Writer | Director Matthew J. Avant

Matt Avant is an award-winning filmmaker, television producer, and creative visionary known for his work in documentary storytelling, rural lifestyle content, and historical adventure series. As the creator of Roots & Relics, Matt explores America’s forgotten past, unearthing tangible connections to history through captivating narratives. His extensive career spans across major networks, including RFD-TV, where he serves as a Senior Producer, crafting compelling content that resonates with audiences passionate about heritage, adventure, and the untold stories of the American landscape. Matt's diverse portfolio includes Dude Ranch Roundup, the Emmy-winning Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild, and the acclaimed second season of RanchHer, which earned the 2024 Cynopsis Best of the Best & Rising Star Award for Best Lifestyle Programming.

With a career that began in audio engineering and local television, Matt honed his storytelling skills through years of hands-on production experience. His breakout film, Lunopolis (2010), a sci-fi thriller exploring conspiracy theories and lunar mysteries, gained a cult following and won multiple festival awards, solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker who blends history, speculation, and immersive storytelling. His ability to craft compelling narratives extends beyond the screen—his company, Media Savant, co-founded with his wife, Katie, specializes in writing, producing, and managing high-impact productions that bridge creativity with practical execution. Whether delving into rural traditions, uncovering hidden artifacts, or bringing historical reenactments to life, Matt's work consistently highlights the intersection of history, adventure, and cinematic storytelling.

Beyond television and film, Matt remains a passionate historian, writer, and creative entrepreneur with a deep-rooted love for uncovering stories that connect the past to the present. His latest endeavor, Roots & Relics, embodies his dedication to preserving history, not just through research but through immersive, on-location filmmaking that allows audiences to experience history firsthand. Whether trekking across rugged landscapes, sifting through long-lost relics, or engaging with the families and communities tied to these stories, Matt’s work is a testament to his belief that history is more than just facts—it’s a living, breathing narrative waiting to be rediscovered.

Katie Avant is a seasoned television producer, executive, and storyteller with a passion for impactful storytelling and strategic content development. Beginning her career in Nebraska, she quickly rose from covering local news to producing, then executive producing at RFD-TV in Nashville, where she now serves as the Head of Original Programming. Her journey through journalism and production has given her a sharp editorial eye, a deep understanding of audience engagement, and a natural ability to bring compelling stories to life. As the producer of FarmHer, she has played a pivotal role in spotlighting the stories of women in agriculture, blending heartfelt narratives with powerful visuals to celebrate the backbone of rural America.

Beyond her work in production, Katie is a highly skilled manager and strategic leader. She has expanded and strengthened the original programming department at RFD-TV, spearheading the development of new content and guiding projects from inception to completion. Her ability to navigate both creative and logistical challenges has made her a driving force behind the network’s growth. In addition to her leadership at RFD-TV, Katie’s experience extends to public television, where she produced a deeply personal special for Nebraska Public Television about her own family’s history, showcasing her talent for crafting meaningful and relatable stories.

At Media Savant, the creative agency she co-founded with her husband, Matt Avant, Katie applies her expertise in budgeting, line-producing, and long-term strategy. Her keen sense of organization and vision for the future has helped shape the company’s direction, ensuring its continued success as a powerhouse for innovative storytelling. Whether she’s championing new projects, developing content strategies, or bringing productions to life with precision and passion, Katie thrives at the intersection of creativity and leadership—ensuring that every story finds its audience and every project reaches its full potential.