By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, January 19, 2017
I remember the moment I met Marco Dorce. It was on the side yard of Ironworks. We easily became friends as he became an artist in residence as well. I noticed that he and I shared the same ambition and tendency to dream big. More than anyone else I know. He is determined, imaginative, talented and overall a good friend over the years. We have collaborated on various projects, and I love working with him.
Patricia Rogers: Who are you and what do you do?
Marco Dorce: I am just regular guy. I am not from around here. Every single day I want to pick up a camera and be creative. That is my favorite thing to do. I do not do one thing specifically because I like to experience different adventures, on a very regular basis. My role changes pretty often as far as what I do creatively for business.
I love shooting videos, photography, but at the same time I do a lot of other work as far as in this industry. Sometimes I do the editing. Most of the time I do the shooting, pre-production of projects. Business-wise, also, I have experience of putting together projects. Getting the right people together. Sometimes I am in the world of A&R, public relations, artist management, and placement. Getting them in front of the right people. My role has evolved, sometimes even leads me in front of the microphone myself. I guess you can call me a jack-of-all-trades.
When do you feel your creative career began?
It began about 11 years ago in high school. I was doing my last project, I think, for science, about rain forests. We had the choice of how to present the story. So I went ahead, and thought of a creative way was to shoot a short documentary on rain forests. It was like 3 minutes long. This was my first time using video equipment and software. This is when I realized, I like this. This is something I want to do. So I went and bought a better camera. Most times I would be the main star, and then my friends and family. My friends are also a part of it, and I am meeting more and more people who want to shoot with me.
Talk about your experience with your first camera.
For boys, when I was a kid it was all about the gun toys and remote control cars. Getting a camera made me feel like I had gotten the ultimate gift. I could not stop playing with it, and it went everywhere with me.
What attracts you about filming?
I grew up fascinated by movies. In everyday life, I see a movie. That is the only way I can look at it. It becomes complicated sometimes, but at the same time it is simple. That is the beauty of it, no matter what movie you are watching. There is that roller coaster, they gonna take you up, and back down. That feeling you get, I love putting it in videos. I love sharing my view in storytelling.
What have been some of your memorable video projects?
Most exciting was a pilot for a show I was shooting. I wanted to try to get it on TV and everything. It has been lost, due to a lost hard drive. I was shooting with Jeremy Moss and more local artists. There were tons of action scenes and very gangster-ish scenes. That was so much fun to shoot. But you know, it happens. I always have fun shooting, no matter what. If I am not having fun, it’s not gonna be good.
What pushes your career forward?
It has been all about the people that I know. That has made a huge difference. I have always met people that are passionate about what they do. So it rubs off, and I am able to work with them.
A friend of mine introduced me to Ironworks, made huge difference as well. Little did my friend know, I wanted to do way more than make a t-shirt. I was also the president of the Short Films Club at Essex County College, while becoming an artist-in-residence at Ironworks. This allowed me to work with a group of other aspiring artists in all fields. My grades were slipping at the Film Club but my level of experience and productivity was off the charts.
When I learned there was a short film club in Essex County, I learned it was shut down for 3 years, and they needed a president. I excitedly took on the role.
What was Ironworks?
Ironworks is different for everyone that was a part of it. But for me, it was an open studio to the youth, where you could come in, and get practice, learn new skills, meet new people or contribute to instruction. Open to anyone who had the passion to do art, was a part of it.
How did Ironworks make a difference in your career?
It was comfortable and open for you to do something. That kind of gave me the opportunity to work out of a free studio. For an artist, that was gold. If you do not have a place to work, it is gonna be tough for you to get anything done. Thanks to Ironworks I was able to meet people to work with, other studios, photographers, etc., all through Ironworks. The studio brought me into a network.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the last 5 years?
Well, I will give you 2 things. First, you give and you get. You get what you put in. The second is a realization, the ones who have made it are the humble ones. And so, one of the best lessons I have learned is to be humble. At times, when you do forget to be humble, life with remind you. That can suck sometimes. Life teaches you to remain humble, whether you like it or not.
What are current projects you are working on?
I have seven music videos in production right now. They have been shot, they are being edited. I have begun working with Avalon, who has been helping with cuts. The process for me has become a lot easier. As stressful as it is to have all these projects, I really love it. I am blessed.
Where can people see your work online?
YouTube, but I am working on a new website. Now I am taking time to shoot, and working on promotion, and all of that first.
Talk about Masconsumption Media and your great friend Patricia Rogers LOL.
There was this time, when were all coming up with stuff like origin names and stuff. Like those big dreams we had altogether at Ironworks. We were a small family of artists. We have this connection and we always will. Now that Ironworks closed, I have had a lot fun working with Masconsumption Media. That will always stay with me wherever I go. The best part about it, nothing ever changed. You were the first person I called when I got my new camera. I hit you up like, “you want to work?” I can be a millionaire photographer and will still do work for Masconsumption. I feel like I am a part of it because from the beginning, it’s like watching a kid grow. Even if you are not related to them you feel like you are because you are watching it.
Anything else you'd like to add to this great interview?
Yes. Passion makes everything 10 times better. Our passion for art makes 10 times better art. Stay passionate. The universe seems to always give to those who are humble. Stay humble. If life is an adventure, then we can only advance. Sometimes it’s best to see it as one. Stay adventurous.
About the Writer
Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District. The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more. She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.