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

Hi Marshall, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Everything worth doing involves risk. That’s definitely on a motivational poster somewhere and certainly true in my experience; from traveling, forming friendships, playing football, making videos, acting on stage, moving to LA, auditioning, acting, writing, directing movies and commercials, proposing to my now wife, buying a house… Risks are vital when creativity is your profession, and that’s especially true with writing and directing comedy. If we all colored inside the lines with the appropriate colors, there would be no surprise. No exploration. Nothing to make you feel, or compel you to share or discuss. So, those jokes in my next movie that feel a little risky? I’m leavin’ ’em in.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m pretty relentless. When I commit to something, I am all in, whether it’s a short film, a commercial or a feature that I started writing seven years ago. I’m also comfortable being uncomfortable; undeterred by risk of physical or emotional harm. I’m not scared of diving headfirst into the abyss. Have I crashed and burned? Many times. But I never stop taking shots. I liken it to when I played football because this is America, so, football… I was a quarterback for ten years and threw a lot of touchdowns because I wasn’t scared of throwing interceptions… I threw interceptions too, but that’s kind of my point… Professionally, I have directed, co-written and produced two features and I’m prepping for my third this fall, but I wrote four others that are dead for eternity because they weren’t good enough. I have acted in movies and shows but failed to book roles in countless others. I have been rejected by so many people since I got to LA, I can’t even fathom the number. If I focused on my “failures,” it would be debilitating. Failure is only useful as a learning experience. “That poison that almost killed you? Next time, try eating something else instead.” Easier said than done, but I try to focus on what’s now and what’s next, which is why I’ve been able to claw my way to the middle and still continue to take shots for the top.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Don’t do the really touristy stuff on a weekend (like beaches or theme parks). Unless you like traffic and crowds.

So, let’s just start with beach and seafood on Monday. For the sake of being specific, let’s say Leo Carillo beach (with an extender leash for your dog, if you have one). Then maybe Broadstreet Seafood, or if you like spending money, go to Nobu. Yolo, right?

Tuesday, just do the Universal Studios and City Walk experience on, you tourist! It’s fun! If you want to take a cute little 5 mg gummy, I’m not going to stop you. Also, movies at the AMC there are half off. Just found that out recently…

Wednesday… I don’t know, hike Temescal Canyon, tool around UCLA on some Bird scooters and then go to the promenade? Do I have to do all of these things with you? I’m already exhausted.

Okay, it’s already Thursday and a week is starting to feel like a long time. You can go do Disneyland without me or… Oh, you play golf? Great! How about Angeles National Golf course. Then let’s make our way to Highland Park Bowl. So many activities!

Let’s hike Runyon so you can see all of the pretty actors, smell all the dog poop and hopefully a view of the city, pending air conditions. Later on, let’s get happy hour on Melrose, eat at Spartina and then walk to a Groundlings Show. Am I biased because I cast seven Groundling performers in my last film? Maybe… But they are incredibly hard-working and talented writers and performers and they’re a lot of fun to watch live.

Since we were up late, let’s kick around the house until dinner. How about eating in Hollywood at APL, which has some incredible food, or we can do Musso & Frank for a little old Hollywood ambiance. After that, depending on who’s performing, The Improv, Laugh Factory or Comedy Store for some standup. Honestly, I think the Comedy Store has more weirdos, but that could be more interesting…

Oh, look who’s still here… A week is a long time. Let’s go downtown to the arts district and tool around. While we’re there, let’s pop in Angel City Brewery and then Purgatory Pizza for some Detroit style pizza. This’ll all feel great tomorrow on your flight home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Paul Alan Cope deserves some recognition. He co-wrote “Film Fest,” with me. He is one of the most thoughtful people and writers I know.

Website: marshallcook.com

Instagram: @thismarshallcook

Image Credits
Bjoern Kommerell

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