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Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson
Hi Mark, thanks for chatting with us. How have the last couple of years been for you?
The last couple of years have been quite productive even though lockdowns have made things difficult with actual filming, but I’ve managed to use the time to write many screenplays, and pre-production prep for an up and coming film I’m working on. A personal loss recently has made me much more focused and determined to succeed.
Sorry to hear that. You are working on a new film in which you are co-writer/co-director/star called Caught In-Between. What can you tell us about it?
The film I’m working on, Caught In-between is a crime, drama. It was first written as a typical gangster type film, but when I began to work with an awesome director, Daniel Pacquette, we looked at the script and decided we didn’t want a typical gangster film. We decided to create more drama that many can relate to.
The story is about a man, Kevin, who is a petty criminal, but his wife wants him to leave the criminal life behind and go straight, which he tries, but due to his daughter becoming ill he turns to crime to afford the surgery to save her, but things go completely wrong. The film shows that crime does not pay.
There’s romance, action, drama and crime all rolled into one. We begin filming on 20th June 2022.
Why did you want to tell this story?
I wanted to tell this story to show that crime doesn’t pay. It’s a three-part film which eventually will show Kevin becomes successful once he goes straight and crime just brings him pain and problems. Too many youngsters are going into crime thinking it will gain wealth, which isn’t true, it just destroys lives.
What's the latest with the film's production?
We are currently rehearsing and planning the stunts and fight scenes, as the fight scenes will be like the fight scenes in the Bourne Ultimatum. We are also looking for investors and crowdfunding. We’re also in talks to have a famous singer involved, but as nothing has been confirmed yet, I can’t say who this is. I’m really excited about this film and looking forward to filming.
You were also recently in a short film called Lonely with Elin-Margareta Nordin, how did you come to be involved with that?
I become involved with the short film Lonely because my friend, Elin-Margareta Nordin, who’s like a sister to me wrote it and asked me to act in it with her, and I’m always happy to collaborate with her, well, I’ll collaborate with anyone, but anytime she needs help, I’m always there and I know she’s always there to help me.
Why do you make movies?
I make movies because I love to tell stories and entertain people. Help people forget about the stress of daily life and lose themselves in the world I’m showing them. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I am really passionate about telling great stories.
Who are your favourite filmmakers and why?
I have a few favourite filmmakers, including James Wan because I am a horror fanatic and James Wan has created many great horror movies, Conjuring has me on the edge of my seat, and the jump scares are amazing.
Quentin Tarantino is an amazing director, he’s similar to what I like to do, write, direct and act.
Tim Kirkby, I worked with him on The Pentaverate and saw him work first-hand. I have many more for various different reasons and could spend a lot of time talking about them.
What's next for you?
I have a few things in the works, I’m currently writing a gangster script called Mafia is Calling, with an up and coming actor, who’s worked with A-listers, Jamie Humphrey and am honoured that he has asked me to work with him. I’ve also written a comedy series, I just need to find the contacts to help me get it in front of Netflix because I know they would love this.
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