trent & marlena

trent & marlena

What is your go-to Karaoke song?   

Ha.

What is it like to work with your spouse? 

There’s definitely some ying to my yang energy. Like working with your best friend. Lots of laughs. Lots of love. 

What has been your favorite Directing moment? 

The day I was Regina George’d by a twelve year old. We were well into a long day three. Dusty would be the best way to describe my look as she came fresh out of wardrobe… looked at me, straight-faced and sassy, “oh my gosh, I love your nails!”

My nails were disgusting.  

 Trent’s favorite moment—watching it all go down.

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

When I was a kid, my parents took me to see Michael Jackson. I was ecstatic. Years later, I found out it was an impersonator, but for that brief moment in time, I saw Micheal and the moonwalk. Marlena can’t top a “Michael Jackson” concert, so we’ll let the mic drop here.

If you could bring back any canceled or wrapped series what would it be, and why? 

If we could resurrect Walter White we’d watch breaking bad forever.

What is the key to your heart? 

Pizza. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

686 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. You’re welcome.

What 3 songs are absolutely on your desert-island playlist? 

Miles Davis, It Never Entered My Mind

Arvo Pärt, Spiegel im Spiegel

Pink Floyd, Echos (for when the saltwater kicks in)

What's your favorite film?

The Bicycle Thief.  Sidney Lumet summed it up nicely, "unlike most films, The Bicycle Thief doesn't become more clever as it progresses, it becomes more real. It's as if we're looking into a man's soul."

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trent & marlena

trent & marlena

If you’re looking to tell a story, rich with emotional realism, creative charm, and cinematic visuals, Trent and Marlena will bring it to life in a way you never expected. Together, they approach whatever they shoot collaboratively, with a sharp eye for color and a keen cinematic perspective. Which means their work is well-rounded in emotional depth – and bonus,  it sure does look purty.

Marlena went to college for a degree in finance and returned with a degree in advertising. From there, she’s began her career as a writer and creative director, some of the agencies Marlena has worked for are DDB, Arnold, and Saatchi & Saatchi on brands like John Freida, Hershey, New York Lottery, and Metro by T-Mobile. Eventually, production life got the better of her and she started spending more time on set

With her background in writing, producing, and creative advertising, Marlena definitely has her finger on the agency pulse, and knows what they’re looking for. Additionally, Marlena excels at finding beauty in the subtle and often overlooked moments, and strives to create work that is honest, candid, and full of heart!  She is excited to flex her creativity bone and express herself through this new lens. (literally) ;)

Trent’s work is equal parts emotional and visual. He approaches everything he shoots with a creative passion and a deep understanding of storytelling. Trent believes film is about revealing a truth, rather than manufacturing one. His approach to storytelling is born out of that mantra, with the belief that emotion comes from a performer’s vulnerability. Trent’s ability to connect with cast, crew, and creatives alike to capture these compelling visual performances is his specialty.

As a graduate of NYC’s School of Visual Arts, and a recipient of the prestigious Young Directors Award at Cannes in 2015, Trent has honed a distinct voice which comes through in all his work.

Together Marlena and Trent blend the perfect balance of detailed cinematic precision and impactful emotional storytelling. Collaborating in every part of the process, making sure they’re producing the best content they can from an agency, story, and visual standpoint.

Gravy is thrilled to have this exceptional directing duo on its roster of directors, as they bring a unique perspective, and a strong understanding of the film making process. Plus, they’re just a pretty fun pair! 

Trent and Marlena live in Brooklynn and spend a fair amount of time explaining how to spell their last name.