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Writer, director, producer, and actress Marcia Kimpton

Today the Venice Paparazzi Spotlight shines on film director Marcia Kimpton, of Bardo Blues!

Tell us about your art or company. What makes it awesome?

I am trying to build a mini-film and TV studio, but for now I have small film production company where I wrote, produced, directed and acted in two films; “My Reality” and “Bardo Blues.” In addition, I created  two seasons of web series and a pilot for a show called”Planet M.”

How many years, and how did you get into it?

I have been working on my dream for 35 years and at 12 years old I knew I would be on TV.  I finally got my break in 1994 at the local SF station KYVI with my own  late night show called “Live from the Starlight Room.”  When it was taken off the air, I took a multi year break for Hollywood, only to return with my new feature film!

Describe your style:

I like to think intuitively about every film or tv project I create. This requires me to meditate or do yoga to fully hear from divine higher self.  Then all sudden ideas come in from a place I don’t know nor understand. I feel like I am the vehicle.

What would you say has had the largest impact upon your particular style?

Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and David Fincher.  I also like Ava DuVernay, and academy award winning Kathryn Bigelow, but I would not say that they influence my style per say!

What projects are you currently working on?

I just wrote a script called “Dharma Drive” which has now be changed “Tainted.”  It is a true story about big pharma corruption in the 1980’s, and will be shot in India with a big female lead.

Upcoming shows:

I am writing a solo show called “Escaping Hollywood Bardo.” It comes out May 3rd and I hope Los Angeles is the first place I will try out this one woman show.

  • My book called “Escaping Hollywood Bardo” comes out May 3.
  • My solo play I hope will come out in 2020 in LA first
What accomplishments, projects, or pieces that you are most proud of?

I am proud of everything, although it has been such a struggle to sell my projects in Hollywood. Each one is an artistic imprint of certain stage in my artistic life so I guess I most proud of my latest film called “Bardo Blues.”


 Psychological thriller about a man who seeks understanding & solace in Thailand.   In select theaters &  EVERYWHERE ON DEMAND May 3.

View Bardo Blues trailer!

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Marcia Kimpton, 2019 winner of the Best Director for her movie “Bardo Blues “at the La Femme Film Festival.

Where do you find inspiration from?

Filmmakers, actors, nature and music! nature. I listen to many artists including:  Florence in the Machine, Peal Jam, Maggie Rogers, and Led Zeppelin.  I wish I could sing and play myself!

What brings you to the arts and how has it helped your life?

It saved my life. Without the ability to create art, I know I would not be here. I have been making plays and  films since I was a kid. My challenge is is the business end of things.  And that is the ONLY reason I have ever been depressed over my art. It is so hard to sell!  However, I think because of the struggle I became a more spiritual person.  But I do wish my career as an artists had been easier and I think many artist feel the same way.

A few personal questions:

Finish off the statement “Art is…

Art is bring the heavens into the earthly form. Each one of has a unique vision and we try as artist to put that vision into form and to share with others.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your field?

Never give up and never sacrifice your integrity in following your own artistic path. Someone out there will love your vision even if it isn’t millions and you struggle financially to make it. If there is a will there is a way.

Favorite affirmation, mantra, or quote:

Let me radiate the sunshine and if it is a dark day, let me find a way to still radiate the sunshine.

Favorite book, band or movie?
  • Bands: Pearl Jam and Florence and the Machine
  • Book: The Alchemist
  • Movies: All the Presidents Men, The Way We Were, The Godfather, Breaking the Ways.
How would your friends or colleagues describe you?

Crazy, fun, loud Marcia who never ever gives up on her dream and never loses her integrity in the process.

Behind the scenes of Marcia on her web series Planet M

What’s one thing we can do to make the world a better place?

Find peace and sunshine within us so we radiate it and thus change the world. It is up to our individual process of clearing our darkness so more light can come in and thus change the world’s darkness. If each one of us consciously tried to choose heaven on earth on a daily basis, as hard as it is sometimes, then the world would be better.

List 1-2 things on your bucket list:

I want to develop a film studio, go to Norway and Antartica, ski Patagonia and develop music programs in American public schools.

Anything else you want to share about yourself to the world? Fun facts or accomplishments?

I am super proud of Bardo Blues as I wore just about every hat there is to see this vision through with minimal resources and time!

A few Venice questions:

Describe Venice:

Truly the coolest place on planet earth. It’s a free thinking zone with amazing food and great art.  And, you can ride your bike everywhere and your only 10 mins from the beach!!!!

Anything else about Venice that you would like to say?

Utopia! I wish there were more places like Venice, but that’s what makes it unique.

Among the many artists in Venice, who are your favorites?
  • Alex Shreds
  • My sister, Laura Kimpton
Who should Venice Paparazzi cast the spotlight on next?

Stephen McClintic, who works at Gjilina.  A fantastic actor and my lead!

Natalie Denise Sperl, Marcia Kimpton and Sephen McClintic. Photo courtesy of Marcia Kimpton

How does one find you?

Bardo Blues to show at Laemmle Monica Film Center on Friday, May 3rd.  There will be a Q & A with me after the 5:30 pm and 7:40 pm shows. Get your May 3rd tickets now!

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