On My Radar: Marcus Tortorici
Marcus Tortorici, director at Voyager, enjoys revisiting his passion for photography, was left breathless by Alex Garland's recent project, and cites a Coen Brothers masterpiece as having a "profound impact".
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What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?
I love when movies use creative marketing strategies, like placing people in the stands at sporting events to promote their films. For example, the way Smile had creepy people smiling in the stands of MLB and NBA games was such a unique and cool idea. I also really enjoyed the Dune popcorn bucket.
What website(s) do you use most regularly?
For inspiration, I often use Shotdeck and YouTube for content. Otherwise, it’s a deep, dark Zillow dive, with conspiracies about why the housing market is so unaffordable for most people. I have a script in development around this concept. Stay tuned for that.
What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?
I bought a Sony FX3 for shooting smaller projects and pre-visualising bigger commercials. It’s such a fun, versatile camera and I use it almost daily for something. It also has a decent photography element, which has allowed me to revisit my passion for photography that I loved so much when I was starting out.
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What product could you not live without?
Body Armor Lyte. If you know something toxic about this drink do not tell me.
What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?
I really enjoyed Civil War. Watching it in theatres was an absolute must. There were several moments that completely moved me, especially those dealing with the inherent value (or lack thereof) in capturing moments with a camera. The theme of war photography is something I find fascinating. Plus, the last 45 minutes will literally leave you breathless. It's Alex Garland at his best.
What film do you think everyone should have seen?
I think every generation has a defining movie and, for many in their 30s now, that film is No Country For Old Men. I've spoken to so many industry professionals who saw it in the mid-2010s, at a pivotal moment in their lives, and it inspired them to pursue film more seriously. While each generation will have its own iconic film, No Country had a profound impact on aspiring filmmakers of that time. So, while I can't say there's one film everyone should see, I’d probably put any aspiring director on an assignment to devour the Coen Brothers' filmography.
What’s your preferred social media platform?
TikTok. Is that sad? I watch a lot of fishing videos and that algorithm has me completely hooked. I’ve never actually fished, but I imagine it’s incredible.
What’s your favourite TV show?
I watch True Detective season one at least once a year for obvious reasons, or I revisit Lost season one, which was one of the foundational shows that inspired me to become a storyteller and filmmaker. To this day, just hearing a few of Michael Giacchino’s iconic riffs gives me chills. Some people criticise Lost for its ending, but I prefer to believe the show ended after season two.
If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?
Probably Andrew Prahlow, who scored my favourite video game, Outer Wilds, or something else instrumental.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
Ha! How much time do you have? It's advertising, so you have to accept that it's primarily a tool for corporations to make money. I know that sounds harsh. Overall, I think there used to be more room for experimentation and risk-taking within advertising and filmmaking. Nowadays, it seems like playing it safe is more often rewarded. There are more analytics for clients and studios to rely on to determine "what works" instead of trying to create something truly special.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
Several directors in my circle really inspire and influence me, though I'm too chicken to name them here. They probably don't realise how much I look up to them. I also draw a ton of inspiration from my childhood in Alabama. I was such an imaginative kid, and I still take inspiration from the little woods, rivers and stories I grew up with. There are also several movies, shows and albums that have really shaped my taste and influenced my style.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
I'm kind of a strange mix of a person; never quite good enough to excel as the athlete I was raised to be, yet never quite eccentric enough to fit in with the theatre or art kids I admired. Being stuck in the middle of two worlds has helped me relate to people from various backgrounds, ideologies and beliefs. In recent years, I've really embraced my identity more and I hope to use who I am to tell stories in unique ways that only I can.
