Mark Harris grew up in Englewood on Chicago’s Southside. In 1997, he decided to write a screenplay of his own. Mark had written over 10 screenplays before finally pitching a project entitled Zombies in the Hood to various studios, including Actor-Producer Tim Reid’s New Millennium Studios. In 2005, after writing several spec scripts and waiting for someone to produce it, Mark realized “If I want to see my work done, I’m going to have to make the film myself”.
Later on, that year, Mark Harris shared that he was going to make his first film, Why Men Cheat, and finance it with his own salary. Within the week two co-workers handed over $2k in cash to invest in the film. With that push, his production company, 1555filmworks was born.
Since then, “I have directed and produced over 20 films. In addition to producing films, I created an online marketing company, Black Films Rock LLC, and in 2010, co- founded the Englewood International Film Festival to bring a celebration of film and positive entertainment to the community that raised him. In May 2021, I partnered with Vertical Entertainment to release White People Money“.
Starring former Mr. Nigeria Kenneth Okolie (The Royal Hibiscus Hotel), Dawn Halfkenny (Saints & Sinners), Erica Hubbard (Akeelah and the Bee), and Corey Hendrix (The Bear). Breaking Bounds is available on major streaming and cable platforms across US and Canada.
The Official Trailer for Breaking Bounds drected by Mark Harris
indieactivity: How would you describe your work as a director?
Mark Harris (MH): I would describe my work as broad and that focus on telling stories that uplift people in a positive light.
How did you get into directing?
Mark Harris (MH): I pivoted into directing because I was not able to get my scripts produced. So, I created my own path.
How do you choose a project to direct?
Mark Harris (MH): I write most of my projects, however, with Breaking Bounds I was interested in the story and thought this was an important project support.
Do you often take courses to increase your craft?
Mark Harris (MH): I am always learning from other directors whether from big budget to small. There is always something to learn.
When you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
Mark Harris (MH): I meet with the writers of EP to understand their vision of the project. Before I decide on accepting a project, I also consult with my team of department heads from the past to see if we can bring this vision to light. I have had the privilege of working with amazing production teams in the US and abroad, so I respect their input.
Briefly explain your latest work?
Mark Harris (MH): Breaking Bounds is one of those films that hits every emotion in your body. You will laugh, cry, frown, shout. It is a love story that deals with the complexities faced by people from different cultures.
Explain key challenges on your last film?
Mark Harris (MH): We really wanted to use great locations in Chicago, so that increased the budget. Due to Covid requirements, we had to make last minute cast changes. Additionally, we tested our entire crew every day, so that was expensive and challenging. Some things I have never dealt with before. We wanted to make sure everyone felt safe, so we did what we thought was right.
What ‘thing/situation’ helped you during production?
Mark Harris (MH): We all knew this was a special project because of the real emotions and reactions by the crew while we were shooting. We had crew members stopped in their tracks because of the talent. Our actors really took on these characters and you will be able to see that. Everyone was believable… every actor played the heck out of their role.
Explain a creative choice you took on the set of a recent production?
Mark Harris (MH): I decided to move a production from a more developed location (city) to a more remote island overseas and this created a “back in time” look and feel of the film. It was a very expensive decision, but the visuals were exceptional. The remote location had limited hotel options and resources so everything we needed more help to get basic things done.
What do you want from an actor during a production?
Mark Harris (MH): I enjoy when an actor takes a role extremely seriously. Everyone is committed, but when you see an actor that truly believes in the material, there is a difference.
Who is your favorite director?
Mark Harris (MH): Martin Scorsese.
Briefly describe your career?
Mark Harris (MH): I directed Hyde Park (2022), White People Money (2020), Black Privilege-TV Movie (2019), Black & Privileged-TV Mini Series (2019), Nothing Like Thanksgiving (2018), and Couples’ Night (2018).
I was director (attached) for No Regrets (2016), and My First Love-Video (2015). I directed Stock Option-TV Movie (2015), Black Coffee (2014), I also directed these short film The Concert (2010), and Pause (2010).
I had previously directed Black Butterfly (2010), I Used to Love Her (2008), Cut’n It Up: Chicago-Video (2008), Holla If You Hear Me (2006), Barber Shop Jokes-Video (2006), and Why Men Cheat-Video (2005).
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