NYWIFT Blog

By Ozzi Ramirez 

NYWIFT is excited to welcome new member Marci Clark! Whether you were tuning into MTV during the mid-90s or consider Super Bowl ads to be immersive entertainment, there is a good chance you’ve engaged with remarkable content in which Marci has left an indelible mark!

Marci is now Co-Owner & Chief Marketing Officer of a location agency, The Scout Source, representing over 800 production-friendly locations in the Tristate area.

Check out her blog feature where we converse about the evolution of her dynamic career in the film and television industry as a marketing professional, her talent and enthusiasm for linking content creators to incredible location sites for them to shoot their projects, and the iconic cartoon character who she “butted heads” with (no pun intended)!

NYWIFT Member Marci Clark, Chief Marketing Officer & Co-owner of The Scout Source at Location B2093. (Photos courtesy of The Scout Source)

Describe yourself. Give us your elevator pitch!

I’m a co-owner & Chief Marketing Officer of a location agency, The Scout Source, and I proudly represent over 800 production-friendly locations in the Tristate area. I’ve had a unique upbringing in the film & television industry where I’ve been everything from a writer, director, producer, comedian, improviser, and even an animated character.

Career Fun Fact: I was an animated teen in MTV’s Beavis & Butthead. My character slapped Butthead across the face after he whispered into my ear in class. My kids are very proud!

Some say it’s more about the journey than the destination. To what extent would you say this is true, and how have your previous work experiences led to your current position as the Chief Market Officer and Co-Owner of The Scout Source?

I respect the journey! I was very lucky to have worked my way up the production ladder at MTV Networks/Viacom where I started as a producer and then became the Director of Production Management for MTV On-Air Promotions & On-Air Design.

From my first days at MTV, I was producing major VMA campaigns while starting out. It was a trial by fire and I was given a lot of responsibility very early. The Promos Dept. was a creative lab where I was entrenched in every facet of production from casting, writing, budgeting, and scheduling.

I learned so much about production and logistics that working as a CMO of The Scout Source was an easy decision. I love marketing film-friendly locations in NY, NJ and CT. If I can help make someone else’s production flow smoothly, then I’m doing a good job.

Marci Clark, Chief Marketing Officer & Co-owner of The Scout Source at Location S2133.

At the Scout Source you primarily connect content makers with access to a wide variety of properties that are later featured in films, television, commercials, print photography, and digital media. Can you tell us about some of the most fascinating locations you’ve helped others access through your work? Also, what are some notable projects that showcase some of the properties you’ve advertised through the Scout Source?

The Scout Source has helped productions film in endless locations on the East Coast and we are always looking for new locations to represent. We’ve had shoots at our mansions, hotels, small businesses, restaurants, studios, and offices, and are excited to represent small boutique hotels and zen yoga studios. It’s a true joy to meet new clients and production teams each week.

I love a good Super Bowl campaign- my faves are Amazon with Scarlett Johansson & Colin Jost, E*Trade, and Tide. Also, the Scout Source has worked on Zach Braff’s The Good Person, and countless commercials featuring ESPN, Verizon, Gap, Nike, FanDuel, Spectrum, Hershey’s, and Pilsbury. You name it! On the TV front, we are thrilled to work with Apple TV, MTV, Bravo, and others on a bevy of productions.

Personally, the most fascinating locations that I’ve filmed at include atop NYC skyscrapers, on subway platforms, outside of Radio City Music Hall during an outdoor Rockettes show with Run DMC and enormous amounts of confetti, and in a hotel room with WuTang on a bed for the Video Music Awards. I could go on but I won’t.

Marci Clark, Chief Marketing Officer & Co-owner of The Scout Source at Location I2002.

Whether through production management, line producing, or working as Director of On-Airs Promotions & Integrated Marketing at MTV, you were a consistent presence at the company from 1995 to 2005. From a production and marketing perspective specifically, what strategies do you feel contributed to the channel’s success during this time?

Yes, I was at MTV during my formative years of learning production. The key strategies were “go for broke” and be as creative as possible. The On-Air promotions were constantly pushing the envelope and winning awards.

One of my most cherished memories was working with Director Joel Schumacher on Get Out the Vote and other PSAs about safe sex. Amy Campbell, Michael Engleman, and Christina Norman were some of my amazing mentors.

I loved working at MTV because I was surrounded by creativity. Working with such amazing directors and producers (now considered the top commercial directors in the industry) inspired me to start taking stand-up and improvisation classes with Second City and Upright Citizen’s Brigade.

As a member of MTV Labs, which was an in-house Think Tank, the motto of the society was “This is a safe place to suck.” When you aren’t afraid to fail then you open yourself up on all creative fronts, partnerships, and beyond!

Marci Clark, Chief Marketing Officer & Co-owner of The Scout Source at Location A2019.

Why is NYWIFT the organization for you? Are there any specific programs within the organization that you would like to experience?

I view NYWIFT as the premiere women’s network on the East Coast. I want to be surrounded by creative women in all facets of the industry and I’m excited to start attending screenings and networking events.

Having worked in production for thirty years, what’s the strongest skill or asset you’ve developed? Are there any areas where you would like to expand your horizons?

My best skills are being able to create an efficient schedule and knowing how to be a supportive team member. I’m very proud to be a problem solver and always have an idea to share while still being open to listening.

After ten years of stand-up and improvisation comedy, I do everything with a sense of humor. If work is so painful, serious, and stressful then it can be a very long day on set!

Marci Clark, Chief Marketing Officer & Co-owner of The Scout Source at Location B2093. Artwork by Carolyn Burbridge.

Besides working at The Scout Source, you are a freelance director, writer, producer, and photographer. What elements spark your curiosity the most when it comes to selecting your projects? What’s next for you?

I’m curious and excited to bring the multiple facets of my job together. Currently, I’m working on photographing interior design and architecture to help others tell their story. I continue to create social media content for production locations with an eye for design and architecture.

Lastly, when it comes to curiosity, humor and/or perseverance always create a spark within me and so does a schedule that aligns with the rest of my life.

Connect with Marcia Clark via her website www.scoutsource.com and follow her on Instagram at @Scout.Source.