Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Small.
Hi Marcus, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, and earned my bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University. At the time, the program primarily focused on journalism and broadcast news—an area I initially pursued with the goal of becoming a meteorologist. However, during a summer internship at a local news station, I quickly realized my passion lay behind the camera rather than in front of it. The high-stress environment and internal politics pushed me to reevaluate my path.
Simultaneously, I had long been fascinated with editing movie trailers, which led me to discover Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, thanks to a recommendation from a fraternity brother. After visiting the campus, I was immediately inspired and decided to enroll in their film program. While at Full Sail, I connected with a talented and driven community of creatives, and through those relationships, I landed my first major project while still a student—editing a music video for hip-hop artist Trina. That opportunity opened doors to work on videos for artists like T-Pain, Flo Rida, and several others signed to Atlantic Records.
After graduating, my then-wife and I co-founded a production company and began expanding into broader content creation. A pivotal moment came when I partnered with Kern Halls, who helped us establish Domino Effect Productions and secure our first major client—Orange County Public Schools. This launched a new phase of producing educational and corporate content.
From there, I transitioned into unscripted television, producing and editing for major platforms including XBOX Live, Bravo, CMT, MTV, and more. One of my proudest achievements was signing with ICM Partners and successfully selling a show to Lifetime. I also directed the feature film Unsheltered, which is currently available on Amazon Prime, Tubi, YouTube, and iTunes.
Today, I continue to produce content for both private and publicly traded companies and currently serve as Head of Production for DHTV, a new Roku-based network. In this role, I’m spearheading the development and production of bold, reality-based series that push creative boundaries. The journey has been incredible—and the future is even brighter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If you could see a map of my journey, it would be covered in wild, looping lines bouncing off every edge of the page. It’s been anything but a straight path. There have been moments where I felt like I was on top of the mountain—like when a project sold and everything seemed to align. But just as quickly, I’ve felt like I was drowning, watching that same project fall apart due to factors completely out of my control. That kind of emotional rollercoaster is part of the game.
One thing I’ve learned is that this industry is consistent in being inconsistent. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed outcome. Everyone’s path is unique, and no one gets a perfectly smooth ride. What matters most is your ability to adapt. The highs and lows will always come, but how you respond to them defines your longevity and growth in this business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I produce a wide range of content—including commercials, marketing campaigns, instructional videos, unscripted television, and films. My roots are in video editing, and that foundation has shaped the way I approach every project. Over the years, I’ve evolved into a director, showrunner, and producer, but editing is still where my creative instincts are grounded.
What sets my work apart is a signature visual style—bold, eye-catching, and emotionally resonant. I enjoy collaborating with creative, like-minded individuals and crafting stories that leave an impression. While I bring my own creative stamp to the table, I also know when to step back and serve the client’s vision. Flexibility and reliability are just as important to me as originality, and I pride myself on delivering work that not only stands out but also makes my clients’ lives easier.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is my documentary The Melanin Code. It was a deeply personal, passion-driven project that I poured everything into. The film explores powerful themes and challenges viewers to reflect long after the credits roll. It’s raw, thought-provoking, and unapologetically bold—and the response it received reaffirmed why I do what I do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m pretty much an open book—what you see is what you get. But one thing that might surprise people is that I used to be a solid tennis player. I was good enough to make the college team, but between being in the marching band and staying active with my fraternity, there just wasn’t enough time to juggle it all. It’s a side of me most people wouldn’t guess, especially given the creative and production-heavy world I’m in now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dominoeffectpro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominoeffectpro/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-small-18791912
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dominoeffect4
