James Makichuk's life story begins in the quaint town of Swan River, Manitoba, where he spent his formative years, laying the foundation for his future pursuits. As he grew older, Makichuk made the decision to relocate to Southern Ontario, where he pursued his academic aspirations in the state of Michigan.
This marked the beginning of his professional journey, which started at CKLW-TV in Windsor/Detroit, where he took on various roles, including newswriter, soundman, and film cameraman. Throughout his time at the television station, Makichuk was tasked with covering a diverse range of topics, including the Viet Nam War protests, Presidential visits, and crime beats.
In addition to his work at the television station, Makichuk also had the opportunity to further his education by attending film school at Banff, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Detroit.
Makichuk's professional trajectory continued to unfold with great success as he embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining the esteemed Global TV network, assuming the role of newscameraman. Subsequently, he made the decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Vancouver, where he further honed his skills as a film editor for BCTV. This experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, as he co-founded Rocky Mountain Films alongside the accomplished Phillip Borsos. Under their creative direction, the company produced a diverse range of cinematic works, including two short films, CADILLAC and COOPERAGE, as well as several corporate films. One of their most notable achievements was the critically acclaimed COOPERAGE, which garnered widespread recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Genie Award for Best Short in 1976. This prestigious honor was a testament to the company's exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Furthermore, COOPERAGE received international acclaim, earning a finalist spot in the 1976 Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a standout production in the world of filmmaking.
Makichuk's professional partnership with Borsos was tragically cut short due to Borsos' sudden and unexpected passing in 1995. Following this unfortunate event, Makichuk sought new opportunities and joined the esteemed Armadale Productions in Regina, where he assumed the multifaceted roles of writer, producer, and director.
During his tenure at Armadale, Makichuk was prolific in his output, completing a vast array of commercials and corporate films that showcased his exceptional skill and expertise. His impressive body of work served as a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.
In 1977, Makichuk made the transition to CFCN in Calgary, where he further diversified his portfolio by taking on the responsibilities of producer and director for commercials and corporate films. This new chapter in his career marked a significant milestone in his professional journey, as he continued to hone his skills and build upon his impressive repertoire of work.
In the year 1979, Mark Makichuk embarked on a new creative endeavour, departing from his previous pursuits to co-found the film production company, Badland Pictures. Just a year later, in 1980, he showcased his multifaceted talents by writing, producing, and directing the suspense thriller, GHOSTKEEPER, a 35mm feature film distributed by New World Pictures and produced under the banner of his own company, Badland Pictures.
The decade of the 1980s proved to be a prolific period for Makichuk, as he went on to write, direct, and edit not one, but two television movies, THE TOWER and NIAGARA, for the renowned Visual Productions of Toronto. Additionally, he penned the thought-provoking courtroom drama, BETRAYAL OF SILENCE, which tackled the sensitive topic of teen abuse and was broadcast in Canada on the popular CTV network, as well as in the United States on the Lifetime channel.
Notably, in the year 1990, Makichuk made the decision to relocate to the city of Los Angeles, where he has since dedicated himself to a prolific career in television, excelling as both a writer and a story editor. Moreover, he has also taken on a significant amount of work in the realm of feature films, collaborating with esteemed companies such as ABC Productions, Sony Pictures, Leonard Goldberg, and others. In the year 1998, Makichuk made a notable contribution to the world of science fiction television, penning two television movies for Paramount's UPN network, and subsequently rewriting five others. Furthermore, he completed a television pilot script based on an adventure comic book, all for the esteemed FFP Productions.
