We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mara Marini. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mara below.
Mara, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
From a very young age, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I vividly remember watching a Marilyn Monroe movie with my mom when I was just four years old. I was captivated and immediately wanted to know everything: who she was, how she got there, and how I could follow in her footsteps. When I discovered she was in Los Angeles, it became my singular focus. Every yearbook quote, every plan I made, was centered around how I could get to LA.
But I have to first and foremost thank my parents who always taught me the importance of doing what you love and to dive into hard work – don’t leave it for later.
As a kid, I was always mature for my age. At six, I started memorizing passages from my mum’s Shakespeare collection, which led my parents to enroll me in acting classes. I fell in love with it immediately. I was the type of student who would come home on Friday after school and complete all my homework right away so I could have the weekend free to pursue my passions so I think my work ethic has always been ingrained in me.
Work has always been incredibly important to me, and I am acutely aware of how fortunate I am to do what I love. I approach every audition and role with the utmost seriousness and dedication. At the same time, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the work I do, especially when the projects I go out for are so incredible.
As a true Capricorn, work is always my first focus. My work ethic is rooted in the dreams I had as a young child and the unwavering dedication I have maintained ever since.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Mara Marini is a Canadian actress and writer best known for her role as Brandi Maxxxx in the NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation. She has guest starred on Netflix’s Schitt’s Creek, ABC’s black-ish, among other credits, & co-wrote, co-starred and produced the short film, A Play, starring Jane Lynch, which won her best actress, best writing & other accolades. She co-created and stars in Exties – a s*x comedy about exes who are now best friends and has three films coming out in 2024/25 – The Maginot Line, Sunlight and Sgt. Fruit Fly. She also worked on Doogie Kamealoha MD in Hawaii, which recently came out on Disney+.
In addition to acting, Mara is also making strides as a writer, predominantly focusing on comedic projects. She is gearing up to shoot another short film that she co-wrote and she is actively engaged in crafting several half-hour comedies as well as a movie project, collaborating with accomplished writing partners. Despite her classical training and versatility in drama, her heart lies in comedy, and she aspires to create and star in her own sitcom someday, driven by a passion for bringing laughter to audiences.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As an actress and a writer, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are perseverance, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human nature.
1. Perseverance: The entertainment industry is notoriously challenging, and having the determination to keep pushing forward despite setbacks has been crucial. From countless auditions to the rigorous demands of writing, my unwavering commitment has been key to achieving my goals.
2. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different roles, genres, and situations has been essential. Whether it’s transforming into a character on screen or pivoting between various writing styles, being flexible and open to change has allowed me to thrive in both fields.
3. Understanding of Human Nature: Both acting and writing require a keen insight into human emotions and behaviors. My ability to observe, empathize, and convey the complexities of the human experience has deeply informed my performances and storytelling, making my work resonate with audiences on a profound level.
For newcomers, here’s my advice:
Embrace Rejection – Understand that rejection is a natural part of the journey. Use it as a learning experience and motivation to improve.
Set Small Goals – Break down your larger ambitions into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each accomplishment to maintain momentum and motivation.
Stay Consistent – Make a habit of working on your craft daily. Consistent effort over time leads to substantial progress.
Embrace Change – Be open to new experiences and opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. Each experience can teach you something valuable.
Learn Continuously – Take classes, attend workshops, and stay updated on industry trends. The more skills you acquire, the more versatile you become.
Practice Flexibility – Work on different types of projects and roles to build a diverse portfolio. This will help you become comfortable with a range of scenarios and characters.
Observe and Reflect – Pay attention to people’s behavior, emotions, and interactions in real life. Reflect on these observations to deepen your understanding of different perspectives.
Read Widely – Explore literature, psychology, and biographies. Reading diverse stories helps you gain insights into various aspects of the human experience.
Empathy and Connection – Practice empathy by genuinely connecting with others and listening to their stories. This not only enriches your personal life but also enhances your ability to portray complex characters and write compelling narratives.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was providing unwavering support and encouragement, despite not understanding the entertainment industry. My mum, a teacher, and my dad, a pilot, both loved their professions and instilled in me the importance of pursuing what you love. Their belief in my dreams and constant support gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to pursue a career in acting and writing. Their example of dedication to their own passions showed me the value of hard work and commitment, which has been crucial in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zez.am/popgloss
- Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/popgloss
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maramarinipage
- Twitter: Http://www.twitter.com/popgloss
Image Credits
Dmitry Korikov
@korikov
@thedkfilmsmagazine
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