Meet Marquis Sewell

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

Hi Marquis, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

This is an interesting question because my answer is simple yet so complex: it’s bigger than me. When I’m feeling at a low point, I reflect on the legends of each industry, film specifically, and think about all of the struggles, adversity, and challenges they endured from this country I can’t help but to press forward. Sidney Poitier, Oscar Micheaux, Jenifer Lewis, Richard Pryor , James Earl Jones, August Wilson. These individuals, and many more, have opened up doors that allow me to occupy this current space. I stand here because of their sacrifices to not only the craft but to my right to work as a black creative freely. When I’m the only one in the room that looks like me, I imagine what those individuals had to endure and I set out to do exactly as they had. Leave this world and industry a better place for those that come in after me. It’s bigger than just me and I want to future generations to stand on my shoulders and see that the sun’s the limit.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an all around creative. By day. I work as a photographer, videographer, editor, on-camera talent, and producer for True Star Media, a digital youth media non profit on the south side of Chicago. By night, but pretty much all the time, I’m an actor. In 2021 I chose to pursue acting. I had gotten my stimulus check and I came across a virtual webinar from my mentor, Christine Horn, called ‘Book More TV. I joined and the rest is history. Acting is what saved my life. From there my path was set and my curiosity sparked. I attended classes, I worked as an extra, emulating a sponge I absorbed every bit of information on the craft and of those who have also studied it. Aside from acting, I’m branching off more into being behind the camera. Growing up I played a healthy balance of being behind and in front of the camera. Skits with my cousins helped to prepare me and express my creativity. I’m delving more into directing, writing, and filmmaking. Creating my own and pushing the boundaries of what we deem “normal” and “acceptable.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. The ability to adapt and pivot. I like to think of it as “when one door closes another opens.” You have to be able to have an open mind in all situations. It allows you to make better decisions.

2. Tunnel vision/persistance- coming into the industry, I hadn’t quite grasped the idea of how many times I would hear “No.” But I’m quite used to rejection, and I use it as motivation and you learn that you HAVE to have thick skin or you won’t make it.

3. Mamba mentality- I’m a Kobe Bryant fan and he adopted a term called the “Mamba Mentality.” Essentially it’s all about pushing yourself to be your best. I stay in my lane and I work on my craft and best and challenge myself.

These are 3 qualities that have had a meaningful impact on my life. For those just starting out, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Take the time to learn yourself first. Learn what you like/dislike, your hobbies, what your happiness looks like, because if not, everyone will try to paint their own images on your canvas. Trust in yourself, trust in your higher power, and run your race. One foot after the other .

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

WILL. For those who know me, they know that Will Smith is my favorite actor of all time. I’d be less than 5 years old sneaking to watch ‘Bad Boys’ and reenacting ‘iRobot’ with my swimming floaty as a bulletproof vest. Will Smith’s book is what keeps me motivated. I’ve read it over 3 times.

There are two moments that stick out to me in particular. The first is when Will flew to LA after receiving a call from Quincey Jones. Quincey threw a party. Little did Will know, Quincey had everybody from NBC present and he was going to do a live audition for a new show. Will wasn’t prepared at all and when surprised with the opportunity, he said he needed about a week or two to prepare. Quincey essentially told him, “What if there is no next time.” After hearing the pep talk, Will said “**** it. Give me 10 minutes.” After that audition we now have what we know today as ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’

The second is at the end of the book when Will is describing the moment he bungee jumped from a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. He described all of what could go wrong. He spoke on ALL of his anxieties and nerves and thoughts. But he provided a very valuable nugget: “I’ve realized that for some reason. God placed the most beautiful things in life on the other side of our worst terrors. If we are not willing to stand in the face of the things that most deeply unnerve us, and then step across the invisible line into the land of dread, then we won’t get to experience the best that life has to offer.”
Before reading the book. I was extremely shy and hesitant. Overthinking EVERYTHING. The lessons from Will in the book helped me to adopt a more confident mindset and LEANING into failure. Because all of us fail at something everyday. Instead of trying to be perfect and fear of failing, living in the moment is what’s most important. And that’s why I love Wills book.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marquissewell123.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquis_sewell_?igsh=MWNrMTBjM2Y1NjVjbA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Instagram-
@shotbymecc
@time2talkmedia