Well...yes, I am. And I'm thrilled to admit it, even though I've had dozens of well intentioned people tell me for years that I need to just pick one thing to focus on. "Which is it, Mark? Writing, music, acting?" "Ummm..." I'd reply. "Yes!" That's my best answer, and I'm thankful I've stuck with it because I've had some wonderful doors opened to me, giving me the chance to do some amazing things, and more than a few crazy things. Yes, I've dressed up in a giant $100 bill and handed out t-shirts for a local bank. Yes, I emceed the Miss Kentucky USA pageant. Yes, I've pretended to enjoy eating fake food in several commercials. And taken a bath on camera for a country music video (Yes, I had a swimsuit on!). But there are a couple of projects I'm especially proud of...being in a couple great films: the heartwarming, Christmas film, "The Perfect Gift" and most recently, a beautiful story of courage in the face of breast cancer, "1 Message." 
And I'm happy to report, there are a couple additional film acting opportunities coming into focus in 2012.1 MESSAGE
This is a beautiful story about a young woman struggling with the ravaging effects of breast cancer. It's called "1 Message" and is produced by Kelly's Filmworks, the same people that delivered "The Perfect Gift" and "Clancy," not to mention "The Perfect Stranger" and "Another Perfect Stranger." I'll keep you updated as I know more information.
1 MESSAGE: The Story
Rebecca Norris is a 28-year old woman living out the good life in America; blessed with natural beauty, a successful career, and a handsome, equally-successful fiancée, her well-structured existence thrives in a world where nothing could go wrong. Then came the morning she discovered the lump. Now, twelve months later, she finds herself in a self-imposed prison of depression, despair and loneliness – her beauty and her life radically cut down by what she had always perceived as ‘a mature woman’s disease’. Becca’s dark, gray Seattle days are consumed by overeating, bitterness, and a desire to shut out family, friends, and the world in general.Then one day, a random email from a faceless mentor (me!) across the country breaks through the cold walls of Becca’s life, and his inspiring words begin to crack the hard exterior that has served as both her defense and her cell block. Over the next few months, Becca begins to rediscover the beating heart inside her…the hidden treasure that the scars of a driveby mastectomy could damage, but not destroy. A new start on life ensues, along with hard-learned lessons about self-worth, love, and the healing power of forgiveness. Her climactic journey to find her newfound soul mate culminates in a heartwarming discovery and a surprise-twist ending.
Chicago-based author Mary T. Lennox, a former oncology nurse, wrote “1 Message” in early 2003, and self-published it in 2004. Calling on her experiences with cancer patients, she created her main character based on the stories and struggles she had witnessed throughout her 22 years of service. Producer / writer Jefferson Moore began adapting the novel for screen in mid-2006. Later that same year, his mother Betty was diagnosed with breast cancer.
EMMANUEL & THE PERFECT GIFT
I'm so excited & grateful to have made my feature film acting debut in "The Perfect Gift" - a tremendous family film that explores the culture war that pops up every year around the celebration of Christmas. I got to play the bad guy in the movie - type casting, right!? I'm so thankful for this amazing opportunity. Many of you have seen the film in theaters, or on television, or have bought the DVD. Thank you so much! And thanks to Jefferson & Kelly Moore for being so awesome and inviting me to be a part of their lives, as well as their movie.
You might have heard my song "Emmanuel (You Are With Me)" in the film, on the radio, or seen the video on TV. Thank you so much for the outpouring of support for this song. I appreciate so much all the radio stations that took a chance on playing a tune from an unknown artist with a weird last name. And for all the emails from people all over the world who have had their lives impacted by this song.
I wanted this to be a song that addressed the fact that Christmas isn't always the happiest time of year for a lot of people, but then invite God into that place. I hope it can be a great song of encouragement to people who struggle with depression or loneliness at this time of year. The song is available on iTunes! You can watch the music video we made for the song HERE ON YOUTUBE - an alternate version of the video is also on the DVD for "The Perfect Gift." Here's the movie trailer...
PRECIOUS MEMORIES & CLANCY
The movie “Clancy” - featuring my tune “Precious Memories” - has also been released on DVD, and seems to be getting a ton of television viewings on various cable networks. I hope you get to see this great film. It has a huge heart.
I wrote the song “Precious Memories” as a tribute to my grandmother who told me I could do anything I wanted. If I could have one more day with her, what would I want to say to her? This song is my response. I've been blown away by hearing that people have had this song played at funerals! Wow...amazing. Here's the music video we did for the song HERE on YOUTUBE.
The song is also available on iTunes!
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