Mark Harris

Mark Harris

Personal Details

Biography

Mark Harris is a multifaceted creative force, exceling in the realms of both written and visual storytelling as a writer, director, and producer.

He has honed his skills across various mediums, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotion, Mark Harris crafts compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

As a writer, he has brought forth a plethora of captivating stories, each one a testament to his mastery of the craft.

His directorial endeavors have yielded a range of thought-provoking and visually stunning projects, showcasing his ability to balance artistic vision with technical expertise.

As a producer, Mark Harris has played a pivotal role in nurturing innovative ideas and bringing them to life, often working closely with talented individuals to shape the creative direction of a project.

Throughout his career, Mark Harris has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to new challenges and push the boundaries of his craft, solidifying his position as a respected and accomplished professional in the entertainment industry.

His work has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, earning him a reputation as a versatile and innovative creative force.

With a keen sense of curiosity and a passion for storytelling, Mark Harris continues to push the limits of what is possible, inspiring a new generation of artists and creatives to follow in his footsteps.

Mark Harris, a filmmaker who has honed his craft through self-taught dedication, first discovered his profound passion for storytelling at a remarkably young age. Born and raised in the vibrant community of Englewood, situated on the Southside of Chicago, Harris was instilled with a strong desire to forge his own path and cultivate a deep affection for the art of writing.

As Harris navigated the complexities of growing up in Englewood, a community marked by both loving families and entrenched societal struggles, he developed an unwavering resilience that would serve him well in the years to come.

Amidst this challenging environment, sports emerged as a vital coping mechanism, providing a healthy distraction from the difficulties that surrounded him.

With the support of his family and a passion for the game, Harris went on to earn a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin River Falls, where he pursued a degree in English.

However, his academic pursuits took a dramatic turn in 1992, when he watched Spike Lee's powerful biopic, Malcolm X. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in Harris's life, as he was deeply moved by the film's portrayal of the civil rights leader's struggles and ultimate triumph.

Inspired by Lee's masterpiece, Harris felt an overwhelming desire to pursue a career in filmmaking, a passion that would eventually become the driving force behind his creative endeavors.

Leaving behind the bustling cityscape of his past, Harris made the bold decision to return to his hometown of Chicago, where he embarked on a series of endeavors, including a stint as a sales representative at a prominent furniture store. It was during this time that he crossed paths with a group of influential individuals who would ultimately play a significant role in the early stages of his career.

By the year 1997, Harris had become resolute in his pursuit of writing screenplays, dedicating himself to a rigorous study of the craft. He delved deep into an extensive library of books on the subject, meticulously absorbing every detail and technique. As his skills continued to evolve, he began to churn out a multitude of scripts, with his total output exceeding ten.

Undeterred by the challenges that often accompany the pursuit of creative endeavors, Harris remained committed to his goals, eventually finding an audience for his work. He successfully pitched his script, Zombies in the Hood, to various studios, ultimately connecting with writer-director Barry Bowles, who would serve as his first mentor.

In the year 2005, Harris found himself growing increasingly frustrated with the prolonged delay in bringing his creative endeavors to life, prompting him to take a bold and decisive step. With his colleagues, who were well aware of his unwavering passion for filmmaking, providing a vital injection of capital in the sum of $2,000, Harris embarked upon his first filmic venture, Why Men Cheat.

Over the years, Harris has successfully extended the reach of his influence, venturing into the realm of digital marketing by establishing Black Films Rock LLC, a cutting-edge online platform designed to amplify the visibility of innovative cinematic endeavors. Furthermore, he co-founded the Englewood International Film Festival in 2010, a prestigious event that not only pays tribute to the art of filmmaking but also serves as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for the community he is passionate about uplifting.

In the year 2021, Harris took a significant step forward in his career by releasing a feature film titled White People Money, which boasted an impressive cast featuring Drew Sidora and Barton Fitzpatrick, and managed to secure a wide release in nearly 40 theaters, marking a milestone in his career as his largest theatrical release to date.

Throughout his body of work, Harris' films have not only been showcased in traditional theatrical settings but have also been made available on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, thereby underscoring his dedication to sharing genuine, thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences and empowering independent filmmakers to bring their unique visions to life.

Mark Harris's remarkable career as a filmmaker is a testament to his unwavering dedication to bringing imaginative concepts to life, crafting a lasting impact through his tireless pursuit of artistic expression, and fostering a sense of belonging among those who share his passion for storytelling.

Born with a natural flair for creative expression, Mark Harris's early years were marked by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, laying the foundation for his future success as a masterful storyteller.

As he grew older, Harris's innate talent for filmmaking began to take shape, as he honed his skills through a series of trials and tribulations, setbacks and triumphs, ultimately emerging as a visionary force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mark Harris has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of the human experience, weaving intricate narratives that captivate and inspire audiences from all walks of life.

His unwavering commitment to his craft has earned him widespread recognition and acclaim, as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of filmmaking, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of those who have been touched by his work.

As a true master of his craft, Mark Harris remains an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream big, his legacy a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and community.

Career

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2008
{"id":217414,"title":"Let Us Make Eve","year":"2023","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/let-us-make-eve","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_217414.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_217414.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":239367,"title":"Hyde Park","year":"2022","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hyde-park","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_239367.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_239367.jpg"},"released":1}
2022
Hyde Park
Hyde Park as Director
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2021
White People Money
White People Money as Director, Writer
{"id":139949,"title":"Black Privilege","year":"2019","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/black-privilege","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_139949.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_139949.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
Black Privilege
Black Privilege as Director, Writer
{"id":112386,"title":"36 Hour Layover","year":"2016","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/36-hour-layover","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_112386.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_112386.jpg"},"released":1}
2016
36 Hour Layover
36 Hour Layover as Director, Writer
{"id":99633,"title":"Stock Option","year":"2015","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/stock-option","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_99633.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_99633.jpg"},"released":1}
2015
Stock Option
Stock Option as Director, Writer
{"id":117926,"title":"My First Love","year":"2015","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/my-first-love","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_117926.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_117926.jpg"},"released":1}
My First Love
My First Love as Director
{"id":1474,"title":"Black Coffee","year":"2014","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/black-coffee","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_1474.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_1474.jpg"},"released":1}
2014
Black Coffee
Black Coffee as Director, Writer
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2010
Black Butterfly
Black Butterfly as Director, Writer
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2006
Holla If You Hear Me
Holla If You Hear Me as Director, Writer