Underestimated Media Productions is the brain child of Matthew Wilks. His journey with language began with an unforgettable triumph. At just 12 years old, Matthew won a poetry competition judged by the iconic Benjamin Zephaniah with his poem, I Am a Black Child. This win wasn’t just a youthful success but the spark that ignited his enduring passion for words and a deeper connection with his identity. But life, as it often does, took him through unexpected twists. From vibrant stage school performances to working in the world of independent music, Matthew’s creative trajectory seemed limitless until, at the age of 17, he was confronted with a life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. This tumultuous chapter was filled with fear and uncertainty as he faced partial paralysis and the upheaval of dreams.
Yet, amid adversity, Matthew rediscovered his salvation—writing. Words became not only his refuge but also his means of transformation. While isolating for many, the global pandemic was a gift of time and space for Matthew, allowing him to reflect deeply and listen to the quiet stirrings of his soul. Underestimating the Undervalued is a powerful series of five books, each 25,000 words, that capture the raw human experience with unflinching honesty. These works have resonated with audiences far and wide, sparking conversations about their cinematic potential and fuelling anticipation for their release.