Meet Marc Martinez | Independent Filmmaker and Father

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marc Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marc, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
We all have our lowest lows, like in the movies when the hero is at his darkest moment. That time when all hope is lost. You’ve thought of every possible solution to a problem but just can’t solve it. Your best just isn’t good enough. And doubt creeps in. You ask yourself, “Did I make the right choice to pursue this venture? Am I really not as good as I thought I was? Not as smart, not as talented? Maybe my uncle was right, I should get a real job.” Reality checks your analytical brain. It’s just not written in the stars for me.

It’s those very specific moments that I’m faced with the decision of giving up. But it’s in those moments that I’ve had my most significant breakthroughs. It happens every single time. Like if the Universe has some unseen law to test our resolve and then reward us for surviving the trial. So how do I know whether to keep going or give up? Never. As cliche as it sounds, never ever give up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up as a kid, one of the first forms of expression I had was sketching. I graduated to oil painting as I grew into my teens. By the time I went to film school I was able to bring the experience of composition into my first assignments. Cinematography was a natural fit for me. It was painting all over again, only with light as opposed to pigments. My work stood out from the rest of the class. I felt like I was running while everyone one else was learning to crawl. I remember being in the equipment room checking out gear for the weekend and hearing two guys in one of the new classes talking about me, not knowing I was standing right in front of them. They were talking about how I was able to make video look like film. When I went to film school the film industry was still shooting on film. Digital Cinema wouldn’t arrive for another ten years at least. I was an early pioneer of cinematic images captured on digital cameras.

I grew with the technology as it advanced over the years from film cameras to digital video and stills, always aware of the latest and greatest. From then until now I have acquired an arsenal of cameras, lenses, lighting, and post production tools to create high quality cinematic images. With my experience and skillset, I partnered with Sherry Robb of the Robb Company, an agency for managing actors and writers, to create a sister company, the Robb Squad Film Company. Now with a roster of writers and actors we are able to cast and produce our own in-house productions. We currently have a over 13 feature films (and growing), slated for production over the coming years as well as cinematic shorts on YouTube and the festival circuit.

The greatest challenge for us so far has been the financing. Anyone getting their films financed knows how difficult this can be. There’s a catch 22 effect that can be very challenging to overcome. Financiers want distribution, distribution wants name talent, name talent wants financing in place. As we continue to crack that code we are also financing lower budget productions with the intent of wowing financiers into opening their pocket books. My next film ‘Kilos’ is exactly that. A statement film designed to put our expertise to the test and deliver a film worthy of presentation on any streaming platform or theatrical release.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a really tough question to answer. I need to get out more I swear. Over a year in a pandemic world didn’t help much either.

I did however meet with a buddy at the Pink Taco on the Sunset strip. I loved the food and ambience. Everyone there is in the entertainment business in one form or another but something about being around likeminded people that amplifies the creative process and networking always seems to work out for the best.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shoutouts go to my family. My loving and supporting wife Rhoda, the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She’s an ICU nurse and hero, not only for her line of work in a pandemic world but, for our family. She’s the glue that sticks it all together. Shoutout to my kids Natali, Phoenix, Heaven and Miguel. Each of who are ready to go out into the world. I love you all. Thank you for putting up with my dad jokes. A special shoutout to my mother and greatest inspiration, Dora. For all the love and support over my lifetime. You’re an Angel. I love you mom. To my brothers Romeo and Alfredo, I hope to make you proud. I love you guys.

I’d like to extend a huge shoutout to my partner in crime at the Robb Squad Film Company – Sherry Robb. One film turned into a twelve-plus picture slate. Now we’re joined at the hip and on our way to making our mark as a reputable production company. Thank you for believing in me. You’re one in a gazillion. Shoutout to my boy Jerry Rodriguez. We’ve been at this for almost twenty years. If anyone has been there with me for the struggle it’s been you buddy. It’s happening now! Shoutout to Patrick Thomas Jr. who I’ve known since way back in the neighborhood. Pat is the Executive Producer and Producer of the feature film “50K”, my debut feature film as a Director. “50K” is currently streaming on Tubi go check it out. Shoutout to veteran stunt coordinator Robair Sims who I met when I sold him my camera on the set of “50K”. We instantly became friends and have worked on features, shorts, music videos, and corporate content ever since. You know what’s up brother. Looking forward to many more shows together. Shoutout to Eddie Navarro, who played “Tony” in “50K”. We’re now good friends and I know that you know there are big things ahead of us. Thirty thousand dollaz! Tu sabes! Shoutout to Kent Harper the lead in “50K”‘. My brother I learn from you every time we talk and some of those Facetimes go past 4 am. I love talking to you man. A special shoutout to Eric Williford and his team at Xennial Productions. I had the pleasure of meeting Eric on the development of the film Chop and Grind which is currently on the Robb Squad slate. Eric wrote the script for “Kilos” the next feature film I’ll be producing and directing. It was awesome meeting you man. I’m looking forward to working with you now and in the future. Special shoutouts to Sean Roldan and John Morihara at Picture Business, I’m still hoping we can make something happen one day. And finally a shoutout to Joe Byron and the Los Angeles Film School for giving me the knowledge and skillset to begin a career in filmmaking. I’m forever grateful.

A Shoutout to all my friends and family out there, too many to fit in this article, you all have been instrumental in pushing my career forward. I can’t thank you enough for being in my life and helping this Mexican boy from humble beginnings pursue a lifelong dream of telling stories. Your belief in me is the fodder for materializing my dreams. One last Shoutout to the purveyors of this platform for allowing me to Shoutout to my family, friends, and colleagues. Really cool. Thank you.

Website: www.robbsquad.com

Instagram: @moviemusicman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moviemusicman/

Twitter: @moviemusicman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marc.martinez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcMartinezArts