Who We Are
Lost Forty Studios is a passionate collective rooted in Minnesota's rich storytelling tradition and vibrant film culture. Founded with a vision to harness the financial strength of the studio system while celebrating the innovative spirit and diverse voices of independent filmmaking, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic film production community right here in the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range.
Headquartered in Chisholm, Minnesota, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the North, we are strategically positioned at the nexus of film rebate zones, offering convenient access to the incentives of Duluth and St. Louis County. This unique location allows us to provide competitive rebates to qualifying productions, rivaling programs across the U.S. and beyond.
At Lost Forty Studios, we pride ourselves on being more than just a production company; we are a cornerstone of the Northern Minnesota film ecosystem. Spearheaded by our co-founders, each with a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the region, we are committed to nurturing local talent and supporting the growth of the industry.
Members
Matt Roy
Producer, Co-Founder
Matt Roy is a Northern Minnesota-based producer, director, actor, and founder of Lost Forty Studios. With over fifteen years of experience across features, streaming series, and commercial projects, his credits include I Am Not a Serial Killer, Wilson, Nina of the Woods, Bough Brothers, Sanctified, The Fun-Raiser, and more.
Matt also partners with the Upper Midwest Film Office to lead hands-on crew education programs, including PA 101, Grip & Electric, Art Department Basics, Safety Always virtual panels, and mentorship initiatives that build long-term careers for local creatives. He continues to develop new feature projects rooted in Iron Range communities while helping expand Lost Forty Studios into a collaborative training and production space.
Johannah Scarlet
Producer
Johannah Scarlet is a Line Producer, Creative Producer, and Production Manager based in Ely, Minnesota. Known for her grounded leadership and calm operational presence, she brings more than 15 years of experience managing productions across film, television, commercial, and live events. Her work spans budgets from $50K to $4MM+, with deep expertise in scheduling, logistics, vendor and budget management, incentives, and crew operations.
Johannah’s film career began as a PA on the Lifetime movie Prayers for Bobby, where she witnessed her first rain scene while tucking foot warmers into Sigourney Weaver’s heels. The movie magic of that moment hooked her for life. She went on to work across indie features, television, and music videos before expanding into integrated commercial production, where she oversaw creative campaigns and managed large teams with complex deliverables. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with celebrity talent, major brands, SAG performers, and both union and non-union crews, becoming known for her ability to multitask under pressure, solve on-set challenges, and safeguard project budgets, all while keeping the work dynamic & enjoyable.After relocating to Northern Minnesota in 2023, Johannah shifted back into long-form narrative storytelling, where her heart truly lies.
Today, she serves as a Producer & Vendor Relations Manager at Lost Forty Studios, focusing on building sustainable film infrastructure across the Iron Range. She prioritizes uplifting local crew and vendor partnerships while supporting directors and producers exploring the region for their next project. Her specialties include incentive strategy, budget development, crew resourcing, and strengthening Northern Minnesota’s emerging film ecosystem.Outside of production, Johannah finds joy in the Northwoods - spending time outdoors, celebrating nature, practicing yoga, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, and cooking up delicious meals. She is also a tarot reader and host of the Sacred Saturdaze Podcast and Substack
Andrew Sleet
ABS Location Services, LLC. - Production Logistics
Andrew Sleet is a dedicated location manager with over 20 years of experience bringing stories to life for national and international feature films and television productions. Known for his ability to blend storytelling and logistics seamlessly, Andrew is passionate about turning creative visions into reality.
With a love for filmmaking and a deep commitment to supporting local talent, Andrew enjoys mentoring and collaborating with production teams at all levels. Whether working on an independent passion project or large-scale studio films, his expertise, problem-solving skills, and genuine enthusiasm for teamwork make him a valued and trusted partner in any production.
Jacob White
Producer, Coordinator, Creative Technician
Jacob is a seasoned filmmaker with 15 years experience spanning narrative, documentary, and commercial work. He has contributed to projects for HBO, 3M, and national nonprofits, and was the founder and director of the Ely Film Festival (2021-2025). As a northern Minnesota-based producer, Jacob brings a rare combination of creative vision and logistical clarity. His background includes everything from cinematography to post-production, and his commitment to community-centered storytelling makes him an ideal partner. (Located in both St. Louis County & the IRRR tax-rebate zones of MN).
Nickolaus Swedlund
Producer, Writer, Director, Co-Founder
Nickolaus is a writer, director, and producer trained at the AFI Conservatory. His feature credits include All The Time In The World (2015), Bough Brothers (2022), and the North Dakota western Sanctified (2022). After a decade in Los Angeles, he returned to Minneapolis to work across commercial and narrative production and to teach film at several local universities.
As a founder of Lost Forty Studios, he has played a central role in building hands-on crew education and in strengthening the region’s film ecosystem. His work focuses on developing opportunities for new filmmakers and expanding sustainable production capacity in the Upper Midwest. He currently lives in Minneapolis.