For Matt Short, founder of Wild Ovis Films, a custom leather patch hat is more than something to wear on a film set.
It is his crew uniform, a brand-building tool and a conversation starter that has already helped introduce potential clients to his new production company.
“I don’t carry cards anymore,” Matt said. “These hats are helping me create brand awareness, start conversations and land potential clients.”
That is exactly what good branded merchandise should do.
Story-Driven Films for Brands With Purpose
Wild Ovis Films helps brands tell compelling stories through film production. Projects can range from social media reels and television commercials to branded shows and short films created for festivals.
As an avid outdoorsman, Matt naturally works with outdoor companies and brands whose products are used in wild, difficult-to-reach places.
“The more remote, the better,” he said.
His work also extends beyond the outdoor industry. As a father, Matt enjoys serving companies that support children and families. His faith has also given him opportunities to produce content for Christian nonprofits working locally and internationally.
The common thread is not a specific industry. It is the story behind the organization.
“Video content has an incredibly powerful way of moving people, especially when it’s backed by a compelling story,” Matt said. “I want to empower brands and people who are making the world a better place.”
A Filmmaker With Standards
Wild Ovis Films is not trying to work with every available company.
Matt is intentional about the organizations he represents and the stories he helps tell.
“Is it unkind to say, ‘I have standards’?” he said. “I’m not willing to work for a company unless I genuinely believe they’re making the world a better place. If I don’t, I’ll happily pass on the opportunity.”
That conviction is a major part of what separates Wild Ovis Films from a traditional content-production company.
The goal is not simply to create attractive footage. It is to uncover an honest story and present it in a way that makes people feel something.
Leaving an Agency to Start Again
Before launching Wild Ovis Films, Matt was co-owner of a full-service marketing agency. He worked alongside a trusted business partner and produced content for a wide range of brands.
Eventually, he knew he needed a change.
Matt sold his ownership share and returned to freelance filmmaking, launching Wild Ovis Films as a production company focused on meaningful, story-driven video content.
The transition is still new, but the work is already gaining momentum. Two of Matt’s personal short films premiered at festivals this summer.
“They were personal films, and nothing crazily cinematic,” he said. “But meaningful to me.”
That emphasis on meaning over spectacle also defines the kind of client work Matt wants Wild Ovis Films to produce.
Why Wild Ovis Films Needed Custom Crew Hats
Matt was already familiar with Authentic Leather Patch Co. before starting his new company.
As president of his local bowhunting club, he had ordered custom leather patch hats for club members over several years. The hats were well received and proudly worn by hundreds of members.
When Wild Ovis Films launched, Matt knew he needed hats for himself and for crew members to wear during shoots.
“I knew that I’d need a hat for myself and crew members to wear on shoots,” he said. “And I knew where to go.”
The hats immediately gave the new production company a consistent, recognizable look without requiring an entire uniform program.
“They are about the only uniform I have right now,” Matt said. “That may change, but a hat will always be a part of that.”
For filmmakers and production crews, that simplicity matters. A well-designed company hat can identify the crew, reinforce the brand on camera and still feel natural in outdoor or remote environments.
Turning a Hat Into a Marketing Tool
The Wild Ovis Films hats are not limited to production days.
Matt wears his hat while meeting people, working in the outdoor community and moving through everyday life. That visibility has created opportunities that a business card or digital advertisement may have missed.
“People have loved my hats,” he said. “Plus, they’ve helped me start conversations about my new production company that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been wearing it.”
That is the difference between disposable promotional merchandise and a branded product people genuinely want to wear.
A good custom company hat does not need to explain the entire business. Its first job is to earn a second look. From there, the logo, design or company name can open the door to a real conversation.
For Wild Ovis Films, those conversations can lead directly to new relationships and potential projects.
A Straightforward Custom Hat Process
Matt also valued the experience of creating and ordering the hats.
“I’ve always appreciated the purchase process,” he said. “It’s efficient and your communication has been clear.”
For a new business owner, efficiency matters. Every purchase competes for a limited amount of time and startup capital.
Matt’s advice to other entrepreneurs is to remain disciplined and avoid buying tools simply because they are marketed as essential.
“Only make purchases that are investments in making more money,” he said. “There are a lot of business tools and resources out there today that are simply financial drains on a startup. Don’t fall for the marketing gimmicks that try to sell you a magic ‘easy button.’”
His custom hats passed that test because they serve several purposes at once: crew identification, brand consistency, everyday visibility and new-client conversations.
What’s Next for Wild Ovis Films?
Matt’s plan for Wild Ovis Films is clear:
“Steady growth, dependable service, deeper business relationships and a whole lot of compelling video content.”
No gimmicks. No shortcuts.
Just meaningful stories, honest relationships and films created for organizations Matt believes deserve to be seen.
And wherever those stories take him, there is a good chance he will be wearing his Wild Ovis Films hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Wild Ovis Films do?
Wild Ovis Films produces story-driven video content for brands and nonprofit organizations. Its work includes social media content, television commercials, branded films, shows and short films.
Who does Wild Ovis Films work with?
Wild Ovis Films frequently serves outdoor brands, companies supporting children and families, and Christian nonprofit organizations. Matt Short prioritizes working with organizations he believes are making a positive difference.
Why does Wild Ovis Films use custom hats?
The hats give Matt and his production crew a consistent look while creating brand awareness. They also help Matt start conversations with potential clients while working, traveling or attending events.
Can custom company hats replace business cards?
A custom hat cannot provide every piece of contact information, but it can create the conversation that leads to an exchange of information. For Wild Ovis Films, the hats have become a practical alternative to carrying traditional business cards.
Where can you learn more about Wild Ovis Films?
Visit the Wild Ovis Films website or follow @wildovisfilms on Instagram to see its latest film projects and story-driven video content.
Create Custom Hats That Work for Your Business
The best company hats do more than display a logo. They become part of how customers, employees and potential clients recognize your business.
Authentic Leather Patch Co. creates custom leather patch hats designed to be worn, not thrown into the back of a closet.
Start with a free custom hat mockup and see what your brand could look like on real leather.
