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

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

The creative process can be challenging and unfulfilling if you don’t have a clear objective. I’m a multi-hyphenated artist with creative and analytical skills so I have to be disciplined with the process of learning the craft.

The influence of AI, editing apps, cameras, lighting, and sound devices can overstimulate my creative process. I have to constantly say to myself, “One thing at a time.” Learning one skill, applying it, and mastering it takes time. You only become great with discipline and consistency.

In 2024 I want to learn more about lighting and sound design to enhance my productions. That will require less time on social platforms and more time reading and executing new goals.

Marcus, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Marcus “PopiMarx” Freeman and I’m an actor, writer, director, and producer. My handle on social media is PopiMarx. I created Popimarx Productions back in 2010. Popimarx Productions specializes in photography and videography services. I started in this business as an actor back in 1997. I began in the theatre and then gradually made my way in front of the camera and then behind the camera.

I have performed in Children’s Theatre, Gospel Stage plays, and traditional plays. I’ve worked with Improv Troupes that specialized in sketch comedy. I’ve been cast in regional and national commercials, such as Shell and Subaru. I’ve appeared in short films, and independent films as well as TV pilots and TV series.

Currently, you can see me in the movie Changes now streaming on Tubi and Mahogany which streams on multiple platforms: Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Tubi.

I have written, directed, and produced two short films, The Prank and The Agency which have been selected for various film festivals. Both films are now streaming on YouTube. I produced, directed, wrote, and performed in the stage play, The Robinsons. I wrote a sitcom based on the stage play and I’m currently working on a pitch deck.

In 2022 and 2023 I worked behind the scenes for the critically acclaimed stage play, The Black Man where I created visual slides and stage-managed the production. I’m the producer for two podcasts: LEVEL UP WITH J MILES and THE BLACK MAN PODCAST which can be viewed on YouTube.

I have learned to be multifaceted in this business. The more transferrable skills you have the more opportunities will become available. This is a tough business and there are many Creatives out there so you have to differentiate yourself and hone in your gift, talent, niche, and skills.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a Director/Producer was finding funds and resources to produce a project. In 2016, I wrote a stage play called, The Robinsons. I did my research for venues, advertisements, furniture, set design, etc. It was going to cost more money than expected. I knew I wanted to retrieve funds differently than the crowdsourcing I did for my short film, The Prank.

I had a corporate job at the time so, I decided to take out a loan on my 401K. I only requested enough that would cover my cast, crew, and the run of the show. I thought now that I have the funds the producing part should be simple. Well, I was wrong. I had a budget to maintain, and I wasn’t going to go over budget. It was difficult to find someone to build the set for the play under budget. I checked with Set designers, community theatres, colleges, and even high schools but labor and materials were going to put me over budget.

I learned quickly that you must pivot and utilize the skills that you obtained to produce a project. I thought well “Why not build the set myself?” I had a friend donate furniture and I purchased flats from a theatre teacher. I was familiar enough with set design from the many shows I had performed and stage-managed. I hired a retired carpenter who built the anchors for the flats. I bought some paint from Home Depot and painted the flats. For the week of tech, I rented a U-Haul to transport the set.

We did four shows where three were sold out. I have friends and actors who were part of the show who still talk about the great experience they had. I learned that as an artist/producer, you will have to go beyond what you think and know to stretch your creativity and execution. I’m confident that I can work on any project and bring my full self to add to or enhance the production.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The one thing you have to remember as a creative is this is a business. Art is subjective but Business is always business. I learned earlier in my career that I have to separate my feelings from the work. There is so much time, study, hands on training you must do to perfect your craft but no-one cares about that, they just want a great product or service.

It’s about your efficiency and execution. The more I streamline my workflow the better outcome I have with a project. Also, I have learned to stay in my lane. If a potential client request a service that I don’t provide I’m honest with them. I never want to mislead a client. I learned from a customer when I was in corporate that if you are honest with a customer they will be more wiling to work with you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popimarx/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popimarxprodcutions/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEi8xvef_8WkRn40oUudfxw