Check Out Marlaina Smith’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlaina Smith.

Hi Marlaina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I was incredibly fortunate to have attentive parents that would encourage the things I gravitated to. But I was their daughter after all, so I gravitated to things they loved as well. In his youth, my dad played lead guitar in his band, and my mother played piano growing up. So, I play both haha. I’m not as practiced on the piano these days, but there was a time I was writing a lot of songs on it. I tend to write on the guitar more as of late. 

My parents also loved watching movies, and it was something we all thoroughly enjoyed doing together. My mom’s favorite movie is The Matrix, and my dad’s favorite movie is 2001: A Space Odyssey. Which my dad saw in theaters, by the way. And nobody liked that movie when it came out, so that’s how cool he was. And when Lord of the Rings graced us with its existence, it was a family affair. 

So, when my mom would watch my sister and I making our home movies, and my dad would join in, writing a script for us and acting in the films, it comes as no surprise that they’d encourage I act and play music. It wasn’t until I was 16 though that I finally got the guts to sing. 

I wish I could say I’d always been receptive to all this encouragement and support, but there were times when I didn’t want them to tell me I should do theatre again or write more songs. I’ve pondered why I would’ve been that way, other than just being a kid or a teenager, and it may boil down to the fact that I just needed to make sure that pursuing these things is what I wanted. I needed to know for myself. But I’m forever grateful they welcomed the options. 

Now, I’ve gone back to my childhood roots in a way, in that I’m making films of my own again. Or at least starting to. Last year, I made my first short film, which I wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in, as tends to be the nature of low-budget indie filmmaking. But I had an incredible team with me that I would have been a mess without. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t imagine it’s often a smooth road for anyone, but I’m grateful that I’ve had good friends and an amazing partner to support and encourage me along the way. Despite all that, internal conflict is unavoidable, but its part is important. The short film I made is deeply personal, so every step of its creation invited something existential. And when I finished the film, I wanted to hide it. But exploring those fears, anxieties, doubts, and pain was necessary. It was hard, but I don’t suppose it could’ve been anything but that. I’m glad I made it. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As mentioned, I’m excited to be sharing my short film, Driving There, at festivals this year! I’ve also just released a song on Bandcamp called What You’ll Find. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
There are a multitude of talented individuals here that you can learn from. And with there being so many, you can rather quickly form a crew and make a ding-dang movie. That’s been my experience, anyway. Years ago, I met the DP for my short at a coffee shop. The sound mixer is a filmmaker friend’s roommate, and a DP my friend hired for her project knew a great sound designer that I asked to do my film. When you’re here, you’re in it. A lot people can crop up and do good work. 

Least favorite part: 100+°F degree Summers in a bedroom with no A/C. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marlainasmith.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlainasmith/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mmarlainaa
• Other: https://marlaina.bandcamp.com/track/what-youll-find

Image Credits
Ben Bentley
Sean David Christensen
Nogen Beck