As one of the pioneers of the digital era, Mark is best known for co-creating, producing, and starring in the groundbreaking, Streamy award-winning series, The Bannen Way for Crackle and Sony Television. Within the first ten weeks of release, The Bannen Way garnered over 14 million views. It went on to win 4 Streamy Awards, including Best Drama, Best Director and Best Editor, and Mark for best actor, as well as nominated for two Webby Awards and a BANFF Award.
With a diverse, 30-year career in the industry, he has learned the business from the ground up and had the g
Mark Gantt is a versatile American talent known for his roles as an actor, director, producer, and writer. His career began in the Art Department, Props, and Production of feature films, television shows, and commercials while he trained as an actor and director at the Beverly Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Mark’s on-screen credits include appearances in popular television shows and films such as “Criminal Minds,” “American Horror Story: Hotel,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Dexter,” “Major Crimes,” and “The Arrangement” on E!.
Mark gained fame through his role as Neal Bannen in the Streamy Award-winning web series, “The Bannen Way.” The series achieved over 13 million streams on Sony’s Crackle digital video network, becoming the fastest-growing property. It also transitioned into a feature film, reaching audiences through VOD, DVD, iTunes, Amazon, Cinemax, and Sony’s AXN Network. “The Bannen Way” was a hit, ranking as the sixth most-watched web series in February 2010. It received seven nominations at the 2010 Streamy Awards and won awards like Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor (Mark Gantt). The series also received the Groundbreaker Award at the 2010 LA Webfest.
Mark’s directorial journey started with “Murder In Mexico: The Bruce Beresford-Redman Story,” based on real-life events. Premiering on Lifetime in September 2015, this marked a significant step in his career as a director. Throughout his career, Mark had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed directors such as Steven Soderbergh, David O. Russell, Sam Raimi, and Robert Rodriguez, enriching his expertise in the industry.
Mark expanded his directorial portfolio with various projects, including “Intricate Vengeance” for Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s New Form Digital studio. His creative prowess extended to directing branded series for platforms like AOL, Lifetime, and the Better Sleep Council. In 2020, Mark Gantt showcased his directorial skills with two feature films, “A Deadly Price For Her Pretty Face” and “Secret Life of a Celebrity Surrogate,” both making their exclusive debut on Lifetime. Additionally, he crafted compelling commercials and promos for renowned brands like Fox, Capital One, ESPN, Nissan, and GMC.
In August 2022, Mark embarked on his most ambitious project yet, the horror thriller “Soul Mates.” Written by Joseph Russo and Chris LaMont, the film revolves around Allison (Annie Ilonzeh) and Jason (Charlie Weber), two unwitting participants in a nightmarish dating service. As they navigate a twisted maze designed by the enigmatic Matchmaker (Neal McDonough), the duo must find their way out or risk being trapped forever. “Soul Mates” is set for exclusive theatrical release on October 20, 2023, and distributed through Faith Media Distribution.
Mark’s storytelling prowess extends beyond acting and directing. He co-wrote “Her Deadly Boyfriend” with writer/director Evan Unruh, premiering on Lifetime on June 1, 2020. Moreover, Mark earned his first solo writing credit for the thrilling “Deadly Infidelity,” which premiered on Lifetime on March 25, 2020, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry.
Mark’s role as a producer encompasses projects like “Psychophonia,” a thrilling film directed by his wife, Brianne Davis, where he also starred opposite Vedette Lim. Together, they produced two horror/sci-fi films, “The Night Visitor” and “The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story.”
Mark’s talents extend to co-writing the Audible Original series “A Devil in the Valley,” alongside notable figures like Paul Holes and retired FBI Special Agent Jim Clemente. This riveting series delves into the investigations that successfully connected a series of cold-case murders to serial killers who terrorized Contra Costa County in 1977 and 1978.
In August 2020, Mark Gantt and Brianne Davis launched “Secret Life,” an engaging podcast exploring topics ranging from love and sex to money, food, addiction, and hidden taboos. The show features an array of guests, including celebrities and anonymous listeners, who bravely share their deepest secrets.
Mark Gantt’s exceptional talent has earned him several accolades, including the Best Director award at the Philadelphia First Glance Film Festival and the Best of the Fest award at the Cinema Series Festival for his short film “Donor.” His work on the branded series “Suite 7” earned nominations at the 2011 BANFF Rockies and the 2012 Webby Awards, with Shannen Doherty’s performance receiving a Webby award for Best Performance.
Mark Gantt’s impact extends to previously teaching acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and conducting workshops on developing web series with Creator Up. In 2011, he hosted the first annual NATPE Digital Luminary Awards in Miami, Florida.
As Mark Gantt’s career continues to evolve and captivate audiences, his upcoming theatrical release, “Soul Mates,” promises to be another exhilarating chapter in his journey. Get ready to experience his unique storytelling and directorial prowess on October 20, 2023, when “Soul Mates” hits theaters.
ood fortune of collaborating with top directors, including Steven Soderbergh, George Clooney, David O. Russell, Sam Raimi, and Robert Rodriguez. As versatile as he is ambitious, Mark has demonstrated a penchant for the entire creative process, using forays into writing, acting, and producing to inform his directorial philosophies.
Mark’s feature directorial debut, Murder In Mexico, was based on the actual events of Bruce Beresford-Redman and premiered on Lifetime. He’s recently directed two thrillers, Model Citizen and The Surrogate, which premiered on Lifetime. Mark also directed and produced the pilot, Intricate Vengeance, for Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s New Form Digital. He’s directed commercials, branded content and promos for Fox, A&E, Lifetime, Capital One, Freeform, ESPN, Nissan, and GMC.
Mark recently co-executive produced and wrote two Audible Original true-crime audiobooks premiering this summer. Mark also wrote two screenplays for The Cartel, both films Fatal Memory and Her Deadly Boyfriend premiered on Lifetime in 2021.
He’s also produced three features with his wife, Brianne Davis, through their Give + Take Production company; The Night Visitor, The Night Visitor 2, and Psychophonia. Mark and Brianne are currently developing and pitching three TV series together.
With over 33 years of sobriety, Mark is an advocate for recovery and mental health awareness. He and Brianne launched the Secret Life Podcast in August of 2020 to help others drop the shame and stigma carried by many in regards to mental health, addiction and recovery.
Mark also works with clients consulting on tv and film projects as well as coaching individuals in the entertainment business to take their careers to the next level.
Awards and Nominations
(Acting/Writing/Producing)
THE BANNEN WAY
STREAMY AWARDS
Winner “Best Actor in a Drama” – Mark Gantt
Winner “Best Drama” – Jesse Warren & Mark Gantt
Winner “Best Director” – Jesse Warren
Winner “Best Editing” – Zack Arnold
Nominated – “Best Writing”
Nominated – “Best New Web Series”
Nominated – “Best Branded Series” – Jaguar
VARIETY – ‘Bannen Way,’ ‘Guild’ top online television noms
WEBBY AWARDS
Nominated “Best Drama Series”
Nominated “Best Editing”
Nominated “Best Actress” – Vanessa Marcil
BANFF ROCKIE AWARDS
Nominated “Best Drama Web Series”
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DIRECTING AWARDS & NOMINATIONS