Meet Marisa Vitali

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

Hi Marisa, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Not My Monkey. Not My Circus.” Meaning I don’t have to get involved. I don’t need to get in there and fix it. Everyone is in their own life drama with their own lessons to learn and that includes me. Trying to fix someone else or take on someone else’s drama, mess or life lessons is not only a burden but a distraction from what I need to be doing for myself. When a situation or relationship get’s complicated, “Not My Monkey. Not My Circus.” Gives me clarity to see where the responsibility of my “stuff” begins and ends. When I’m able to have clarity about what is mine, I’m able to set boundaries and then forge a path forward with my response.

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.
At Emergent Pictures both myself & co-founder Claire McClanahan have been able to integrate our experience of digital branded content & 360 immersive storytelling to every aspect of our pipeline. From the projects we acquire, through development (what’s another way we can tell this story and what’s another revenue stream we can create) to production, marketing & distribution. We have been able to merge our digital content experiences, with the current slate of films & series by including ancillary markets & additional revenue streams both on the front & back end of production. At Emergent Pictures we see digital content as the means to tell stories & not just a way to market & promote a film/show. The ways in which we tell stories & ingest content is constantly changing and we are excited to be a part of that next wave of storytelling. I have always found that you go where the energy is and not force anything if it’s not coming together. This may not be the direct path you were hoping for however you end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. Of course the letting go of your set idea of “How Things Are Supposed To Be,” can always be challenging however once you’re able to let go and stand in acceptance and be present for the moment, that’s where the magic happens. There are so many twits and turns and so many opportunities to be both the student & teacher of life. It’s all one in the same. Some lessons that I have learned along the way: There’s always another way, Follow up on the Follow up, It’s not all about YOU, Find your collaborators, Follow the white rabbit, Learn to Listen & Listen to Learn, Arrive Early & Stay Late, Be open As a public speaker & a recovery advocate who has been affected by addiction I have learned that creating space for others to share their truth is one of the most powerful & healing things one can do for community. I continually find ways to have the difficult conversations about addiction, recovery and most recently grief. My blog Living w/GRACE starts these conversations, by chronicling this journey of life through stories & life lessons. We must continue to hold space for these conversations & continue to create both in the best of times and the worst of times.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A MUST For Any LA Trip: Be sure to treat yourself to a sunset cruise down Mulholland Drive Head over to the Griffith Observatory to marvel at the stars. On the way back down be sure to pop into the Drezden to say hello to Marty & Elaine. For Dinner hop the car over to Pura Vita in West Hollywood to for the BEST Plant Based Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar. Order the Polpettini Appetizer with Cabonara Pasta for an entree. Be sure to say Hello to Chef Tara Punzone. PS- Be open to any and ALL shenanigans that may ensue during your time here in LA. Issuing a Perscription for: Have Fun. Soak it ALL in & And By ALL Means Don’t Take it Too Seriously

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to Shout Out my very own MaMMa LuV, who has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter even through her passing in 2020. This woman never gave up on me, even when I first got clean from heroin addiction, as she loved me back to life. I’m so grateful that I was able to get clean and experience this type of unconditional love. I think when you’re in such a dark place within yourself even the brightest light may seem dim at times as you stumble through your own valley of shadow of death. As you continue on; and move towards coming through the other side, the light gets brighter & brighter. Not because it expands in size but because you are getting closer to the end of the tunnel; only to realize it had been on the entire time. She continues to be a beacon of light in my minds eye, catching a glimpse even if just for a second. Gone but not forgotten….My Forever Angel MaMMa LuV 💄 ❤️ 👠

Website: www.emergent-pictures.com
Instagram: @marisavitali
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisavitali/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.vitali.52
Other: Living w/GRACE Blog: https://www.marisavitali.com/livingw/grace1