We were lucky to catch up with Francisco Marquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Francisco thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Embracing Risk: My Journey into Filmmaking

I believe that life is a series of choices. You can opt for the safe route, or you can embrace the risks. Personally, I’ve found life to be far more rewarding when I choose the latter. Here’s a story about a significant risk I took this year.

Since 2021, I’ve been inspired to produce my own films—projects that could elevate my career in unique ways. Without an agent or manager, I knew I had to think outside the box and take control of my journey. Let’s be honest: many actors are caught in a cycle of refreshing their emails, hoping for auditions or for someone to discover them. I realized long ago that this wouldn’t happen for me. I’ve learned that action breeds confidence and inspiration, while inaction fosters fear and doubt. I refuse to dwell in that negative space, so I keep myself busy.

The vision was to create short films where I would take center stage, while still crafting complete, compelling narratives that emphasize the other characters. I wanted these films to be impactful, leaving viewers eager for more—like that moment when you catch a friend in the midst of a climactic scene from a show you’ve never seen. You’re intrigued, wanting to know more and ready to start from the beginning. That was my goal: to produce high-quality scenes that feel like they’re pulled straight from a binge-worthy series.

I envisioned using these films as an acting reel, promotional materials, and marketing tools. They could be showcased at film festivals, shared with agents and managers, and promoted on social media.

In February of this year, I decided to take the plunge and produce two films in California. Everything was self-funded—no investors. I put my money where my mouth is and invested in my own vision. I reached out to industry professionals and assembled a talented team to help bring my ideas to life.

The process has been both rewarding and enlightening. Witnessing my thoughts evolve from concept to pre-production, filming, post-production, and finally completion has been an incredible journey. While there were challenges along the way, I knew the effort would be worth it in the end. I had immense support from industry experts like Daniel Brea (CEO of Brea Films, Dream Reach Media), producer Melissa Vitello, director Chris Sheffield, cinematographer Bryan Ricke, and our talented crew and cast, all of whom collaborated to create two distinct and powerful short films.

A Glimpse at the Films

“Parallel Partners”:
A scientist invents a device that allows individuals to communicate with their counterparts in parallel universes. Two people from different worlds decide to meet, but as they draw closer, their realities begin to crumble. Will they risk everything for the chance to be together?

“Bounty Hunters”:
In a dystopian world, brothers Jasper and Eli are on the run. As they evade a relentless bounty hunter, Jasper must confront the choices that lie ahead—between his mission and his emotions.

To date, both films have won 21 awards and received 3 nominations at international film festivals. I’ve been invited to prestigious events next year in France and beyond. I’ve also won 7 acting awards, including Best Actor at the Los Angeles Film Awards and Top Shorts—the largest online film festival in the world. I was recently honored as “Artist of the Month” by Filmmakers Connect and have just signed with my first theatrical agent.

This year has been my most productive yet, achieving more than I have in the past decade. All of this came to fruition because I decided to take that risk.

So, if you’re hesitating about pursuing something that feels “risky,” I encourage you to take the leap. It might just be worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

“Francisco Marquez is quickly making a name for himself in the world of independent film, and it’s easy to see why. With a screen presence that is both intense and captivating, he has carved out a unique niche in cinema. His journey—from the theater stages of Boston to starring in festival-circuit films—reflects a deep passion for the craft, talent, and relentless hard work. It’s no surprise that he has been named Artist of the Month for October, by Filmmakers Connect- especially following his recent Best Actor wins at Top Shorts and the Los Angeles Film Awards for his role in Bounty Hunters.

Francisco’s career began in Boston’s vibrant theater scene, where he established himself as an “actor mercenary for hire.” He often stepped in for lead roles at the last minute and skillfully juggled multiple characters within the same production. This versatility became a defining feature of his work, allowing him to leave a lasting impression on audiences and peers alike through performances in plays such as Of Mice and Men, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, and Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me.

In 2019, Francisco’s journey took an unexpected turn when a production company casting for Honda commercials discovered his voice. This opportunity opened the door to a prolific career in voice acting, with Francisco lending his talents to commercials for major brands like Amazon, Microsoft, and PlayStation. His knack for conveying a range of emotions through voice alone made him a sought-after talent, but his love for film and acting remained unwavering.

His film breakthrough came in 2021 with Free Guy, where he shared the screen with Ryan Reynolds and Lil Rel Howery. Directed by Shawn Levy, this Hollywood production marked a significant milestone for Francisco. Although his role as a bank robber was small, it was a pivotal step into feature films, demonstrating his ability to hold his own among industry heavyweights.

Later that year, Francisco took on a deeply immersive project with Luminous, an award-winning film directed by Joseph Marcello. Set in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, this experience was transformative. Working closely with a small cast and crew, he fully immersed himself in his character, Jed, delivering a raw intensity that resonated with audiences. The film’s success on the festival circuit—garnering eight awards and fourteen selections—solidified his reputation as a rising star in indie cinema.

In 2022, Francisco embraced a new challenge with Inka Park, portraying Sayri, the hero of a major theme park and resort project set to open in Peru. This role allowed him to connect with his Peruvian heritage, adding authenticity and depth to the character. Sayri’s story is not just an adventure; it’s a cultural journey that reflects Francisco’s growing versatility as an actor.

By 2024, Francisco had added “Executive Producer” to his accomplishments, producing and starring in both Parallel Partners and Bounty Hunters. These films are passion projects that showcase his commitment to storytelling. Parallel Partners, with its intriguing exploration of parallel universes, and Bounty Hunters, a gritty action-thriller set in a dystopian future, have received critical acclaim, amassing 21 awards and 3 nominations, further establishing Francisco as a formidable force in independent film.

Francisco Marquez’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unyielding drive to create. Whether he’s on stage, behind a microphone, or in front of the camera, he brings a depth and authenticity that distinguishes him from the crowd. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, it’s clear that Francisco is not just making films—he’s leaving his mark on the industry. And this is just the beginning.”

– Written by Filmmakers Connect

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Early in my career, I experienced a pivotal moment that tested my determination. After a series of challenging theater roles, I was cast in a production of Of Mice and Men. I found myself double cast as both the lead, George, and the antagonist, Curley. This unexpected opportunity came about because a fellow actor knew they needed someone to fill a gap quickly. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a whirlwind experience that would shape my growth as an actor.

Juggling both roles was intense. I had to switch between characters for different performances, which pushed my boundaries and tested my skills. My director, Marshall, was tough but incredibly insightful. He pushed me to dig deeper, challenging everything I thought I knew about acting. It was like being put through an acting boot camp, where every rehearsal felt like a test of my resilience.

There were moments of self-doubt—I questioned whether I could pull it off. But I devoted myself fully to the process, embracing the challenge. As the performances progressed, I found myself gaining confidence and honing my craft. The culmination of this journey was a standing ovation from the audience, and my peers, which felt like a huge validation of my hard work. Something I’ll never forget.

Marshall’s words, “You got the chops, kid,” still resonate with me. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times; it’s about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. It fueled my passion for acting and laid the foundation for everything that followed, reminding me that every setback can lead to a breakthrough if you’re willing to put in the effort, and dig deep, and trust that you’ll come out the other side.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to create impactful narratives that resonate with audiences. I believe in the transformative power of film and theater to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and foster connection among people. Something that I feel we could use more of today.

My mission is to explore diverse perspectives and untold stories, especially those that reflect cultural richness and complexity. By producing and acting in projects that push boundaries and challenge norms, I aim to not only entertain but also inspire viewers to think critically about the world around them. I feel that is totally possible even in genres like Sci-fi, or horror, or thrillers. You can tell meaningful stories in those genres, not everything has to be a ” drama”. to be meaningful.

Additionally, I’m committed to collaborating with talented individuals who share this vision. I believe that great art comes from strong partnerships and shared creativity. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impression through my work, encouraging others to embrace their own stories and express themselves authentically in whatever genre it is. I believe magic happens when like-minded creatives collide. It took me a while to realize just how important community is in this industry. I’ve always been more of a loner, and reflecting on it, I see how much that has cost me.

My mission inspires me to stay resilient and take risks in my projects, making sure that everything I do adds real value to my artistic journey and those who choose to collaborate with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.franciscomarquez.actor
• Instagram: @mr_fran_cisco
• Other: IMDb Profile:

  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4100263