How a Set Life Hustler Became the Face of a Creative Movement
From studio dreams to cultural streetwear—For Creators, By Creators.
My Story, Our Movement
Growing up, I always knew I was destined for something greater. Even as a kid watching 106 & Park on BET, I wasn’t just tuned in—I was visualizing myself behind those cameras, shaping what the world sees.
That vision became reality. I’ve spent 15+ years working with networks like BET, MTV, Warner Bros, and leading production as Head of Production for the Newark International Film Festival. I’ve been on countless sets—first to arrive, last to leave.
But here’s what they don’t tell you about "making it"
How you show up can say more than what you say.
Coming from where I come from, I learned early that your presence speaks before you do. And in this industry, where first impressions matter, I started noticing something troubling:
Creators—especially those who look like me—often feel pressure to dim their light. To blend in instead of stand out.
The sets I worked on carried an unspoken dress code that left little room for cultural pride or personal expression.
That’s when it hit me:
We needed to normalize wearing Black on set again.
Not just the color—but the culture. The pride. The purpose.
We needed apparel that made people stop and say:
"Yo, where’d you get that?"
Designs that sparked conversation. Pieces that represented the passion, creativity, and resilience of the ones whose names roll in the credits, but whose impact shapes the screen.
On The Set Apparel wasn’t born from a business plan—it was born from a void.
After too many days wearing gear that said nothing about who I was or what I stood for, I decided to create what was missing.
Every design we make is intentional and conversation-starting.
When you wear OTSA, you’re not just wearing apparel—you’re wearing your passion, your pride, and your purpose.
You’re telling the world:
“I belong here. I create here. I matter here.”
That’s not just our tagline—it’s our truth.
I’ve been the one setting up lights at 5 AM. The one staying late to get that perfect shot. The one whose creative vision pushes the project forward. Every piece we design is made with us in mind—the ones who grind behind the scenes to make stories come alive.
Today, as a father and the author of 31 Reasons: Why You Should Bet on Yourself, my mission is even deeper. OTSA represents everything I teach in that book—believing in yourself,
showing up with purpose, and building a legacy that matters.
When I see a fellow creator in our ‘I Control The Set’ hoodie or rocking the ‘Set Life’ tee, I see someone who refuses to be invisible. Someone who understands that how you show up is a
form of creative resistance.
This brand exists because I believed we deserved better.
Better representation. Better storytelling. Better gear
On The Set Apparel is becoming the frontrunner in casual set fashion—not by accident, but by design.
Every stitch reflects the early mornings, late nights, unpaid passion projects, and audacious dreams of our community.
We’re not just making clothes.
We’re building a visual language that says:
“I’m proud to be a creator—and I’m done apologizing for taking up space.”
Because when you bet on yourself, everything—even how you show up matters.
Welcome to the family
Marlon E. Curtis ii
Founder/CEO, On The Set Apparel
Author, "31 Reasons: Why You Should Bet on Yourself"
Designed for the Set
Stay in the Loop, On Set and Off
Join The Movement On Our Socials
If you're not part of the OTSA experience yet, you're missing out! Dive into a vibrant community of over 2,000 enthusiasts who are not just wearing quality T-shirts, outerwear, and accessories but living the OTSA lifestyle. Don't get left behind; follow us on Instagram now.
🔥 #FORCREATORSBYCREATORS
📸 @ONTHESETAPPAREL
Five Frames From Five Years
Milestones that shaped our journey
The Launch
OTSA was born out of a mission to normalize wearing black on set again—but with creative flair. We officially launched during Pride Month in 2020 with this original logo, paying homage to the unsung heroes behind the scenes and celebrating individuality through style.
On Every Set
By 2021, we’d been on more sets than we could count—worn by creatives across the industry as our footprint grew from passion to presence.
#IndustryGrowth
Community Growth
By 2022, our movement had expanded beyond the set—connecting with creatives, crews, and storytellers worldwide who all shared one thing in common: purpose through creation.
#FromTheSetToTheWorld
It’s Deeper Than Film
A statement piece that speaks volumes without saying a word.
It shows in the creator pictured here—rooted, focused, and carrying the culture forward.
#ItsDeeperThanFilm
#MadeForTheSet
Cultural Impact
2024 was a landmark year. We dropped the Filmmaking Olympics Collection—our best-seller to date—because we believe every creator in this game is an Olympian.
That same year, our sister company launched On The Set Podcast (OTSP)—a platform dedicated to spotlighting the unsung heroes of film, TV, and entertainment as a whole.
Do you see the vision?#OlympiansOfTheIndustry
The Breakthrough
In 2025, OTSP finally launched—and it's off to the races. Built to inspire the entertainment world, the podcast puts the spotlight on the unsung heroes who make film, TV, and media magic happen behind the scenes.
This isn’t just conversation—it’s recognition.
#OnTheSetPodcast
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025