Today we’d like to introduce you to Marq Robinson.
Hi Marq, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to LA ten years ago, straight out of high school with no friends or family here. The main goal was to make it in the entertainment industry. Back then I wanted to be an artist and a writer/director type. I still do, but my general interest has shifted more to the business side of the industry since I started working. My experiences working on set in both direct and indirect roles led me to start a costume rental company, Thrifty Rents, which eventually led to LA Desert Ranch, a desert photo location.
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?
There have been a lot of struggles along the way. Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or not, Los Angeles just has a grind to it that can be hard to keep on pace with. Any pursuit of the arts on top of that is a multiplier.
The biggest struggle I faced early on was finding roles that aligned with my business and artistic interests. It’s hard to get both, but I’ve been lucky enough to find balance in what I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of LA Desert Ranch. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
LA Desert Ranch is a 5-acre open-air property with several unique performance installations and beautiful desert landscapes. My business partner, John Tudhope, and I launched a little over a year ago starting with just a small upright piano we found on the side of the road as our first set piece. Now we have a variety of curated looks like the graveyard set, saloon set, and chroma zone.
For me, this business is more than just a collection of sets. It’s a culmination of all my work thus far as an artist and entrepreneur. Everything from the location to the set design to the marketing are all products of experience I picked up along the way.
I filmed my first thesis film on a site not too far from the property that I now own and operate as a rental location –truly a full-circle moment.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
LA Desert Ranch and its build-out over the past year has been my notable experience as an entrepreneur. On the artistic front, however, I am most proud of my 3rd album – The 28th Hour. Much like the ranch, it is a culmination of work. I wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered this entire project throughout 2022.
My prior releases simply do not compare. This one is a masterpiece.
The album released December 28th on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
Contact Info:
- Website: LADesertRanch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladesertranch/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/2ETC8FuHso6vhbir19xPKo?si=H7ChZzVQS8iDQKADYdFpOw
