Meet Mark Vidano

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

Hi Mark, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

My imposter syndrome wasn’t debilitating, but more embarrassing. Meaning that I felt almost embarrassed when I said “I’m an actor.” For one, I’m older and pretty established in my old career and most of my acting for a while was a side hustle. So, while what I was saying was/is true, it felt like I was an imposter.

And every time I dropped the “I’m an actor” response when someone would ask what I did, I’d brace myself for the inevitable follow-up: “Oh, cool! What have I seen you in?” And there I’d be, fumbling through an explanation about indie films and vertical dramas—projects that sound like they belong in the “You Might Also Like” section of a streaming app nobody’s heard of. I’d watch their polite smiles fade into confusion, and I’d think, Perfect, now they’re picturing me as that guy who peaked in a community theater production of ‘Grease’ and still brags about it. It was like telling someone you’re a chef, only to admit your specialty is microwaving ramen.

But I love acting. I’ve always wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid. When I’m on set it’s usually for ten to twelve hours and it feels like a 3 or 4 hour day. Even if my filmography isn’t lighting up the box office, every role I’ve taken has been a labor of love. Still, that little voice in my head wouldn’t quit: You’re not legit. Real actors don’t have to tell people what they’ve been in.

So, how did I shake that imposter syndrome? It wasn’t a lightning-bolt moment—no Oscar-worthy montage here. It was more like a slow, stubborn climb. I started tuning out the noise and doubling down on what I could control: my commitment, my curiosity, my joy in the process. I realized that “actor” isn’t a title you earn with a blockbuster credit—it’s who you are when you show up, day after day, to tell stories that matter to you. Whether it’s a college movie that you’re not getting paid for or an independent micro budget feature film.

Then, I really took the jump and decided to produce my own movie. That big leap was a “do what you can with what you have today” kind of moment. I thought, If the roles I want aren’t out there, I’ll make them myself. It was equal parts terrifying and thrilling—like jumping out of a plane with a parachute you sewed on the way down. Suddenly, I was wearing every hat: actor, producer, writer, even the guy who makes sure the coffee doesn’t run out. And you know what? It worked. I made a film I’m damn proud of, and somewhere along the way, that nagging voice shut up. When you’re the one building the stage, and literally paying for it, you get to “own it”.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Right now, I’m in the final stages of a project that’s incredibly close to my heart – TOUCHED, a film about a young girl on the autism spectrum and her grandfather, who steps in to care for her after her mother’s passing. It’s a tender, emotional exploration of resilience, family, and transformation.

When I started Patriot Filming I wanted topics that make you think as part of the production company’s mission. It’s a way to hold a mirror up to the human experience and at the same time tell a great story. This project has been a labor of love, blending my artistic drive with a desire to shed light on underrepresented perspectives. The story centers on a girl navigating life with autism, and her estranged grandfather, who learns to see the world through her eyes and trying to navigate a relationship that is foreign to him. What’s most exciting to me is how this film bridges three real experiences: living on the spectrum, coping with mistakes and transformation. It’s a character-driven piece, but it carries a big emotional punch and a lot of visual undercurrents that I hope will resonate with audiences and spark meaningful conversations.

Right now, I’m focused on two critical pieces to bring this film full circle: finding a nonprofit that the film can help support with some of the proceeds and securing distribution to share it with the world.

One of my biggest goals and Patriot Filming’s core values is to ensure that our films make a tangible difference. I’ve been researching and reaching out to nonprofits that align with these ideas, and much to my surprise I haven’t found anyone that will even have a conversation.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been pivotal in shaping my path: persistence, having a support network of people I believe in and who believe in me, and not getting comfortable. These elements turned challenges into opportunities and propelled me from a hobby to a career.

Persistence is the backbone of any worthwhile journey. It’s about pushing forward even when the road gets rough or the outcome is uncertain. Early on, I faced countless hurdles not the least of which was losing my job/career after 30 years at the same company right before filming. Literally 4 days before filming. But I kept going. I really didn’t have a choice. Maybe that’s a lesson in itself. Don’t give yourself a choice. “I would really love to one day do….” There are two obvious paths right there, start today or start tomorrow. We all know, tomorrow is usually many, many “tomorrows” away. So don’t give yourself the choice of tomorrow. Do one small thing, one tiny thing towards that “love to do”, then guess what, you’re already doing it and it’s not tomorrow, you’re already doing it today, because you made even a tiny, tiny step TODAY.

My wife is a transformational life coach and she’ll tell you (and she told me) your mind will let you do anything and go anywhere. It doesn’t really know the difference between real and imagination. Your mind will also hold you back to keep you “safe”. It’s a choice. Persistence doesn’t mean you’re going to avoid failure or setbacks but it does help you get through those tough times.

Wherever you are at. It’s just what it looks like now. Good or bad. Today is going to pass and then tomorrow is going to look like whatever tomorrow looks like.

Having a support network of people you trust and who believe in you is a game-changer. Hands down. These are the folks who cheer you on, offer wisdom, and sometimes call you out when you need it. For me, besides my wife Sharon, my Director and Coproducer, Marco Bazzi was my saving grace and partner. He guided me through tough calls, helped me pull together a strong team and rooting for my success because it was also his success. That mutual belief creates a foundation you can lean on when doubt creeps in or times get tough.

I would say build your circle intentionally. Seek out mentors, peers, or friends who inspire and challenge you. Don’t just take give back too. To a person, every cast and crew member has said they will drop what they are doing and work on our next project because of the quality of the product and the way they were treated, even during challenging times.

Finally, don’t get comfortable. For 30 years, I had a stable career—until the company I worked for shut down abruptly. That jolt forced me out of my comfort zone and into a scary but exhilarating shift: turning my hobby into my new career. The money was nice, don’t get me wrong, but the money will come back and now in a career that is so beyond what I had dreamed of. I’m sure of it. Again, where I am at right now, is just what it looks like now. .

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The final stretch of getting this film out into the world is proving to be the toughest—and let me tell you, distribution is a beast for an indie filmmaker! Finding a distribution company that shares our vision and operates with integrity is no small feat. We’re diving into the festival circuit, which is an exciting step to build buzz and get some attention, but our big dream is a theatrical release. Getting this story seen by audiences is practically a full-time job, soaking up most of my time and heart.

Some folks, even fellow filmmakers, say, “Just toss it on pay-per-view!” And sure, that’s an option, but streaming revenue is pennies per hour watched and that won’t do justice to the film’s potential or its purpose. We’ve poured significant resources into this project, and to make a meaningful impact with our nonprofit partner, we need to generate enough revenue to not just break even, but to have something substantial to share. We’re looking for a distribution deal that can help us reach theaters and create that ripple effect, and I’d love for anyone who believes in this story to join us – whether it’s spreading the word or connecting us with the right partners.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://patriotfilming.com
• Instagram: TOUCHEDtheMovie