Ignacyo who grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn had been professionally pursuing his dream of acting in New York since 2013 and accredits some of his childhood teachers for inspiring him to pursue his passion. “Whether I realized it or not, my acting career began when I starred as Casey in our 6th grade play, Casey at Bat which had been directed and written by my 6th grade homeroom teacher, Ms. Lori Young from St.Athanasius in Brooklyn.” Ignacyo continued “I was so excited to do that play, I wasn’t the most popular kid in class, but for a moment I felt like none of that mattered.”

Many actors pursuing their dreams are cornered into survival jobs that tend to outweigh their passion. “But there are loopholes that most actors overlook” says Matynia. “I was able to find a job in entertainment that didn’t require me removing any clothing or questioning my own integrity”. He of course was referring to his own survival job, a Brooklyn based entertainment company by the name of Trio Production DJ’s that specialized in private events. “I worked as a DJ, MC and dancer since I was 16 years old” said Matynia. “Looking back in hindsight, I learned most of what I know about being a performer from my boss Garry Rothstein”. Rothstein is the owner of the company and longtime friend of Ignacyo’s who’d been working in entertainment as a DJ and MC for over 20 years, starting his company at the age of 16. 

So how does one go from entertaining children in Brooklyn to sitting next to Leo?

“Sounds a lot easier when you put it that way. Well, I was always told life started outside your comfort zone but never knew what that really meant until I quit my job, packed my bags and took a leap of faith.” Said Ignacyo, referring to leaving his hometown for Los Angeles in pursuit of his dreams. In January of 2019, Trio Djs’ most requested performer said his farewells to try his luck in Hollywood. “I have an incredible group of friends and co workers who I thank God for everyday. Those people know who they are and without their love and encouragement I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.” explained Matynia. “They taught me how to be fearless and chase after my dreams"...

…Upon moving to Los Angeles the young Brooklyn native hit the ground running, starring in multiple back to back feature films, one of them being Lifetime’s My Nightmare Landlord. “I worked extremely hard to be taken seriously and luckily a few kind folks noticed, thanks Matty” said Matynia with a grin. Specifically referring to Hollywood production manager Matt Copley (SAG Awards, Peoples Choice Awards, Card Sharks).

“We had a mutual friend who had met Ignacyo on set in New York, I saw someone with a look, talent and wanted to know more. We ended up grabbing a coffee in LA and that was all I needed. This was THE guy, I wanted him to be part of a show that I love so much and that I’ve worked on for over 10 years — the Sag Awards” Copley said.

Ignacyo did not experience the Hollywood evening alone. Accompanying him was filmmaker Gerald Waddell, who directed and wrote his debut feature film starring Matynia in 2019. “Attending the 2020 SAG Awards with Ignacyo was one of those rare Hollywood adventures most people only read about. I was honored to be his plus one and spend an evening with the Hollywood legends who inspired me to become a filmmaker” stated Waddell. Information regarding the duos film is unavailable but is rumored to be in the final stages of post production with an anticipated 2021 release.

Ignacyo who’d seemingly mastered the right place, right time mentality stuck out like a sore thumb at the coveted awards gala. Seated conveniently in the front row along side Hollywood’s most respected Actors, the young go-getter looked like he belonged amongst his exalted company.

What was it all like?

“Being in that room was life changing, it was validating and surreal. All my hopes and dreams over the past decade had began to seep into reality. All the incredible people I was able to interact with and learn from, I felt like something clicked in my brain and all the sacrifices were worth it.”

This goes to show that dreams do come true, even for a kid from Brooklyn, like Ignacyo.