We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marc Cunningham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marc, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning to be a filmmaker was a process that took place over a lifetime. Film has always been something that I connected with as an art form and as a language. So in effect, I’m learning to speak that language every day.

For me, it begins with simply watching films. All kinds of films. I try to watch 5-6 films a week. The key is having the discipline and the perseverance to put that accumulated knowledge into practice. Everything changed for me when I committed to a daily writing habit. Films evolved from inspiring to enriching my process. And I think there’s a big difference. Inspiration is fleeting, enrichment becomes a part of you.

Combined with my love for music, art, literature, really most art forms I can develop my taste and put all those elements to work for me in the process of creation. But you have to do it. You have to make that film, or write that book in order to fully understand how to channel and harness your potential.

I’m just at the beginning, but I’m excited to see what else I’ll learn about myself as I endeavour further into my craft.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am from a tiny island in South East Asia called Singapore. We’re literally a dot on the map. My father is American, which meant I had citizenship, so I was born with the privilege of knowing that someday I could choose to live and work in America. When I graduated high school, I was unsure what I wanted to do, but I knew one thing, I love movies and I was curious to see how they were made. So I went with that instinct.

I went the traditional route. I went to film school, and chose editing as my focus so I could have a marketable skill exiting college. I got a job as an editor right out of college, but eventually grew restless and decided I belonged in production. This meant starting from the very bottom as a PA. I think it is essential for filmmakers to be PAs. It is a thankless job, with long hours, and terrible pay (this should be remedied), but ultimately you are able to observe the ebb and flow of a production from start to finish, but more importantly, you get to experience the consequences of the decision-makers. This way you learn how to be efficient and effective with your approach and your choices. Because on a film set, time is always of the essence.

Eventually, I found more consistent work at entertainment marketing agencies where I moved up the ranks to become a Producer. Over the next seven years, I was able to work with some of the top brands in the world including Netflix, Belkin, and Activision on their online content. When the pandemic hit, I decided to branch out on my own. My company Asura Creative produces commercial content, music videos, and films. I’ve continued my work with brands, but I became a filmmaker when I finished my first short film in 2021, the film is currently making the rounds at film festivals and has won awards. Overall, my role has evolved into a Producer/Director for music videos, commercials, and very soon, a feature film. I also provide strategic support for all my clients and collaborators as we navigate the digital/social media landscape.

I toiled and I stumbled, but I persevered and I feel like I’m finally where I want to be. So I encourage anyone reading to do the same. Just keep moving towards your goals with intelligence and a keen awareness of what your heart is trying to tell you!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We can dispel the myth that creativity and art are superfluous and unrealistic career paths. When we realise that art and creativity plays a major and daily role in every aspect of our lives, we will endeavour to create a sustainable landscape for creatives by compelling government and corporate support through improved interest rates, lending, subsidies and sponsorships.

LA is powered by art, artists and dreamers, and they are the ones who can’t even afford to live here.

Creativity and Art should not be ingrained in our culture from a perspective of scarcity. Artists themselves need to have more transparency with each other so we can commune and collaborate on CREATING our own supportive and sustainable business strucutres. If not us, then who?

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Mindfulness, and Awareness. I believe that ultimately an artist endeavours on a journey that brings them home to The Self. I want to express the Super-Natural and the Extra-Ordinary. It’s on my website!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.asuracreative.com/
• Instagram: @asura_creative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-j-cunningham/

Image Credits
Mikey Piliero Alex Nagode