Filmmaker of the Week – Marcus Small

Episode 39 of Filmmaker of the Week featuring Marcus Small!

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, where you’re from originally and where you are now if different

I’m originally from Greenville, NC. Whenever I say Greenville, people tend to think I’m talking about Greenville, SC. But no…North Carolina has its own Greenville.

Nevertheless, I graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication. And although that program was excellent, it more so concentrated in Journalism. That didn’t interest me. I wanted to edit movie trailers.

So, that led to me moving down to Orlando, FL to attend Full Sail University. I graduated from their film program in 2008. However, while I was in school and shortly after graduating, I was editing music videos for artists like Flo-Rida, Trina and T-Pain. I then moved on to directing and producing commercials, corporate videos, PSA’s, and then Reality Shows.

Since then, I’ve produced and edited shows for networks such as Bravo, MTV, CMT, etc. I’ve even sold a show to Lifetime. But, that still wasn’t enough. I wanted to fulfill my dream of editing movie trailers.

Thanks to my producing partner John Hollaway, I got that opportunity…and even a bigger one by directing a movie called “Unsheltered.”

What is it that first got you into the world of filmmaking?

Believe it or not, originally I wanted to be a meteorologist. Yes…I wanted to be the weather man. That was until I actually became one for a day during my senior project in high school. I couldn’t have been more nervous and looked more awkward on camera.

However, I was more intrigued about what was going on behind the camera. That’s when I found my love for tv/film production.

Share a little bit about your specialty in the film world

I wouldn’t claim to be a specialist in any sector of the film world. I say that because there’s so much more to learn. And the film industry is ever-evolving. This is only the beginning of my journey, so I will keep soaking up knowledge and continue to pay homage to the filmmakers that came before me.

However, if there was one thing that I COULD say that I specialize in, it would have to be producing a safe environment on set when it comes to creativity, positive energy, and having fun.

 What has been your most challenging project to date?

Unsheltered was my most challenging project so far because of a lot of factors. It wasn’t the biggest budget. We only had 12 days to film. Some of the institutions and companies that committed to the project, either fell through or partly participated. We had to constantly change the script. We were on a time crunch from script to shooting. All of these played a major factor with creating this film.

Tell us a bit about your latest project.

My latest project was an unscripted show that I’m producing that’s currently being pitched to the major networks. So…fingers crossed.

What is one moment you’ve had in any part of the filmmaking process where you learned a really valuable lesson?

There was one time when I produced a music video for a friend that was a director. Not only did the clients not like the final product, but I ended up losing money on it because we went over budget. I took a massive “L” on this one, but it taught me a lesson. And that lesson was that you can’t take on every project. As the saying goes, “All money ain’t good money.”

What are some of the 5-year goals for you as a filmmaker/creative?

Within five years, I would have directed and produced a couple of $10 million budget films.

If you could work with one idol of yours, who would it be?

Wow. Where do I start? I would love to work with Jordan Peele. In fact, I’d just want to shadow him throughout the development and completion of one of his films.

Name three films that have inspired you most in your journey.

The Wiz, Truman Show, and Get Out. I’d also have to include Up. I still study that film to this day.

Where can folks find out more about you online?

Follow me on Instagram. My handle is @dominoeffectpro

Any last thoughts or pieces of advice to filmmakers out there?

I would say to my fellow filmmakers, stay focused on your purpose. Everyone’s journey is different, so don’t get too discouraged when your peers reach another level. Celebrate them because your opened door is right around the corner.

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