Meet Mark Pettit | Branding Expert, Actor, Writer & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Pettit and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Maya Angelou summed it up perfectly: “Nothing will work unless you do.” I have never been afraid of work because I am terrified of failure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A little over three years ago, I made the decision to scale back my work in brand marketing to become an actor. At first I was hesitant, because, at 55, I thought I was too old to start acting. I was wrong. Hollywood needs actors of all ages, colors, shapes and sizes.

The key is learning to act. For me, having a background in TV News was helpful, but also harmful. I was taught in acting class that newscasters “project” and actors “react”–meaning, in acting, it’s often more about the other person you’re working with in a scene–and not you. Newscasters must have a commanding presence–and there is definitely a dramatic cadence to delivering the news–which doesn’t always work in acting.

I will never forget the night in class when my coach, Catherine Dyer, (Drama Inc.) told me flatly: “We’re going to have to break you from that newscaster thing.” She was right. It was like starting over in some ways and for months I felt like a “fake” as an actor. Then, suddenly I had a breakthrough moment during a scene in class and when it was over, Catherine said something to the effect of “that’s it. That’s acting.” I almost broke down in tears.

From that night on, I knew I was a real actor and with every audition and part I book, I’m getting better and better which is really fulfilling. And ironically, I book a lot of “Newscaster” roles–as it’s easy for me to step back to being that “character”–when the part calls for it. And it’s funny, most actors I know struggle with playing the part of news anchor and many have come to me for advice–which I am happy to give.

I’m pleased to say I’ve booked nearly 20 roles over the past three years including parts on some great shows like “True Detective,” “Mindhunter,” “Reprisal,” “Sweet Magnolias” and two new shows coming up on Showtime and Amazon. I am the Executive Producer and will appear in the horror film “La Patasola” which hits theaters, on demand and streaming media on January 14, 2022. We’re also working to turn my best-selling book, “A Need to Kill” (Amazon) into a true-crime series for the likes of HBO, Hulu or Netflix.

I am extremely grateful for this new chapter in my life, and so happy to still be running Creaxion, my marketing and PR firm, which I’ve owned for more than 23 years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing I would do is take them to see “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” at Pullman Yards. I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it. My marketing firm, Creaxion, handles publicity for the show and so far more than 325,000 people have bought tickets to see the experience.

I would then recommend lunch at Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland. My favorite dish is the brisket sandwich. Just across the street is another of my favorites: La Tavola. Hands down, one of the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta.

I would take them to visit Piedmont Park and then walk down The Beltline to Ponce City Market to people watch and maybe grab a drink. For dinner, I’d take them to Rathbun Steak, La Grotta, Marcel or Sotto Sotto. If the weather is nice, ask to sit out on the back patio at Sotto Sotto. It’s a hidden gem. For exercise, I’d recommend a hike up Stone Mountain and for a splurge brunch on Sunday, I’d recommend Poor Calvin’s. Get the fried chicken and lobster mac and cheese and ask to sit in Lola’s section. You can thank me later.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been some very important women in my life–who made me (literally) the man I am today and the man I hope to be tomorrow. First, my late mother, who loved me unconditionally and believed relentlessly that I could be anything I wanted to be in life. Secondly, I want to thank Mrs. McCarver, the teacher at Calhoun High School who taught me to type. Without her, I would not be a best-selling author. Finally, I want to give a shoutout to Jane Shivers, who helped me move from TV News into PR & Marketing when she ran Ketchum here in the South. Jane is not only brilliant–she is kind, caring and compassionate. She does more charity work than any single person I know. Her holiday “Here’s what we’ve been up to” letters are legendary and will make you feel guilty for how little you’re doing to help others. So, let’s get out there and do what Jane does!

Website: Creaxion.com

Instagram: mark_pettit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-pettit-b451821b/

Twitter: @pettitmark

Other: https://www.imdb.me/MarkPettit