We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful MARCIA CARROLL. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with MARCIA below.

MARCIA, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’ve been in the entertainment industry in a professional capacity for most of my life as an actor, writer, producer and director. It always amazes me how much personal experience dictates one’s creative journey.

Seven years ago, a dear friend’s daughter committed suicide at the age of 16. Her name was Grace Loncar. Eight days after Grace’s death, her father, a prominent Dallas attorney, Brian Loncar, died from a drug-induced heart attack. This double tragedy completely devastated my friend and her family. While I can’t begin to fathom the depths of their anguish, I do know how these losses affected me and my own family. Not only was Grace one of my daughter’s best friends, but she was like a second daughter to me. The impact of their losses was so profound, it shook the ground beneath my feet challenging my faith in ways I can hardly begin to express. It became a personal quest of mine to try and make sense of it.

One of the ways I’ve always dealt with challenges in life is by channeling my grief creatively. So that’s what I did; I wrote, produced and directed a SAG narrative short film called JADED that was inspired by Grace’s death. It provided a therapeutic opportunity to work through the grief, spread awareness, and connect with others facing similar challenges. The fact that it won an abundance of awards during its film festival run made the experience even more gratifying.

Subsequently, I was asked to direct and produce a documentary about Grace’s death on behalf of the Grace Loncar Foundation. We filmed it last year and are currently in the final phases of post-production. It’s called LOSING GRACE FINDING HOPE and explores a mother’s journey of loss from pain to purpose. We hope to spread awareness, stop the stigma associated with suicide, and support others who are struggling with mental illness and/or living with the aftermath of suicide. As the creative lead, it’s a passion project I am most honored to be a part of.

MARCIA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started acting when I was 12 years old, so I’ve been in the business a long time. It hasn’t always been an easy ride, but it’s definitely been an exhilarating one. When my career took a turn to writing, that’s when I began identifying more strongly as a storyteller. It’s a very natural, instinctive & organic process for me that ultimately lead to directing and filmmaking…a discovery I’ve fallen in love with.

As a former news writer/associate producer/undercover investigator for both CBS and NBC News, show host for the QVC Shopping Channel, community columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and acting veteran, my career has spanned a wide range of genres. One of the professional experiences I value most from the past is my decade-long involvement as an actor and board member at the Contemporary Theatre of Dallas. It was a magical time creatively and has colored every artistic endeavor since. In the end, I think I owe my wide range of experience to remaining open to possibility.

I studied with Broadway Director Terry Schreiber, Beatrice Straight and Jim Boerlin at the Michael Chekhov Acting Studio, and at the American Academy of Dramatic Art. I’m a proud member of AEA/SAG-AFTRA/WIFD/WIFTI. I live in Turtle Creek with my husband, and I have sensational daughter who is making her own mark in the world. Both my husband Ed and daughter Isabella have been hugely involved in my creative endeavors for which I am eternally grateful.

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

I believe in living spherically… artistically, professionally and personally. Every aspect of one’s life affects the other, so as a creative, it’s important to purposely pursue the experience of life in as many directions as possible. In my opinion, staying open to possibility while actively exploring a wide range of encounters is the key to fulfillment. It’s the mantra I live by and one I try to incorporate every single day no matter what I’m doing. When I’m not working on a creative project or spending time with family and friends, I’m on a trip or planning one; outside of the arts, travelling is my obsession. Life is a journey, get out there and grab it!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had learned early on that your greatest resource is yourself.

Your individuality, unique perspective, physical attributes, emotional triggers, funny little quirks…all the things that make you you, are your greatest asset. They are gifts. Honor your authenticity by celebrating and nurturing your individuality because it is the secret to success in every aspect of your life.

And lastly, while goals are important, don’t allow them to upstage opportunity. There’s more than one way to anywhere; often unexpected prospects are breaks in disguise so always trust your instincts and take control of your own experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://filmfreeway.com/MarciaCarroll
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciacarrollburzair/ https://www.instagram.com/losinggracefindinghopedoc/ https://www.instagram.com/jadedmovie/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-carroll-8635372a/