FINDING YOUR VOICE

We’re at a crucial time in history. Now more than ever, as artists, we are being called to look inside and see how we can be the change we wish to see. We are born to tell stories. Stories that not only entertain but touch, move, and inspire. I believe that’s our calling. It is our duty.

But what if you don’t know how to tap into your true potential? Or how to get from where you currently are to where you want to be? What if you don’t have the experience or the contacts yet to achieve what you truly desire? What if you’re not sure what it is you want? I think you get there by taking huge risks, having an actionable plan, and… asking for help.

SO WHY ME?

I work hard, and I love helping people. I learned that from my dad. He’s the kind of guy that would take time to lend a hand wherever and whenever he could, even if it meant going out of his way for a stranger. My dad truly cares about other people, and so do I.

With nearly three decades in the entertainment business, working in front of and behind the camera, my unique experience can help creatives reach their potential and achieve their dreams. I’ve consulted on several TV/Film/Digital projects and worked with hundreds of clients via my workshops and private coaching.

Thirteen years ago, I was frustrated with my career. I worked hard in acting class weekly, I had the right headshot, a decent reel, a reliable agent, and yet couldn’t get an audition to save my life. I hadn’t quite figured out how the business worked. I decided to stop waiting for someone to discover me and created my own vehicle. It was a two-year process that culminated in creating THE BANNEN WAY, the first million-dollar web series that became an industry standard for web series/feature films.

The Bannen Way opened a tremendous number of doors for me. I continued to hustle and work hard. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate, create, and work with many talented people. I’ve booked leading roles in dozens of films filmed all over the world and a recurring role on a series in Vancouver. I’ve been able to pitch shows to Fox, NBC, ABC, Showtime, Cinemax, Hulu, Sony, and eOne. I directed a pilot for Ron Howard’s New Form Digital and a Lifetime Original movie.

RECENT PROJECTS

Directed feature film MODEL CITIZEN (2020)
Wrote Audible Original’s INJUSTICE COLLECTOR for XG Productions (2020)
Developed series pitch, CLARITY with Criminal Mind’s writer/producer Jim Clemente (2020)
Directed feature film THE SURROGATE(2020)
Directed eight spots for Freeform’s 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS & KOHL’S (2020)
Co-wrote spec 1/2 hour pilot, SECRET LIFE with Brianne Davis based on her book (2020)

Developed & pitched series TAKE BACK THE NIGHT with Brianne Davis (2020-present)
Wrote screenplay HER DEADLY BOYFRIEND with Evan Unruh, Cartel (2021)
Directed promos for Fox’s CALL ME CAT Mayim Bialik and Leslie Jordan (2020)
Develop podcast JAIL MAIL with XG Productions (2021)
Wrote FATAL MEMORY for The Cartel (2021)
Created podcast with Brianne Davis, SECRET LIFE (2020-present)

Wrote first draft of the novel, CUL-DE-SAC (2021)
Wrote on Audible Original’s A DEVIL IN THE VALLEY with Paul Holes (2021)
Directed MAISIE PETERS music video for the Kelly Clarkson Show (2021)
Directing feature film SOUL MATES starring Annie Ilonzeh and Charlie Weber currently in post-production (2022)
Directed FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS music video for the Kelly Clarkson Show (2022)

I list all of these projects not to show off but to share what can happen when you stop waiting for sh*t to happen and take control of your career. I’m grateful for all the help I’ve received, and now I’d like to help you. I am a professional artist getting paid abundantly to do what I love. And if I can do it… so can you!

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20-Minute Consultation

It’s time to finish that script, film, project, or support in getting your acting, writing, or directing career to the next level. Get a FREE 20-minute consultation and see how we can get you closer to your dreams!

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COACHING SESSIONS

One-hour Zoom coaching session

Jumpstart your Holiday downtime! With this one-on-one session, we drill down to what blocks you might have and create an action list that not only fires you up but will get you closer to your vision.

Customized to your specific needs and goals.
Identify strengths and weaknesses
What is your vision for your career

Three one-hour Zoom sessions.

Set goals, build an action plan, and have two follow-up sessions that build on the results, or shift and pivot to achieve your vision.

Script Review & one-hour zoom session

Take that project of yours to the next level!

Story & Character development
Dialogue
Structure & Pacing
Big picture overview

8-12 Week Project Intensives

Do you have a script you’ve started but not finished? An idea but no script?

We’ll meet twice a week via Zoom
Weekly writing assignments
Beat sheet
Story & character development
Improve dialogue
Build structure & pacing
Take your project to the finish line!

12-Week One-Hour Pilot or Feature Script

8-Week 1/2 Hour Pilot Script

HOW DO I GET HIRED TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY?

I get asked that a lot. So I thought I’d break down the 3 1/2 year journey to being hired for “Deadly Infidelity” (aka Fatal Memory).

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Working with Mark was an amazing experience. I had started loosely writing my script by myself, but lacked the discipline and direction needed to complete it. Over 8 weeks, Mark helped me shape the story and gave me the structure I needed each week to finish the script. By the end of the 8 weeks, I not only had a completed script and a finished Pitch Deck, but so much more confidence about my abilities as a writer. Mark gave me encouragement and support and brought his wealth of knowledge to each meeting. All of this combined helped me complete a Pilot Script that I am incredibly proud of. I hope to work with Mark again in the future and would recommend him to anyone looking to write their own masterpiece. Mark, thank you so much!
Lo Mackett

I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your experience with us yesterday. It was really refreshing and inspirational to see that we can take more control of our acting careers and take tangible steps.
Alexandra Phillips

Thank you Mark! Such good energy you have! I’m so excited for all the things, I really got a whole picture of how things work and to get started so I’m going to be setting up a plan to check off all the things, also your book you sent me was really helpful as well! I’d love to use this opportunity to connect with you again in July and August. To help keep accountability and goal setting!
Kathleen Nicole Parker

Thank you so so much for the amazing consult yesterday! I love your honesty and your great enthusiasm while sharing all this GOOD STUFF!! It really helped us a lot. ; )
Bianca Foscht

Thank you for having your “Create Your Own Career” seminar. It was a tremendous help. After asking for help, (I think you mentioned doing that, LOL), I’ve already had a meeting about my project! Great stuff and great give on your part. You really fucking inspire me. Thank you, man!
Scott Ashby

I just wanted to thank you so much for coming in last night and giving us insight into all the administration and things we can be doing behind the scenes. I have really been struggling at the moment with direction and things I can be working on and you have opened my eyes!
Savannah Lamble

Thank you so much for the most inspiring, motivational and passionate priceless advice this morning.
Keely Cat-Wells

Thank you so much again for your time. It was an absolute pleasure hearing your stories and recommendations. I feel like it’s given me quite a lot to start working on and it motivates me like crazy to get started!
Andrew Lorenzo

WHAT INDUSTRY VETS ARE SAYING

I absolutely adore Mark. He is such a gift and genuinely talented. He’s one of those rare actors that hasn’t been satisfied with waiting for his career to happen to him. He’s always developing his own projects, creating opportunities, and I’m one of his biggest fans.
Junie Lowry-Johnson – Casting Director

Mark and I first met working on my film City of Angels. I immediately recognized someone that had a great attitude, took pride in what he did, and always thought about the story we were telling. Over the last decade, I’ve been impressed with his tenacity to take risks as a filmmaker, co-creating, and starring in his own series for Crackle and directing a well-crafted feature film that premiered on Lifetime.
Brad Silberling – EP/Director, Jane The Virgin, Charmed, Dynasty

The Bannen Way came to us a complete package. They had a unique show, great concept, interesting characters, knew who their audience was and how to recoup the money. Mark has that rare quality of being able to lead and inspire a crew while balancing many hats including, writing, executive producing and starring in a large production.
Eric Berger – Chief Digital Officer, Sony Pictures Television

Mark didn’t sit back, waiting for something to happen for him. He took the initiative, developed his own vehicle, and was very creative in figuring out how to get it financed, marketed, and distributed.
Larry Tanz – Vice President, Original Series, Netflix

Mark has a great ability to connect with his students and present his career administration concepts uniquely and powerfully. Having successfully worked for years in the entertainment industry, Mark speaks from proven experience and can share those tips and tricks in a clear and concise manner. Students leave his class feeling motivated and ready to create new opportunities for themselves.
Lilly Dawson, CEO – Hollywood Immersive Inc.

Mark’s impressed me with his work ethic, passion, and drive for over a decade. He’s not only forged a name for himself in the digital arena with The Bannen Way for Sony, but he continues to push the envelope in that space. I was very impressed with his first feature Murder In Mexico. He’s a talented director who understands the balance of telling the story through the actors and the camera.
Howard Deutch – EP/Director Pretty In Pink, Claws, True Blood, Empire