ABOUT ME
A Mini Introduction:
My name is Matt Cowley and I am the founder of Instinctive Media. I am a Videographer, Photographer & Drone Operator.
I enjoy a wide range of things, but definitely lean towards aesthetics and adrenaline activities. If I'm not behind my screen or camera, you might find me on the side of a mountain - scrambling - mountain biking - skiing or a host of other heart pumping adventures.
In contrast to nature, I love cars.. with a preference for performance or off-road vehicles.
I can be found on various platforms as Cowley33.
HOW DID I GET HERE?
Let's walk back through the steps that led me to this point.. Entering 2025
LET'S REWIND
Currently
GVC Drone Course
UAVHUB
"The GVC qualification is the certificate you need if you want to get an Operational Authorisation from the CAA to fly drones up to 25 kg in built-up areas safely and legally." - See Course
2025
Short Video Storytelling
Communication University of China
This course taught me to craft powerful narratives within tight timeframes, balancing visual pacing, editing techniques and platform-specific best practices. I gained insights into framing, audio design and storytelling hooks that ensure every second serves a purpose. These skills now guide my short-form videography, producing content that quickly captivates and holds audience attention.
2024
How To Make A Short Film
The British Film Institute (BFI)
This practical four-week course from BFI Education taught the art and craft of filmmaking with the aim of making a short film to share. Learners watched a broad selection of British films, including student work from the BFI Film Academy. Week 1 explored the single shot and the continuity system. Week 2 looked at what makes film unique and Week 3 focussed on how to make a good short film. The fourth and final week of the course covered editing and finishing touches.
2023
A2 CofC Drone Course
UAVHUB
"The A2 C of C (A2 Certificate of Competency) was introduced on the 31st of December 2020 to allow you to fly small drones 'close to people' and under the new regulations, you can operate a drone commercially."
2023
Introduction To Production Design For Film & Screen
Australian Film Television & Radio School
This introductory online course explores some of the basic principles and skills used in Production Design for film and screen.
2023
Digital Marketing Certificate
Ravensbourne University London & STUDIO BLUP
I identified and understood the key conceptual frameworks shaping the new communication landscape and explored how studios like Blup position themselves to gain traction in this environment. I then examined five practical creative strategies that can be used to create communications that genuinely engage within this evolving landscape.
2022
Email Marketing Certificate
HubSpot Academy
HubSpot’s Email Marketing certification introduced me to the fundamentals of crafting purpose-driven campaigns, opening my eyes to the power of targeted messaging over one-size-fits-all emails. I learned to segment audiences, personalise content and A/B-test subject lines and send times to boost open rates and engagement.
2022
Digital Marketing Certificate
HubSpot Academy
HubSpot’s Digital Marketing certification introduced me to core digital marketing principles, opening my eyes to the need for purpose behind every video rather than just visual flair. It taught me to align my content with marketing objectives, ensuring each project truly resonates with its intended audience.
2012-2015
Degree
Northumbria University
I studied Interior Architecture at University. The course ran alongside the Architecture students and shared elements with the engineering department. Unlike peoples idea of choosing the colours of curtains and cushions, this course would enable me to renovate or build structures, not just make them look pretty. It was an incredible learning experience and many of the skills I learned are still used today.
2010-2012
BTEC 3D Design
Bishop Burton College
My college course was a great way for me to explore different design avenues, with one in particular that inspired me to choose my degree at University, The project - renovating Hull's historic Grade II listed National Picture Theatre. We were given freedom to choose its new purpose and build the design around that. I chose a gym/ fitness facility. I had grown a love for fitness and it evolved into a great combination of fitness and design.
WHAT WAS I DOING BEFORE?
BEFORE I FULLY COMMITTED TO DIGITAL MEDIA
Personal Trainer & Online Coach
Before diving into digital media, I worked as a Personal Trainer and Online Coach. I had trained for many years and always told myself, “One day, I’ll compete and prove I can do it naturally.” Eventually, I made the commitment. This was the year I would step on stage.
What happened next?
Well, I could not have picked a worse time. Only weeks into my preparation, the world shut down. Gyms closed and I found myself training in my garden for most of my prep. Thankfully, the sunshine made those 10,000 daily steps and outdoor workouts a little more bearable.
As show day approached, the event was cancelled. I pushed on, aiming for the next one, but that was cancelled too. Finally, one show remained in the federation (UKDFBA). It was daunting, knowing all the competitors from previous cancelled shows would now be there. But I told myself that even if I never did it again, this would be the best shape of my life.
During that time, I started filming my check-ins on a little Canon M50, editing on LumaFusion with a kit lens my dad had given me. That is when I bought my first lens, the Canon 50mm f1.8, and saw how a different look could transform my footage. Something "Clicked".
As gyms prepared to reopen, I was back in with the team cleaning equipment. The manager (also called Matt) was buzzing to show me a track on the sound system. Something about the song made me want to create a video. I asked if I could film him after hours, just to see if I could make something of it.
That video changed everything.
We loved the result, and so did the owner of the UltraFlex chain. One shoot led to another, and before I knew it, I was getting paid for work I had only just discovered I loved doing.
I will never forget Matt’s excitement and encouragement. Instead of brushing off my idea, he gave me the chance and even shared the video around. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his support was the spark that set me on this path.
That video was the start of my career in digital media. It showed me that creativity, storytelling, and capturing moments could have just as much impact as physical training. From then on, videography, photography, and content creation became more than an interest. They became my new direction.
This was the video that changed my career path...
And if you're wondering how I got on in my show..
I WON!
LOCATION
Instinctive Media is ideally situated between Beverley & Hull, offering seamless access for clients across both areas and the wider UK. Our experienced team leverages this accessibility to deliver innovative marketing solutions that drive results. By combining strategic thinking with creative execution, we help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals.
