Meet Marwan Naji of Aries Pictures in Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marwan Naji.

Marwan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In a nutshell, just like everyone on earth I grew up with a dream. Some dreams came true others just didn’t bask in their glow. Never be complacent, that’s what my dad taught me. Be your own boss and always thrive for more without greed. Have a plan accompanied by a whirlwind of ideas and don’t make a mountain out of a molehill, that is my credo. After I migrated from Nigeria to settle in New York at the age of 19, I knew what I wanted to become. I was a step closer to fulfilling an overdue manifestation, the pursuit of happiness, in my case an actor 🙂 I was discouraged by my family, citing “it will only bring you disappointment”. My father, god bless his soul, and may he rest in peace forever, who was a force of inculcation throughout my life, on the other hand, had encouraged me. Saying what is life without risks, calculated risks.

By being gregarious, acting to me was second nature. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from St. John’s University in the midst of the 9/11 debacle, I set sail to California, the state that accepted ME and not the preconceived notion of my heritage, an Arab Immigrant native to Lebanon. I struggled in the beginning, but my computer savviness fueled by a computer science degree allowed me to use technology to promote myself by creating my own website, of course that’s when web presence was hot until social media took over. As years went by I gained experience by working EXTRA roles in movies with the help of central casting, the Mecca for the background artist. Soon enough I landed an agent and booked my first paid role on an industrial project, followed by a Co- starring role on Fox’s Tv show Touch. Landing the Tv role gave me a lot of confidence and earned the respect of my family. Finally a breather. I can fervently say I’m an Actor. Although I portrayed the famous Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran on stage, which could’ve led to my break, nowadays , I guess you can say I float right under the radar, but not for long. Catch my latest starring role in Rogue Warfare, the #1 movie on Netflix for the 1st week in August 2020.

Please tell us about Aries Pictures.
A few years back, I established Aries Pictures an independent film company which caters to but not limited to Middle Eastern stories. We have a few projects in the pipe slated for a 2021 production. Two of the four projects I wrote and will direct.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe just in luck per say, I believe in hard work. The luckier I work the luckier I get.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4335 Van Nuys Blvd. #128 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
• Website: http://www.marwannaji.com
• Phone: 323-523-5351
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/itsmarwannaji

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