Born in New York City, raised in NJ, Mark has lived in the Los Angeles area off and on since 1989. His work history includes a small but thriving business mowing lawns, a stint as a baker, a period of time as a floral designer, a winter waiting tables, almost a lifetime of acting, a fascinating and unexpected period as a Creature FX artist, complete geekery as computer consultant, continued work as a VO artist and most recently as a DGA Assistant Director in both Film and Television.
Raised in an artistic household, the son of a theatrical designer and dancer, Mark became interested in the arts at an early age. At six he began working professionally as an actor. In his late teens he discovered a love for painting while attending The Professional Children’s School in NYC. In a relatively short period of time, with the support of an exceptional art teacher, Donald Sanders, he developed a large body of work and began selling his first paintings. His initial work represented a period of discovery as he experimented spontaneously with “found” techniques. Working primarily in acrylic, his pieces ranged from mixed media paintings, with sculptural elements, to murals.
Accepted to both UCLA and USC, he instead opted to pursue his career in acting and enjoyed success working in feature films, television, radio and commercials. Over the following years his pursuit of painting waned. He briefly attended The Arts Students League in NYC and took basic drawing classes in Los Angeles. In 2004 his desire to express himself creatively was rekindled while working with K.N.B EFX on “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” in New Zealand. His work experience in Narnia ran the gamut. Though primarily focused on fabrication, he was exposed to many aspects of Creature FX, from make-up applications to helping coordinate the department.
After working as an FX artist for a variety of notable FX companies, Mark began coordinating full time. He eventually returned to Narnia on "Prince Caspian" as Set Coordinator for KNB in Prague, and shortly after his return to the US joined Todd Masters' MastersFX, Inc. as the coordinator for his LA shop. Interested in pursuing film making as a whole, Mark applied and was pleased to be accepted in late 2008 to the DGA Training Program. He completed his Assistant Director training in early 2011 and became a member of the DGA.
While Mark continues to work as an Assistant Director, he tries to find the time and energy to pursue his other interests. He is an avid runner, completing his first marathon in 2012 and has practiced Tai Chi Chuan since he was a teenager.
Mark has come to believe one has a responsibility to their creativity. Like any relationship worth pursuing it must be cared for and tended to, or it will slip away. For better or for worse Mark may be the poster child for said credo.
Mark lives in the Toluca Lake area of Burbank with his lovely wife Alina, son Atticus, their two cats Mouse and Rocky, and Stanley the dog.
Contact: mark(at)markballou(dot)com