The Morning Formation Podcast
LA Director Michael Matteo Rossi Turned Pandemic Fears Into A Sci-Fi Uprising! I'm in this movie!
Mar 03, 2026
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We sit down with filmmaker Michael Mateo Rossi to unpack the creative spine of Censor Addiction, a near-future sci-fi thriller shaped by pandemic-era pressures, mental health fallout, and the pull between obedience and autonomy. From set culture to distribution, we trace his two-decade journey, core influences, and why he champions physical media alongside streaming.
• LA roots, early theater, shift to writing and directing
• first features, self-financing, painful lessons that shaped his team
• directing as the most fulfilling role, trust and set culture
• pandemic influence on Censor Addiction’s themes and timeline
• villains inspired by 80s action-sci-fi dynamics
• collaboration with recurring DP, composer, and cast
• pacing choices, critic praise, and sequel potential
• authenticity over box-ticking trends in filmmaking
• mentors, legacy, and steady leadership on set
• release details: VOD and DVD, Walmart and libraries
Check out Censor Addiction on March 3 on VOD and DVD.
Follow Michael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmatteorossi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelmatteorossi
“Stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated. Warriors fall out”
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