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Hidden Gems: Meet Marcus of Into the Lens Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus.

Hi Marcus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved movies. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents taking me to the theater. I was that kid who would come home and act out entire scenes in the living room making up characters and building little stories in my head. I didn’t know it at the time but that was really the start of my journey into filmmaking.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and that’s where a lot of my creativity started to take shape. A big moment for me was my first visit to Universal Studios in Southern California. I remember being on the tram tour seeing all the sets and behind the scenes action and thinking I want to be on the other side of this. That experience stuck with me and planted the seed for what would later become my career.

In high school I signed up for video production and that’s when things really started to click. I loved every part of the process from writing and shooting to editing and even staying late to help set up lights or tear down equipment. From there I studied film more seriously in college and after finishing school I made the move to Los Angeles to pursue it full time.

Over the years I’ve worn a lot of hats including grip camera operator assistant director and drone operator. Each role taught me something new and gave me a deeper appreciation for how much teamwork it takes to bring a story to life.

In 2020 I started my own company Into The Lens Media to create space for my own work and help others bring their visions to life. I’ve had the chance to direct and produce short films work with nonprofit youth programs and collaborate with some amazing creatives along the way. Whether I’m leading a project or helping behind the scenes I still carry that same passion I had as a kid watching movies and dreaming of being part of the magic.

That dream never really went away I just figured out how to make it real.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, and the pandemic definitely made things harder. When I started Into The Lens Media, I was building momentum, but then the pandemic hit and put many projects and opportunities on hold. On top of that, I took time off to raise my son and keep him safe during that uncertain period. Balancing family and work during that time was challenging but absolutely the right choice for me.

I haven’t worked extensively in the traditional film industry, which is actually one of the big reasons I started my own company—I wanted to stand out and be seen not just as an individual but as a company with a clear vision. Managing all the business side of things while also focusing on creativity has been a learning curve, especially without much industry experience to lean on.

Despite the setbacks and pauses, I stayed committed to my passion and the vision for my company. The pandemic slowed things down but didn’t stop me from moving forward in whatever way I could. It’s been a tough but rewarding journey—learning to adapt, grow, and prioritize what matters most.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Into The Lens Media is a multimedia production company I started to bring stories to life with a fresh and personal approach. We specialize in producing narrative content branded videos and creative projects that connect with audiences on an emotional level. Whether it’s a short film promotional video or a nonprofit project we focus on quality storytelling and collaboration from start to finish.

What sets us apart is our commitment to being more than just a service provider. We see ourselves as creative partners who listen closely to our clients’ vision and work closely with them to make sure every detail supports that vision. We’re a small but nimble team which means we can stay flexible adapt quickly and give every project the attention it deserves.

I’m especially proud of building a brand that values authenticity creativity and professionalism. Into The Lens Media isn’t just about making videos it’s about creating meaningful experiences that resonate long after the screen goes dark.

For anyone looking for a production company that blends creativity with thoughtful execution we offer a full range of services from concept development and scriptwriting to directing filming editing and even drone cinematography. We bring passion and care to every project no matter the size or budget.

Ultimately I want readers to know that Into The Lens Media is about telling your story your way with heart skill and a genuine desire to create something memorable.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Los Angeles is the energy and creativity that is everywhere. It is a place where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together to chase their dreams and make things happen. I love how we have such a diverse city filled with cultures from all around the globe and along with that comes food from all over the world. That mix of people and flavors makes the city feel alive and inspiring especially for someone like me who is passionate about storytelling and connecting with others.

I also really like the filming history and locations all over Los Angeles. It is exciting driving somewhere and seeing a location from an iconic movie and filmmaking history. It makes the city feel like a living set and a constant reminder of the creativity and stories that have been made here.

What I like least about the city is probably the traffic and the way it can make getting around a challenge. Sometimes the distances between places feel really far and it can eat up a lot of time in the day. But I guess that is the trade off for living in such a vibrant and opportunity filled city.

Overall I am grateful to be here and be part of this creative community.

Pricing:

  • Pricing varies with every project since each one is unique and depends on many factors like scope and budget. I’m happy to discuss my clients needs and provide a custom quote tailored to their specific project.

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