Life & Work with Anthony Markus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Markus.

Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a kid, I was extremely enamored with film & television. Even as a baby, my nanny had the easiest job. All she had to do was turn on the TV, sit me right in front of it, then I’d be zoned in and quiet as can be. This is probably a big reason why my imagination is as vivid as it is. Being able to envision an entire world outside of my own played a significant part in leading me to a career where my job is to help make creativity palpable.

However, the journey was never a straight path. Growing up here in Los Angeles – the Mecca of the entertainment industry – I was given a lot of opportunities, as well as exposed to a ton of distractions. Everyone wanted to be an actor, singer, musician, comedian, athlete, and you name it. It can be really confusing, especially being as impressionable as I was. You feel like you NEED to be in one of those groups. Once I realized I wasn’t as talented as other actors, didn’t have a voice like these amazing vocalists, or didn’t have the same body composition as some of these athletes, I would get pretty down on myself.

When you’re young, the idea of being an executive isn’t too appealing. Let’s face it, it seemed way cooler to be Brad Pitt than it did to be Jerry Bruckheimer (no offense, shout-out to Jerry). It wasn’t until much later in life that my true calling would be actualized.

Coming out of High School, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. A friend of mine offered me a position in his venue promotions company so that I could make some decent income while I figured it out. I immediately took him up on it.

Being in the nightlife circuit every other night, mingling with the tastemakers, executives, celebrities, etc. definitely pulled the curtain back to see a side of Hollywood I would’ve never known existed. I felt brand new to a city I’ve lived in my whole life. The concept of networking was not something I was savvy to. Yet, It was something that became almost instinctual for me. I eventually found myself rubbing elbows with people from all walks of the industry – including, and especially, film & media.

I was so excited to get close to the one thing I loved since childhood that I was willing to start at the bottom. I asked a producer I met if he’d let me come to set and see what goes on. “Of course, if you’re going to work” he told me. Fair enough. I would begin as a production assistant and would go on to get gigs as a key grip, set photographer, 3rd camera, 2nd camera, production coordinator, and every other below-the-line job I could experience. This gave me the chance to explore my creative side while learning the ins and outs of film production. I was elated. Being able to see something from conception to completion gave me a feeling of gratitude that was foreign to me at the time.

After years of putting in work on numerous sets, I finally got an opportunity to step up as a creative executive. Again, it didn’t seem as appealing as working with the different film crews and being in the ‘trenches’ with my guys. However, the pay was lucrative and stable, so I gave it a shot. I wasn’t prepared to fall in love with developing and producing like I did. Whether it was a short film, an indie or a feature, I was locked in.

Maybe it was the less physically laborious nature of it, being able to work anywhere from my laptop, that spoke to the laid-back Cali-native part of me. Or the childhood version of my wondrous mind being put to the test, getting a chance to play and build with these grandiose ideas, connecting the resources to bring them to life. Whatever it was, it felt like I was meant to do this all along. I’m comfortable in this space. This feels like home.

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?
Not at all smooth. A bumpy and windy road, to say the least.

Finding my voice was one challenge that came up for me. Working in an industry where egos can run rampant is difficult. Figuring out how to navigate that took time.

Saying “no” to seemingly great opportunities can be tough, as well. While everything in you wants to jump on every shiny new project that comes your way, you’ve got to be diligent, calculated, and make smart moves rather than just move. I had to learn to stay dedicated to my process and bandwidth, regardless of what anyone else had going on.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I develop and produce feature films. Most of, if not all of my focus is on presenting finance models to prospective partners, risk mitigation, creating treatments, initiating & vetting projects or screenplays, and putting together marketing and distribution strategies. You know, the fun stuff. I probably spend about 75% of my time on calls.

I recently signed a two-picture deal in 2022, where I’m Executive Producing Nick Cassavetes’ upcoming film “Couture” (who wrote “Blow” with Johnny Depp, & directed “The Notebook” with Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams). I’m currently producing a follow-up project (under wraps for now) with a top-tier director already on board, to be announced very soon. I’m pretty excited about all of that.

I wouldn’t say I’m one of one here, but I’m only interested in impact films. The kind that evokes a deep emotional response from audiences, triggers a call to action and those that normalize or break stigmas. I feel like resonance and relatability equal community when it comes to film, and I want to supplement that with my legacy.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I’d say both purpose and family matter the most to me.

I want to bridge intention with creation in the effort to impact people through the many artistic mediums. When I was younger, it was difficult for me to fully express myself and articulate my emotions. I was fortunate to have the arts give me that healthy release. I want to continue that process, not just for myself, but giving that platform and opportunity to others as well.

As for family, that’s my backbone. My support system and sanity through life’s many trials. And, when I’m no longer on this earth, they’re my legacy. I want to continue to pour time and energy into them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/anthonymarkvs
• Other: www.IMDb.me/AnthonyMarkus