I was able to catch up with Nathan Marlow, Filmmaker and CO-Founder of Gulf Coast Studios for a quick interview about his experience in the film industry. He summed up some of his experiences and gave some important advice for actors and filmmakers just starting out. To start, I asked him about his background in filmmaking and acting.
What was your first plan of action to pursue filmmaking?
“I moved to LA to pursue it. I wanted to give it a shot with the best of the best and Los Angeles was the place for film and television.”
What actors and directors were the most influential to you?
“Acting wise, I would say acting Marlon Brando and Grace Kelly were the most influential to me. Marlon Brando was just an innovator. At the time, no actors were acting the way he was. He was not mechanical in the way he delivered his lines because he embodied raw emotion. Grace Kelly, she just had an aura about her. You couldn’t help but to look at her on the screen. She was a fantastic actor. The way she carried herself on and off the screen with class. I just wish we could have seen more of her on the big screen. As far as directing goes, my top three are Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, and Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick was so far ahead of his time. He was innovative. Kubrick left no detail untouched. He paid so much attention to detail through lighting, composition and symmetry. Kubrick really influenced me in a way where I don’t mind doing 50 takes to get it right. Christopher Nolan was one of the few film makers that can have a huge scope that can still tell interesting stories. Behind the big scope and stories, they still had interesting characters with truth behind them. He is one of the few film makers that can have a good story but also have good scope and story. He brought a lot of soul to his work. I love the cinematic look and style of David Fincher. The way he color grades, the technique of his movies, the scoring, and his great story telling as well. I think to sum up all three film makers, they always find the truth in the story and the characters.”
If you could make any movie right now, what would it be?
“I am a huge fan of the Old Testament Biblical Stories. Something I’ve been itching to make would be the story of the giants, the Nephilim, and the story about David and Goliath.
What is your favorite thing about being head of your own production company?
“I like telling people’s stories no matter if it’s personal or business. I think everyone has a story to tell. And in this day and age, with multiple social platforms, what better way is there to market not only your business, but yourself, but by telling your story?”
Lastly, what is advice you would give to young actors and filmmakers in the industry?
“I would say to learn all aspects of film making, not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well. At the end of the day, it makes you a better film maker and actor to know all aspects. You also have to pay your dues; you’re going to have to work your way up. Don’t expect anything to get handed to you because you have to have a great work ethic. As an actor, don’t expect to be given a star roll at the start. Even you’re going to have to take smaller roles to get practice, then slowly you can work your way up. Learn from your mistakes and build relationships. Know about lighting, storytelling, and most importantly know how to find the truth in characters and the truth in the story. If you can accomplish that, then I think you might be onto something.”