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

Hi Martin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that in order to grow you must take risks. I see risks as a way to explore the unknown grounds. If you play it safe every time, what are the chances to get something unusual? — Zero. In order to get things you’ve never gotten you must do things you’ve never done.

With every project I work on I try to do something I haven’t done before, this way I provide myself with new experiences and learning opportunities even though I know it is possible to make mistakes or to be totally wrong. This way I always get something positive whether it is a great result or a great lesson.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Apart from an artistic director I define myself as an investor, specially in the stock market. I find there a very interesting and similar mindset to when I’m directing. You must rely on you experience and analysis but mostly on your patience, and on your vision. You must be able to domain your emotions and always rely on your calmness of mind.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite restaurant in Los Angeles by far is “Palms”, a Thai food restaurant. I’d take him there to begin the weekend, we’d visit Santa Monica, The Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Blvd, Studio City, we’d stop at the all mighty In and Out of course and we might end up later in some bar in West Hollywood or at the Roosevelt Hotel for a classy drink. There’s also this gorgeous town only 2hrs away from LA called Solvang, we’d definitely go there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Fortunately, there have been many Angels in my pathway, without them I won’t be where I am today. My beloved mentors: Rosa María Brito, Ismael Vargas, Juan Vila, Gabriel Mata, Beto Ruíz, Sarah Mann, James Madden, my cousin Adad Chaul, and of course, my mom. That people have inspired me, guided me and showed me a way out when everything seemed to be over or lost.

Many books have enlighten my life in the darkest days such as “You’re a badass”, “Think and grow rich”, “Death in Venice”, “Ask”, “You were born rich”, “The director’s craft”, “Directing actors”, “The 5am Club”, “Discipline is destiny”, among many, many others. I always say that the book that comes to my hands is exactly the one I needed to read in that moment of my life.

Instagram: @marclaxon

Image Credits
Photography by Axel Rivera

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