m25 Founder Series: Marius Talampas on Curiosity, Creativity and Co-Founding Arcade
m25, the global premium network’s Founder Series focuses on the industry leaders setting the trends in production and business today. m25’s Chris Thorp recently spoke with Director Marius Talampas, who helped set up Arcade in Manila, quickly establishing it as one of the dominant players in what is a tough market place. With the onset of new technology it’s important to hear the journeys of people, inspiring the next generation to make their way in the creative industries in changing times. Talampas’s story shows childhood passion with hard work, along with the right partners, can build an award winning production company in a span of a few years only.
Talampas began his career behind the camera, working as a camera operator. “Every shoot was a classroom and every day an opportunity to learn,” he recalls. His love for filmmaking was sparked at a young age. “I knew at the age of 13 that I wanted to be a film director. I spent countless hours at Video City and scouring IMDb, immersing myself in the world of movies.”
That early passion led him to study Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines, where advertising caught his interest. “Perhaps it was also in my blood,” he says. “My brother, a commercial director and one of Arcade’s partners, helped instill in me a deep-rooted love for storytelling.”
Talampas’s big break came when one of his short, quirky comedy films went viral on Facebook. “That moment caught the attention of an agency, and soon after, led to my first commercial project,” he says. “Within a year, everything accelerated.” Not long after, he was invited to join a group of visionary creatives launching Arcade.
“It felt like the perfect convergence of talent and timing,” Talampas reflects. Seven years on, he’s directed hundreds of commercials, won numerous awards, and seen Arcade named Production House of the Year three times. “It’s been a non-stop, thrilling journey, one that is as challenging as it is fulfilling.”
In his early days, Talampas didn’t have a single mentor but absorbed lessons from everyone he worked with. “Whether it was grasping the nuances of style or honing my work ethic, every shoot left an indelible mark on my approach,” he says. His decision to join Arcade came a bit later in the setup process, but it was guided by conviction. “I saw the vision my partners were building and knew that despite the inevitable bumps along the road, our collective energy and commitment would carry us forward.”
One project that tested his limits was Grab Wheel. “We had to construct a rotating set of technical challenges that demanded innovation from the planning stage right through to execution,” he says. “I’ve always been drawn to projects where the idea initially seems impossible, because it’s those challenges that spur creativity and elevate the entire team.”
Looking at the industry today, Talampas sees a landscape that has evolved significantly. “Brands now demand more output despite tighter budgets. This reality forces directors and producers like myself to be smarter and more efficient,” he explains. The rise of AI is something he sees as a tool, not a threat. “Whether it’s for pre-visualization, design, or organizing ideas, AI helps us move faster while ensuring we retain the heart and soul of our craft.”
“As we approach the midpoint of 2025,” he adds, “being nimble and innovative while holding onto the essence of great storytelling is more vital than ever.”
From curious teenager to co-founder of one of the region’s top production companies, Talampas’s journey has been defined by curiosity, perseverance, and passion. “I’m excited about the future and what it holds,” he says. “Embracing both the old and the new, we can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in filmmaking. Hopefully my journey is one that inspires those setting out today.”