The Matt Laster Endowed Scholarship for Future Filmmakers
Help us raise $100k!
We are raising money to establish the Let's do this yeah! The Matt Laster Endowed Scholarship for Future Filmmakers at the University of Texas at Austin. This permanent fund will provide scholarships to students in the Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF), prioritizing students who have high need and academic merit, ensuring that even though Matt didn't get to finish his own masterpiece, the next generation can finish theirs.
What
Who
That’s you. You’re our Crew. Think of this endowment as Matt’s next great project—and by contributing, you’re the ones greenlighting the whole production. You aren't just funding a scholarship; you’re building a permanent support system for the next generation of storytellers. Every dollar puts fuel in the tank for a student to capture their vision and finally get it on the big screen. You’re the reason this story continues, and we couldn’t get the cameras rolling without you. Let’s do this yeah!
Matt was funny, brilliant, and deeply passionate about the craft of filmmaking—a passion that started right on the 40 Acres. While a bit of "dumb brain cancer" cut his own timeline short before he could snag that Academy Award, his love for cinema remains huge. We’re not letting his story end here. By donating, you’re helping us fund the dreams of students who are currently hustling, writing, filming, and editing their way to the big screen.
Why
Donations are 100% tax-deductible. UT Austin is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization under Section 170 of the IRS code and donors will be issued a tax receipt upon completion of their gift.
The Studio Head
$10,000 Donation
The Mogul. You didn't just greenlight the production—you bought the studio. You are our ultimate partner, providing the rock-solid foundation that ensures Matt’s legacy runs in perpetuity. You’re at the very top of the call sheet, ensuring the "Matt Laster" name stays in the credits forever. You’ve officially turned this production into a classic.
Includes an evening of merriment and fun with a home-cooked gourmet dinner hosted by The Laster-LeJeune Fam.
The Executive Producer
$2500 Donation
The visionary. You’ve greenlit the whole production. This is the top of the call sheet—your support is the reason this endowment is hitting the big screen. You’re not just funding a scholarship; you’re building a legacy.
Includes a special thanks credit in the "Dis Be Grief" (wt) short documentary by AnChi's team of Tricksters at Trick & Mortar.
The Director
$1000 Donation
The one holding the megaphone (metaphorically). You’re driving the creative vision forward. Because of your support, the story gets told, the scenes get blocked, and the project finds its soul.
Includes a Mattagonia Sweatshirt.
The Director of Photography
$500 Donation
The one with the eye. You’re helping us set the look and the vision. Your contribution ensures that our film looks like a million bucks!
Includes a Mattagonia T-Shirt
The Editor
$250 Donation
The wizard in the dark room. You’re taking the raw footage and turning it into something that actually makes sense. You’re the one helping us craft the final cut.
Includes a Let's Do This Yeah Matt Sticker Mug
The Assistant Director
$100 Donation
The keeper of the schedule. You’re making sure we stay on time and on budget so we can actually get this film "in the can." Without you, we’d be lost in the weeds.
Includes a Matt Sticker Patch. (FYI this Image is AI generated - waiting on the patches to arrive!)
The Production Assistant
$25 Donation
You're the heartbeat of the set. You’re the reason the coffee is hot, the batteries are charged, and the chaos is contained.
Includes a personalized thank-you video from the kids.