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

Hi Marcus, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I do. It’s “Be Bold,” and this year I adapted that as my motto. In years past it would be “next year, I’ll do this” or “next year I’ll do that,” and I decided to stop saying that and just go for it. Be Bold, even if you fail spectacularly.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I write and direct. Mostly been a writer, and since things have been slow, I’ve moved toward directing more. It’s been a hard road to get here, and here is still very much at the beginning of my j0urney. I was a stay-at-home dad for seven years and transitioned into writing. Post stay-at-home-dad life I’m trying to start a new career that doesn’t involve wiping butts or shuttling kids stop to stop like I’m a bus driver. It hasn’t been easy, but every little win makes me feel better and better about where I’m at. Celebrating the small stuff has helped. I’ve learned to accept failure, and learn from it. To keep getting better and better every day and not let the losses defeat me. Leaning on my peers and in return being helpful to them has also helped me tremendously. Currently in pre=pdouction (and crowdfunding a short film on Seed & Spark) called “The Wes Anderson Dimensional,” about two kids who get trapped in a Wes Anderson world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most of my friends haven’t been to LA, so definitely the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, those are a must. Santa Monica Pier is a place I like to go and look out at the ocean and refocus. FOOD, all the food. These are some of my favorite places to go: Sonoritas Prime Tacos, Proudly Serving, Canaan Cafe, Heavy Handed, The Griddle, Eggslut, and Nat’s Early Bite. Breakfast is my go to by the way. So the last 3, trust that they are delicious.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m currently at the tail end of an incredible mentorship that I’ve been in since Dec 2022, and it’s with SuperSpecial Tribe Season 2. We are a collective of writers that have been staffed or on the verge of being staffed. It’s run by the incredible Amy Aniobi, and Aanch Khaneja. Through this mentorship I’ve met some amazing writers and lifelong friends.

Website: https://marcusstricklin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcusthetoken/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-stricklin-17158739/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcusthetoken

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcus.a.stricklin

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcusthecreator?lang=en

Image Credits
Aaron Kes Photography (Instagram @aaronkes)

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