has worked for the Daily News since May 2007 as a visual journalist and staff writer.

A native of Findlay, Ohio, Matt attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, which is about 30 minutes from his childhood home.

By the time he left Northwest Ohio, Matt had received numerous scholarships, honors and awards through involvement in his alma mater's community, including being recognized as the most outstanding print journalism student for the 2006-'07 school year. He graduated cum laude and with university honors in December 2006, receiving a bachelor of science in print journalism degree.

The son of a lawyer father and a professional, operatic singer mother, Matt's analytical and creative upbringing come full-circle at the Daily News. As a staff writer, he focuses deeply into issues surrounding the $1.66 billion, 80,000-student Lee County School District. He also produces videos on a wide range of subject matter, among them Lee County breaking news, education features and area high school football games.

At 24, Clark has spent nearly half his life producing motion pictures. He started at the age of 13. He has been producing films professionally for more than seven years, has received training from the world-renowned American Film Institute and has sold his documentaries across the United States.

When not working — which is rare — Clark enjoys dining at the diverse selection of restaurants in Lee and Collier counties, catching a flick, watching a concert and visiting with friends. On vacation, Clark enjoys trips to other countries and backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Recent stories:

• Area freshmen follow law, declare majors
  May 16, 2008
• Bonita middle schoolers building confidence by reading to their younger peers
  May 15, 2008
• Lee school unions freeze salaries, health benefits
  May 15, 2008
• Finally a feel-good real estate story: Broker gives expecting duck a free place to nest eggs
  May 14, 2008
• Bonita middle school teacher named Florida Educator of the Year
  May 12, 2008
• FCAT perfection, at least for some in Lee County
  May 8, 2008
• Program takes stock in students
  May 7, 2008
• Survey: Students think most teens are smoking, drinking
  May 6, 2008
• Growth of Lee schools a confusing numbers game
  May 6, 2008
• Lee School District looking to cut $14.6M from budget
  May 5, 2008
• See full list of stories by MATT CLARK...

Recent videos by MATT CLARK:

• Man finds bolt in soup
  MATT CLARK as Producer | May 16, 2008
• Duck gets free property
  MATT CLARK as Producer | May 14, 2008
• Bonita Springs brush fire
  MATT CLARK as Producer | May 13, 2008
• FCAT Writing+ star
  MATT CLARK as Producer | May 8, 2008
• Lauren Beougher speaks
  MATT CLARK as Producer | April 28, 2008
• I-75 crane collapse
  MATT CLARK as Producer | April 23, 2008
• Santa gets pay back
  MATT CLARK as Videographer | April 10, 2008
• Dolly discusses torch protest
  MATT CLARK as Producer | April 9, 2008
• Arend's last stand
  MATT CLARK as Producer | April 9, 2008
• Fifth-grade Dancers
  MATT CLARK as Videographer | April 6, 2008
• See full list of videos by MATT CLARK...