Marissa Chanel Hampton on Atlanta’s Creative Pulse and Bringing It’s Not Like That to Life

Atlanta may be the backdrop of Marissa Chanel Hampton’s newest series, It’s Not Like That, but for the actress, narrator, and lifelong book lover, the city is far more than a set, it’s a creative home. As Gail, a truth-telling, fiercely loyal friend Hampton connected deeply to the character’s realness and the series’ exploration of love, identity, and friendship. In our conversation, Marissa shares how Atlanta’s sense of possibility shapes her artistry, how reading continues to expand her worldview, and why community care remains central to the way she moves through the world all themes that echo throughout her work both on and off screen.

1.    It’s Not Like That filmed here in Atlanta. What did it feel like to work on a story about love, friendship, and identity in a city that has its own strong cultural heartbeat?

Great, Atlanta is such a dynamic city. There is always something going on, something new to find and discover and when your work depends on inspiration and exploration there’s nothing better than immersing yourself in a place like this. I feel like I find something new every couple of days. 

2.    You play Gail in It’s Not Like That someone who loves fiercely and tells the truth even when it stings. What spoke to you about her, and what parts of her do you carry with you after filming?

I love Gail, her commitment to keeping it real spoke to me the most. Friendship is so precious and valuable. There is an art to being an honest and loving champion for your friends, showing up to support them, while also being someone who can speak up when the train is off the tracks. We also share a similar sense of humor. I love making my friends laugh. Her honesty and humor I certainly carry with me. 

3.    If Gail were a real person living in Atlanta, what do you think her perfect day in the city would look like?

Gail’s perfect day is a tour de force of the city: 

She’s going to start the day boxing at Pepper Boxing. 

After that she’ll hit the PeachTree Road Farmers Market: Coffee, pastries, incredible vendors. Very into the snack and stroll energy.  

Yalda in West Midtown for lunch because at this point, she’s ready to eat, and it’s fantastic.

She could also be easily convinced to brave Ponce City Market on a Saturday to check out the new Sézane location because she loves clothes and probably needs to grab yet another coffee this time from Spiller Park maybe even a donut from Five Daughters (The Purist specifically). 

Then when it comes to the evening, there’s a chance she’s going to have a hard time deciding between Lucky Star or The Chastain for dinner but either option is a win in her book.

If The Chastain wins, she’s doing dinner and drinks with the girls, because she loves their ginger marg and it’s been all hits no misses when ordering dinner there.

If Lucky Star wins, it’s date night with excellent Taiwanese food! 

4.    You also star in the upcoming Friends and Lovers adaptation, airing November 15th and 16th. What drew you to that project, and what does it feel like to help bring such a beloved book to the screen, especially as a book lover and audiobook narrator yourself? 

Aside from my family, the most consistent thing in my life is my love of books. I adore them, a book to screen adaptation marries both of my worlds and  is always very exciting and intriguing to me. My narration work also focuses so much on romance, particularly black romance that the genre feels like home. This movie focusing on navigating love and friendship felt like a natural fit and like a dream job dropped in my lap. Not to mention everyone involved is wonderful from top to bottom. I also got to work with several friends on this, a girl couldn’t ask for more!  

5.    Atlanta has such a distinct creative pulse. How has living and working here shaped your artistry—or even your sense of self?

Atlanta has such a sense of possibility infused in the city, it always feels like there’s so much promise here. I often say that LA made me, but Atlanta embraced me, the city has allowed me to dream big and have some of the most unique creative experiences that have truly informed how I navigate both the business and my approach to the work. I’ve worked with more female directors in this city, more directors of color here, and been asked to collaborate on projects that little girl me would never even have dreamed were possible. There’s just something in the air in Atlanta.

6.    You’ve talked about movement as your “level setter.” Are there any places in Atlanta that feel grounding for you whether that’s a running trail, a gym, a coffee shop, or just somewhere you go to breathe?

Movement is the difference maker in my mental health, especially with working in a field that is unpredictable in many ways. You can often find me boxing at Pepper Boxing, lifting at the Training Room off the beltline, or on a Megaformer at Stellar Bodies (Katie, your playlists bring me great joy!). 

I also really love getting outside in general, not centered around fitness just being outdoors. I come from an outdoor family camping and fishing, so getting outside is a must for me. I love that Atlanta has so much greenspace. Stomping up and down the Beltline, wandering Piedmont Park no matter the season is such a pleasure. A little bit out of the city in Sandy Springs, I love renting a paddle board from Murph’s and lazily paddling at Morgan Falls Overlook Park or hiking Sweetwater Creek State Park.  

7.    You work across film, television, and audiobook narration. Where do you find creative inspiration here?

Stroll the Beltline from one end to another, and you’ll witness so many different people immersed in their day-to-day life you’ll be fed for months creatively. In all seriousness Atlanta has rich history, thriving growth, and a size that’s just big enough while being small enough it’s a great incubator for an artist.  

8.    Looking ahead, what kinds of stories do you hope to tell next, and do you see Atlanta continuing to play a role in your creative life?

I have two big highlighted in neon yellow wishes on my manifestation board, something horror related or another period piece. I’d love to work on something about the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters, where’s the movie about Diane Nash or Mary Ann Shadd Cary any of those things call me!

I would hope to be working in Atlanta, running into cast mates around the city, working with many familiar faces over and over again with our fantastic local crews. I love working here.

9.    Atlanta is a city with deep roots in community care and collective action. How does living here influence your ongoing commitment to social justice and civic engagement?

I’m a resident of Old Fourth Ward, so I pass by the King Center all the time. It always tickles me that I chose this neighborhood to call my home. Given how fervently I believe in social justice and our collective responsibility to civic engagement. Whether its volunteering with community-based organizations or getting involved with social justice initiatives. Recently with food insecurity dominating headlines, worried about the greater community, my neighbors, I spent the morning packing boxes at a Food Bank.  Rev. Dr. King’s words on my heart and mind, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'”

10. You created Ink and Paper Soul as a space for books, culture, and conversation. How does reading continue to shape your perspective and your understanding of the world?

I frequently find that reading shakes up my world views, broadens my perspectives, and challenges my thinking. Important to mention that I think reading BOTH fiction and non-fiction is critical. Fiction can put you in someone else’s shoes and open your eyes to different struggles, cultures, and wonders you may have never considered. Non-Fiction feeds the curious mind. I don’t think there’s anything sexier than intellectual curiosity and my non-fiction TBR is always stuff that I am itching to learn more about! Plagues and their effects on human history! Slime vs mold, what’s the deal? Best American Presidential Speeches of all Time? These are things I need to know and have titles currently on hold for me at the Fulton County Library.