Marc Forby, a British filmmaker, was born in England, exhibiting a profound affinity for films at the tender age of sixteen, following a pivotal cinematic experience while watching Jean-Jacques Beineix's 1981 film "Betty Blue" at a local art house theater in Bristol, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
This chance encounter with the film, widely regarded as a classic of French New Wave cinema, had a profound impact on Marc, sparking a desire within him to direct his own films and subsequently leading him to make his first forays into filmmaking.
In a bold and ambitious move, Marc went on to purchase his first 16mm camera, which he then used to create a series of documentary films while attending his boarding school, a unique and formative experience that would lay the groundwork for his future career as a filmmaker.
Marc Forby's early fascination with films was sparked by a pivotal cinematic experience at a local art house theater in Bristol, England, where he watched Jean-Jacques Beineix's 1981 film "Betty Blue", a classic of French New Wave cinema.
As a teenager, Marc's affinity for films led him to make his first forays into filmmaking, purchasing his first 16mm camera and using it to create a series of documentary films while attending his boarding school.
Marc's early experiences in filmmaking were shaped by his unique boarding school environment, where he had the opportunity to experiment with his craft and develop his skills as a filmmaker.
Marc's passion for filmmaking was ignited by his encounter with "Betty Blue", a film that had a profound impact on him, sparking a desire to direct his own films and pursue a career in the industry.
As a young filmmaker, Marc's experiences were shaped by his bold and ambitious move to purchase his first 16mm camera, which allowed him to create a series of documentary films that would lay the groundwork for his future career.
Marc Forby's early life and experiences had a profound impact on his future career as a filmmaker, shaping his passion and desire to create films that would captivate and inspire audiences.
Marc's early life was marked by a dedicated pursuit of his passion for acting, with a relentless focus on honing his craft, ultimately culminating in the prestigious Gold Medal award at the illustrious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, a respected institution renowned for its ability to nurture and propel the careers of numerous successful individuals in the entertainment industry.
Marc's remarkable achievement served as a catalyst for his academic pursuits, as he subsequently embarked on a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies at Queen's University, thereby providing himself with a comprehensive framework for refining his artistic talents and cultivating a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the filmmaking process.
As Marc proudly held his degree, he embarked on a daring journey to relocate to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, a hub renowned for its esteemed film industry, boasting the biggest players and most iconic studios that have captivated the world.
In this vibrant city, he started his career with Alliance Atlantis Communications, a production company of great repute, credited with bringing to life some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films to date, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic world.
Alliance Atlantis Communications, a renowned production company, has a rich legacy of crafting visually striking and intellectually stimulating films that have resonated with global audiences. Their impressive repertoire boasts a diverse range of cinematic masterpieces, including the surreal and psychological drama "Naked Lunch", which stars the acclaimed directors David Cronenberg and Nicolas Cage. This thought-provoking film delves into the complexities of the human psyche, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual representation.
Another notable release from Alliance Atlantis Communications is the critically acclaimed film "Crash", which masterfully explores the intricate web of human relationships and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. This thought-provoking drama has left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place as a landmark in contemporary cinema.
The company's repertoire also features the sensual and enigmatic film "Exotica", which invites viewers to enter a world of exotic dancers and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. This visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film is a testament to Alliance Atlantis Communications' commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic innovation.
Lastly, the poignant and powerful drama "The Sweet Hereafter" showcases the company's ability to craft emotionally resonant and thought-provoking films that explore the emotional toll of tragedy and the healing process. This masterful portrayal of human struggle and resilience has left a lasting impression on audiences and critics, cementing its place as a landmark in contemporary drama.
Throughout their illustrious history, Alliance Atlantis Communications has consistently demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating films that captivate, provoke, and inspire audiences worldwide.
As Marc collaborated with Alliance Atlantis Communications, he leveraged his profound comprehension of the film industry and his remarkable acting prowess to imbue characters with a sense of authenticity and captivating presence.
Marc's professional journey was marked by a series of significant accomplishments, as he was tasked with the crucial responsibilities of overseeing the production and marketing of feature films for television.
Throughout his illustrious career, Marc's impressive portfolio has included a wide range of critically acclaimed projects, including the cinematic masterpiece "Devil In The Flesh", which boasted an impressive cast led by the talented Rose McGowan.
Another notable highlight of Marc's career was his involvement in the visually stunning production "Joan of Arc", which featured the captivating LeeLee Sobieski in a pivotal role.
Notably, Marc played a key role in the successful negotiation and sale of "Joan of Arc" to the esteemed Artisan Entertainment, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and accomplished industry professional.
As the calendar pages of the year 2002 slowly turned, Marc Thieszen, driven by an unwavering passion and unrelenting determination, made the bold and courageous decision to bid farewell to Alliance and embark upon a journey to bring his long-held dream project to life. This ambitious and far-reaching endeavour, a sweeping period epic, aimed to captivate audiences by bringing to the silver screen the captivating and poignant tale of Hawaii's fallen monarchy, a story rich in history, drama, and emotional depth.
In order to secure the necessary financing for this grand and ambitious project, Marc Thieszen shifted his focus towards producing "Prom Night", a suspenseful and thrilling motion picture that boasted an impressive and talented cast of actors. This esteemed group of performers included the highly acclaimed and versatile Idris Elba, known for his remarkable range and depth as an actor, the radiant and captivating Brittany Snow, whose versatility and charm have endeared her to audiences worldwide, and the charismatic and dynamic Kellan Lutz, whose compelling presence and undeniable charm have made him a rising star in the world of cinema.
With the respected and renowned Screen Gems serving as the production company behind "Prom Night", Marc Thieszen's bold and ambitious endeavour was set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the world of cinema.
Marc's lifelong dream of creating a cinematic masterpiece finally materialized in the year 2005 when Matador Pictures, a prestigious production company renowned for its extensive and impressive array of credits, including the critically acclaimed "The Wind That Shakes The Barley", generously agreed to produce his directorial debut, a cinematic masterpiece titled "Princess Kaiulani", which masterfully brings to life the extraordinary true story of Hawaii's last reigning Princess.
The cinematic masterpiece, initially christened "Barbarian Princess", made its grand debut at the prestigious Honolulu International Film Festival, where it garnered the coveted audience award, a distinction it shared with the highly acclaimed "Precious", a testament to its universal appeal and artistic merit.
Marc's sophomore directorial endeavour, a cinematic tour de force aptly titled "Highly Functional", boasted an impressive array of talented thespians, featuring the esteemed Bruce Campbell, James Frecheville, Missi Pyle, Annabeth Gish, and the venerable Judge Reinhold, each delivering a standout performance that collectively elevated the film to new heights.
As of the summer of 2023, Marc is industriously dedicating his time and effort to the development of his screenplay, "Suds and Secrets", an unconventional crime thriller that revolves around the intricate narrative of an aging Los Angeles croupier and his teenage granddaughter as they navigate the complexities of an unexpected death within their family.
