Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitchell Marchand.
Hi Mitchell, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been in the entertainment business since I was nine years old. Started as an actor in commercials, after school specials, Off Broadway theater productions. I was always interested in behind the scenes work, even back then – writing in particular. Getting an opportunity to be an intern on Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” when I was 12 years old only pushed my interests further. I think the first time I attempted to write a script was maybe a year later. Throughout my teens I continued to act and got the chance to appear in the movie “Juice” and from my relationship with Ernest Dickerson from the Do The Right Thing experience he allowed us the latitude to write and improvise. The scene with Omar Epps and I in the pool hall where he and I are haggling over the price of a mixtape was my first opportunity to write anything, so I owe Ernest an enormous of amount of gratitude for pushing me into what became my destiny.
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 has been bumpy, winding road to say the least. I’d have to say that I’d have it no other way though. The “no’s” just strengthened my resolve and pushed me to continue. I always trusted my talents, I just had to trust the journey that it took me on. I wanted it so bad, I really am the poster child for putting all my eggs in one basket and what started was my path as an actor but I found out that I had more to offer with my writing. The interesting thing is what lead me to LA was an cameo acting role recreating my “You got the juice now” line from Juice in “Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood.” Once I moved to LA, I did all kinds of odd jobs (PA work, telemarketing, etc) anything to put food on the table and take care of my family. I was infinitely blessed with falling for a woman who not only believed in me but never let me stop believing in myself. It took some time to get the consistency of work and honestly, since the strike ended it continues to be a bit of a struggle but I continue to be inspired to create my own projects and work on things that fulfill and feed me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have to say I’m proud of my journey because it’s allowed to work with and meet amazing people from Spike, to the Wayans family, Reginald Hudlin, Anthony Anderson, and so many inspirational professionals who never hid their expertise but shared it openly and allowed me to grow as a creative. In industry circles I’m known as a comedy writer but I’ve always done my best to be versatile using a myriad of disciplines that allow me to be hired no matter what. I’m incredibly proud that my first Emmy nomination came from my writing “John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero” and I was able to write for Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Tyler Perry, Brad Pitt, and Trevor Noah who all shared hosting duties on the project. My work has involved multiple Primetime Emmys and Academy Awards telecasts plus lending my voice to the sitcom writing staffs of “The Wayans Bros”, “Marlon”, and “The Upshaws.”
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Interesting question in so much as I’m in a place currently where I’m taking the leap to be an executive producer and creator of my own work. I think that’s the next step for me. I always think about the Jay-Z line “you made it a hot line, I made it hot song.” I sometimes see my career through that lens. I’ve made a lot of hot lines for others but I’m being called now to do that more for myself now. Hopefully, that’s the next step for me as far as writing /producing. I’m really excited with the slate I’m cultivating currently while also looking forward to where things lead with my stand up comedy career. I recently did an hour for the first time and I’m excited to see where things lead.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mitchmarchand
- Facebook: Mitch Marchand Writer-Comedian-Producer
- Twitter: @mitchmarchand
Image Credits
@mpvinny300
