"to tell you the truth, you know, I was always wanting to meet someone like Matthew, because I never had nobody teach me nothing." I felt that in my soul.
yo man….I grew up with so many uncles my parents cousins family members teaching me a little bit about everything. I felt the pain in that statement as well as a potentially jaded person turning the corner and changing for the better. It was beautiful.
This is one of those rare videos that you click on with no expectations and then 30 minutes later your perspective on life is shifted. A beautiful 30 minutes.
I was born into the locksmith trade. Took over my father's business at the age of 14. This was after my father died. This story went to my core. At the age of 73 it is all behind me and as l see others too.
This mini-documentary really struck a chord with me. As someone who inherited my father's locksmith business at 19 in South Africa , watching this resonated deeply. Now at 74, it's a nostalgic yet powerful reminder of the enduring legacy and craftsmanship in this profession.
I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed making it. Please do us the favor of sharing the slice of life with more people. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Wish there were alot more videos like this of everyday working joes. People that have "boring" jobs but make the world run. Very nice to see these videos.
This short film is legitimate art. So many cities and neighborhoods loose their grittiness bc of gentrification. Ian was able to capture some real moments that made me nostalgic. RIP Matthew and Sylvia ❤️🙏
Just leaving the camera and having these guys just chop it up with each other is really something else. The conversations and dialogue is raw and to the point.
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. I’m just commenting so the UA-cam algorithm will keep suggesting videos like this one. Outstanding!
Keys to the City: Tales of a New York City Locksmith - March 1, 1999 by Joel Kostman This is a GREAT autobiography book! If you like this video, consider reading the book
Bravo, New Yorker, Bravo. I'm a blue collar self employed mechanic and let me tell you this. You have the knack for telling our stories by showing that we are all human beings with the same life struggles. Thank you, keep it up
Loved this. Beautiful dear Matthew, a gentle melliflous presence throughout became a mentor to the rough-edged George who ended up creating his own business, starting a family, and treading a more gentle path in this world.
Gorgeous. Just incredibly well done. I echo what others have said here about Tony, George and the sweet Mathew… but mostly this film makes me reflect on the soul of Brooklyn. I have lived there, and don’t any longer. But it is a place that is populated with men like these that live in no other place but there. Extraordinary. True humans.
wow super high praise- I'm so happy you enjoyed the film. Thank you for making time to watch. It takes engaged viewers like you for films to not only be seen but continue to be made.
So poignant and timeless. I would gladly watch a feature length version of stories like this. Thank you for all the hardwork that went into making this piece of art and life.
Everyonce in a while, something worth spending ones time on comes on. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is one of those times. What an absolutely incredible documentary. Quintessential NYC story with characters that befit the great city. Whoever made this, bravo!
I'm a locksmith in the sf bay area. It's great to see this video. What i do has a lot of difference in the details, but so much of it is the same. The customers, the rain, the silly questions about whether we make keys at our shop, etc. Thanks for this
Great little story and one I can relate to myself. As a 38 year locksmith and owner of a locksmith & alarm company in Alberta, Canada, it's quickly becoming time for me to pass the torch and look to retire in the years ahead. I'm fortunate that I have two sons who could possibly take things over, but at the same time I can totally relate to certain things within this story.. Love the way this was filmed. Real people...real stories.
The stories weaved together seamlessly with amazing visuals and dialogue was a cherry on top of a truly, enticing documentary. One of triumph, soul searching and restarting. I appreciate our working class generation and all that they continue to teach us through their memories for it will guide us through to the future and inspire countless, further! Bravo!
Amazing documentary beautifully shot. It's also sharing an honest depiction of an everyday person doing their best to survive in a system that's not set up for their benefit. I've lived all over the world and I can tell you that there are many places, kinder, warmer, softer, more full of joy, laughter and happiness than a massive city like New York City. I lived in major cities for 26 years. It was great, but it's not everything. If you can do yourself a favour and travel so you can choose for yourself where you truly feel inspired
It’s not about the size of the city really. The culture in the northeast US is like he described, you really don’t deal with people unless you “have to.” But it’s the same anywhere in the region, in a city or rural area. You really need to just leave the northeast if you don’t like that culture, but I think there are plenty of other big cities where you can find more quote-unquote “friendly” people
@@Ian-wh8ut if you mean that Minnesota culture isn’t really nicer then that’s arguable, but also a completely different point. The Midwest does in fact have a different culture than the Northeast, where interacting with strangers is more encouraged. Whether or not that actually makes for a “nicer” culture is a different question
Wow! Amazing! Beautiful! A true chronicle of life in NYC by the working class who make it run. One of the best documentaries that I have seen in a while. Film making at its finest. Telling it like it is.
I'm born and raised in the Pacific NW and I love the candor of New Yorkers. We're very polite here on the West Coast but we don't always say what we really want to say. That doesn't seem like a problem for New Yorkers.
As a 3rd generation locksmith myself in Jackson, MS. I related so much to all the little details. It's nice to see someone take interest in a trade that's necessary but a lot of times overlooked. This film was beautiful in every way.
His mind was being constantly engaged dealing with a new blast every day. Retires and dies a little each day. “When it’s time to go, it’s time to go…” wise words
I hope we can do more. Please continue to share the film with others. It's the only way we can do more of this- with people like you showing interest. Thank you!
This is brilliant. A tiny slice of humanity on this giant rock we call Earth. The American Dream involves many facets and many great people, not many places showcase it better than NYC. Thanks for sharing RIP to Matthew
I have watched thousands of documentaries, and this is one of the most well put together films I have seen. The camera, angles, pan, outs, transitions, everything about the way this was shot and put together is top-tier. For the first five minutes I was trying to tell whether this was, a documentary or a actual short film with actors. Absolutely incredible.
This is absolutely beautiful in the way that New York City is absolutely beautiful. It's not the skyline or Broadway, it is the impact of human connection that is possible here.
Im 39 started an apprentice job at a locksmith at 14 . Worked locksmith retail for 12 years and now for past 10 years im a locksmith at a correctional facilty. this was a great documentary. this doesnt show how hard our job can be and how people dont appreciate what we do.
Beautiful story. A true New York story. Most of us have jobs, but sometimes due to the hustle & bustle we forget to see really what is around us. Of jobs that have such detailed craftsmanship. This film brings all that to light. RIP Matthew the locksmith. We thank you for your service to one of the greatest cities in the world.
"to tell you the truth, you know, I was always wanting to meet someone like Matthew, because I never had nobody teach me nothing."
I felt that in my soul.
Hit me hard too.
Shoutout to all the teachers out there.
Truer words never spoken
not having guidance is a lonely feeling.
yo man….I grew up with so many uncles my parents cousins family members teaching me a little bit about everything. I felt the pain in that statement as well as a potentially jaded person turning the corner and changing for the better. It was beautiful.
This is one of those rare videos that you click on with no expectations and then 30 minutes later your perspective on life is shifted. A beautiful 30 minutes.
This was incredible. I had no idea going in how what I was in for.
Rest In Peace Matthew the Locksmith. What a beautiful slice of a life I knew nothing about, but feel better now that I know a little.
What happened to matthew
@@josephz9006 30:12
@@josephz9006 He passed away before the film was finished.
Love
Heart❤
I was born into the locksmith trade. Took over my father's business at the age of 14. This was after my father died.
This story went to my core.
At the age of 73 it is all behind me and as l see others too.
Incredible. Thanks for sharing- I hope your able to enjoy this one with your family.
That was an incredible and interesting film. Great job and thank you for sharing your life’s with us 💪🇺🇸
This mini-documentary really struck a chord with me. As someone who inherited my father's locksmith business at 19 in South Africa , watching this resonated deeply. Now at 74, it's a nostalgic yet powerful reminder of the enduring legacy and craftsmanship in this profession.
❤
Nice slice of life. Real, authentic, respectful. No happy smiley BS. Just enough info.
exactly😌
I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed making it. Please do us the favor of sharing the slice of life with more people. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Has a grit about it. Watching people's passion unfold during tough times.
An absolutely incredible story, told by the characters themselves. This is American filmmaking/storytelling of the highest order.
Thanks so much for making the time to watch the film and for the high praise. We only hope more people continue to see the film.
Bravo!
these are a treat
Ian this was spectacular. This was such a pleasure to watch.@@madebymoubayed
"What once was, won't be again." hits very hard
Best 32 minutes I have spent on UTube in a long time
Wish there were alot more videos like this of everyday working joes. People that have "boring" jobs but make the world run. Very nice to see these videos.
True and thanks
i swearr
There was a doc called broke about a Canadian pawn shop. Used to have the whole thing on UA-cam.
True we need more of these videos
there are a lot more videos like this. You can start with Broke by Rosie Dransfeld
A working class hero tale well done 👍
Well said
Thanks!
So sad that Matthew never got to see this documentary. RIP.
When we can miss someone we never physically met is the finest accolade a filmmaker can rise to.
Absolutely 🙏
I am stopping this so I can save for tomorrow. I don't want it to end. This is Art.
wow hope you finished- thanks for the support
@@madebymoubayed"Captivating" is the only word I can think of.
Simple. Beautiful. We need more filming like this.
This short film is legitimate art. So many cities and neighborhoods loose their grittiness bc of gentrification. Ian was able to capture some real moments that made me nostalgic. RIP Matthew and Sylvia ❤️🙏
wow- thank you for such kind words.
WOW! I was so moved by this documentary, incredible!!!
@@madebymoubayedare you involved in the making of the episode?
@@paulsimons769 yes I shot and directed this- thank you for the support.
That final shot of Matthew with his family was truly humbling.
Dude, the scene at 11:50 felt like a narrative film. The guys are just natural, real people that feel like characters. Beautiful
How did a random short documentary about a locksmith become so deep and enthralling?
I'm really happy the algorithm put this on my feed. Such a beautiful watch and a film of true human experiences. RIP Matthew
Just leaving the camera and having these guys just chop it up with each other is really something else.
The conversations and dialogue is raw and to the point.
The Zen of living....an honest look at a working man's reality. A Trilogy of beauty...thanx for this film.
21:46 "Don't drink it!" LOL, what an awesome family.
😂
THIS is what moves us, enlightens us, and changes us for the better by telling the stories of our humanity. Keep it coming, please and thank you!!
If I could hit 5,000 likes to fight for humanity, I would. Thank you. Miss NYC like a limb.
Yeah , Brooklyn locksmith life...INSPIRATIONAL
@@savannahm.laurentian1286 I'm glad I returned.
Heartfelt & entertaining. So sad to see that Matthew has passed away.
Thanks! And yes I still think a lot about Matthew. I miss him and know how proud he would be of the love you're all showing the film
Unbelievable documentary. Beautiful portrait of newyork and newyorkers. Sending love to all fellow craftsmen. A parisian plumber
More of this, please.
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. I’m just commenting so the UA-cam algorithm will keep suggesting videos like this one. Outstanding!
These guys were so kind to me when I got locked out of my Brooklyn apartment. Seriously the best
Bvautiful portrait of a type of manhood. Very emotional and timeless
I love the smile on his face at the end when his family comes for dinner.
this is a movie. what a cinematography what a way of telling a story. I miss this quality of videos.
Brilliantly made documentary, hats off to the photographer for capturing all the little vignettes which tell the story of these characters.
One of the best documentaries I've ever seen 💯
this should be award winning documentary.
RiP Matthew.🌹🙏
Behind every door there's a story.
A master class in story telling and documentary.
Rest in Peace Mr. Ballard. What an interesting documentary....
My family has a multi generational locksmith company in El Paso, Tx. This story really spoke to me with the teaching of the younger generation.
Keys to the City: Tales of a New York City Locksmith - March 1, 1999
by Joel Kostman
This is a GREAT autobiography book!
If you like this video, consider reading the book
Love El Paso. Best wishes to you and your family.
Matthew was such a gentleman. RIP Sir
Bravo, New Yorker, Bravo. I'm a blue collar self employed mechanic and let me tell you this. You have the knack for telling our stories by showing that we are all human beings with the same life struggles. Thank you, keep it up
Brilliant. RIP Mathew … this film is a beautiful slice of life that was put under the microscope
RIP Matthew. You dropped so many words of wisdom.
Ain't that the truth.
Everyday I’m so thankful to my father who started me out in this locksmith business.
Thx Dad 🙏
This was so pure and authentic. Profundity in the plain humanity of ordinary people.
Loved this.
Beautiful dear Matthew, a gentle melliflous presence throughout became a mentor to the rough-edged George who ended up creating his own business, starting a family, and treading a more gentle path in this world.
words well spoken
Gorgeous. Just incredibly well done. I echo what others have said here about Tony, George and the sweet Mathew… but mostly this film makes me reflect on the soul of Brooklyn. I have lived there, and don’t any longer. But it is a place that is populated with men like these that live in no other place but there. Extraordinary. True humans.
Thank you! Ain't that the truth. These guys really are special yet overlooked. Everyone has a story....
Extremely well done!! More of these please!
I recommend their short doc on the many lives of an NYC doorman, if you haven't already seen it.
Thanks! Keep sharing with others- perhaps one day!
Absolutely exquisite we need more of this please 🙏 I love my city !!!!
Rip Matthew 🌹
Rip Sylvia 🕊
❤❤❤
most beautiful thing i have seen in months. Caught the emotion very well.
How do they put this together so elegantly like a movie? Unreal!
More of this type of content please, New Yorker. Bravo on this piece. These are the stories worth telling.
This is the best filmed “anything” I’ve seen in half a decade. Well done! Thank you for your contribution! I’m better for having watched it.
wow super high praise- I'm so happy you enjoyed the film. Thank you for making time to watch. It takes engaged viewers like you for films to not only be seen but continue to be made.
So poignant and timeless. I would gladly watch a feature length version of stories like this. Thank you for all the hardwork that went into making this piece of art and life.
Everyonce in a while, something worth spending ones time on comes on. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is one of those times. What an absolutely incredible documentary. Quintessential NYC story with characters that befit the great city. Whoever made this, bravo!
Thank you for the kind words. Thanks for watching.
RIP Mathew..Here’s to all the hard working unheralded blue collar men and women that keep this nation going.
I'm a locksmith in the sf bay area. It's great to see this video. What i do has a lot of difference in the details, but so much of it is the same. The customers, the rain, the silly questions about whether we make keys at our shop, etc.
Thanks for this
Thanks for you service :)
@@ianmoubayed6905 facts ❤
Yeah, I was a locksmith in Los Angeles for 28 years. The cities are different in their own ways, but the life of the locksmith is the same everywhere!
Hands down, probably one of the most well shot and moving 'documentaries' I've seen in a long time. 10/10
Great little story and one I can relate to myself. As a 38 year locksmith and owner of a locksmith & alarm company in Alberta, Canada, it's quickly becoming time for me to pass the torch and look to retire in the years ahead. I'm fortunate that I have two sons who could possibly take things over, but at the same time I can totally relate to certain things within this story.. Love the way this was filmed. Real people...real stories.
THIS is the best thing I’ve seen on UA-cam for quite some time. Real AF. Beautifully shot and edited.
Long Live Matt, always had his key to heaven
A brilliant short film that rolled along beautifully.
The stories weaved together seamlessly with amazing visuals and dialogue was a cherry on top of a truly, enticing documentary. One of triumph, soul searching and restarting. I appreciate our working class generation and all that they continue to teach us through their memories for it will guide us through to the future and inspire countless, further! Bravo!
Amazing documentary beautifully shot. It's also sharing an honest depiction of an everyday person doing their best to survive in a system that's not set up for their benefit.
I've lived all over the world and I can tell you that there are many places, kinder, warmer, softer, more full of joy, laughter and happiness than a massive city like New York City. I lived in major cities for 26 years. It was great, but it's not everything.
If you can do yourself a favour and travel so you can choose for yourself where you truly feel inspired
So where did you choose to live, in the end?
It’s not about the size of the city really. The culture in the northeast US is like he described, you really don’t deal with people unless you “have to.” But it’s the same anywhere in the region, in a city or rural area. You really need to just leave the northeast if you don’t like that culture, but I think there are plenty of other big cities where you can find more quote-unquote “friendly” people
@@mmrw yep Hog ever heard of Minnesota Nice? its not really that way.
@@Ian-wh8ut if you mean that Minnesota culture isn’t really nicer then that’s arguable, but also a completely different point. The Midwest does in fact have a different culture than the Northeast, where interacting with strangers is more encouraged. Whether or not that actually makes for a “nicer” culture is a different question
Its a big world. I would go where my dollar goes farthest and stores don't get mugged.
I like George. I hope the best for him and that his dreams to run a successful business will prevail. Godspeed brother!
thank you bro
These are the New Yorkers who live in the background but are truly part of the fabric of this city.
Beautiful and fabulous and wonderful - thanx again, New Yorker!
Wow! Amazing! Beautiful! A true chronicle of life in NYC by the working class who make it run. One of the best documentaries that I have seen in a while. Film making at its finest. Telling it like it is.
I'm born and raised in the Pacific NW and I love the candor of New Yorkers. We're very polite here on the West Coast but we don't always say what we really want to say. That doesn't seem like a problem for New Yorkers.
As a 3rd generation locksmith myself in Jackson, MS. I related so much to all the little details. It's nice to see someone take interest in a trade that's necessary but a lot of times overlooked. This film was beautiful in every way.
I love that hard working guys like these get credit. These are the people that keep life moving.
This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on UA-cam. It was just hard working people living and being real. Love it.
His mind was being constantly engaged dealing with a new blast every day. Retires and dies a little each day. “When it’s time to go, it’s time to go…” wise words
Simply one of the best documentaries I've ever watched...
Wow honored to hear that. Spread the word. Hopefully we can make more films with people like you supporting them :)
Watch this last year at the Brooklyn Film Festival! I love it
We need more stuff like this on the internet. Thank you for the beautiful exposition.
I hope we can do more. Please continue to share the film with others. It's the only way we can do more of this- with people like you showing interest. Thank you!
what did I just watch? that was 30 minutes of some of the most brilliant story telling I've ever seen. wow! rip Matthew
So beautiful. Rest well, Mr. Ballard. 💔
Thank for the support!
This is brilliant. A tiny slice of humanity on this giant rock we call Earth. The American Dream involves many facets and many great people, not many places showcase it better than NYC. Thanks for sharing
RIP to Matthew
This had me in tears! Such poignant storytelling truly capturing real people.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. Means a lot to us. Share with others who might need a story like this
I have watched thousands of documentaries, and this is one of the most well put together films I have seen. The camera, angles, pan, outs, transitions, everything about the way this was shot and put together is top-tier. For the first five minutes I was trying to tell whether this was, a documentary or a actual short film with actors. Absolutely incredible.
This played like a movie. So much more life than a documentary. Thank you for making this
Why did I shed few tears watching this?
This is absolutely beautiful in the way that New York City is absolutely beautiful. It's not the skyline or Broadway, it is the impact of human connection that is possible here.
Extraordinary. Thank you.
Oh, and “don’t drink the water…”
Lovely.
@the new yorker, we need more episodes like this
Excellent documentary. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful. Tear jerker for real. I love NYC so much. Thank you for this.
What's so special about it I wouldn't want to go their
?
@@GeGe-fg3hx If you can't feel the emotion then I don't know what to tell you or how to explain it to you.
@@GeGe-fg3hx what are you? Anti social?
@@GeGe-fg3hx It's like any amusement park a nice place to visit but you would not want to live there
What a beautiful, moving tribute to the lives of decent, hardworking people doing the best they can to treat others with respect and dignity.❤
Im 39 started an apprentice job at a locksmith at 14 . Worked locksmith retail for 12 years and now for past 10 years im a locksmith at a correctional facilty. this was a great documentary. this doesnt show how hard our job can be and how people dont appreciate what we do.
Beautiful. I was so happy that Mathew wasn’t alone at the end.
I’m in tears. This is a beautiful film.
INCREDIBLE! Another top-notch short documentary by The New Yorker, "Two Thumbs-Up!!" 👍🏼👍🏼
THANKS!
This was awesome. May Matthew rest in God’s hands.
One of the best stories I’ve watched yet!
Beautifully done film. Wisdom has nothing to do with level of education. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Matthew.
What a great story the people,the grungyness of the city, the way they speak to each other. A masterpiece!!
What a beautiful picture. Cheers.
Such an excellent short film. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I could watch films like this daily. They are life changing for sure.
Beautiful story. A true New York story. Most of us have jobs, but sometimes due to the hustle & bustle we forget to see really what is around us. Of jobs that have such detailed craftsmanship. This film brings all that to light. RIP Matthew the locksmith. We thank you for your service to one of the greatest cities in the world.
Rest in peace Matthew. This documentary was great.
This was wonderful. Rest in Peace, Matthew. That crushed me.
likewise
Still think about Matthew a lot. Thank you for making time to watch the film