Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week is Marcus Lyle Brown.

Marcus is the Executive Producer at Believe Entertainment but I’m guessing you’ve seen his face on TV or in one of the many movies he has appeared in. More than that though, he’s one of those very intelligent, creative and very witty types that I’m proud to call my friend. 2013 is going to be a big year for Marcus with Bullet to the Head (with Sylvester Stallone), and The Host (with William Hurt) both opening in the first few months. Although he doesn’t always play one in the movies, Marcus is a good guy in real life.

What was your first job?

Booth Assistant at a fair in Bogalusa, LA., when I was about 14.

Describe a typical day in your life.

Ideally: reflection – exercise – motivational family breakfast – an exceptional coffee or tea – film, tv, mobile app development conference calls – research – character/craft development (rehearsal) – performance – debrief everyone’s day over dinner – sleep – repeat.

What advice would you give the younger you?

Your dominating thoughts produce physical action that transforms physical reality.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?

Star Wars: I staged versions of it in my backyard as a kid. Since then, I’ve focused on acting, producing and collaborating with others in multiple aspects of the entertainment industry.

What values do you live by?

Be aware enough to perceive what motivates those in your sphere of influence, be open to helping them succeed and humble when they reciprocate.

What do you most appreciate?

The health and happiness of my wife Yvette, our sons Andrew and Alexander, our daughter Ayden, our families and our friends.

What is your favorite journey?

Simultaneously navigating the autonomous “trade routes” of marriage, parenting, family, friends, art, entrepreneurship and personal growth.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?

A well-appointed dressing room on a film or television set.

What living figure most inspires you?

At any given moment, humanity is graced with an individual who embodies the diligence, intellect, and charisma necessary to positively influence others in the face of grand opposition with a distinguishable level of decorum. The person who fills that space, at that moment in time, always inspires me.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

Heath Ledger – “Be courageous enough to make mistakes.”

We were on downtime from filming Monster’s Ball and I told him I was developing my doctoral thesis on film performance. He excitedly turned to me and said…” It’s all about making mistakes. Being brave enough to make mistakes…”

What book would you tell everyone to read?

“Think & Grow Rich” – Napolean Hill… My take-away: if you confidently tune in to the positive frequencies of the universe, your potential for success is just as boundless.

What is the best thing about where you live?

Whenever I travel there are two things I miss: food and family.

How do you “let the good times roll”?

Family, friends, food, music, blue sky and blue water.

What did u want to be when you grew up?

Seriously? An astronaut, doctor, lawyer, principal, psychiatrist, detective, car salesman, a priest and an FBI agent. I’ve played each of them, some of them often on film or tv; except for an astronaut.

What is your motto?

I adopted my brother’s motto after he passed: “Best Effort”

How would you like to be remembered?

“He was successful, but such a jerk!” Kidding…”Generous, fun, creatively intelligent, a passionately accomplished artist and an unassumingly good guy…”

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?

Literally…out loud when I can…”Stop it!”

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?

Acting, Technology, Laughter

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Absolutely!, Makes Sense?, Wow…

What is your favorite word?

“Action…”

What do you collect?

Apple Computer Products

What food could you live on for a month?

Berries

What would you change about yourself?

My assertiveness and hair growth patterns…

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?

Neo before being rescued from the Matrix, Peter Parker before being bit by the spider, Frodo before leaving the Shire.

Describe yourself in five words.

Husband, Father, Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur

What is your idea of happiness?

The sound of my family and friends enjoying each other on, near, or in beautiful bodies of water.

What is your favorite movie?

Star Wars – We limit ourselves and others by rooting in the fear of discovering what we are truly capable of; waiting for fantastic circumstances to “force” us toward our destiny.

What music defines who you are?

Classic Hip-Hop, New Age Nature Sounds, Reggae, Symphonies & Movie Soundtracks

What do you most regret?

Repeating the same unnecessary mistake more than once.

What question do you wish I’d asked?

Who is Aileen Bennett?

What would the answer be?

A participant ethnographer of our creative culture. The love child of T.E.D. and Emma Thompson.