Videography Portfolio

Mark's primary passion is filmmaking, and his excitement to do more only continues to grow. He especially enjoys mixing his two degrees of film and history. By doing this he has been able to produce multiple visitor center films for historic sites, short educational videos for non-profits and marketing campaigns for businesses. Some of these projects are highlighted below. One of his latest projects includes his very own World War II short film entitled Hürtgen. Working on a period piece like this requires a hefty budget. Click the photo to learn how you can become involved with the project.
"Thank you for all your amazing work throughout this project. You've impressed us all with your talent, creativity and thoughtful approach to storytelling."
- Lindsey Fenton, Writer/Producer of A Time to Heal

A TIME TO HEAL

The Vietnam War: Telling the Pennsylvania Story
In remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, WPSU took part in a national dialogue sparked by Ken Burns' ten-part television series, The Vietnam War. Unlike Burns' international perspective, WPSU's, A Time to Heal, focused on Pennsylvanians during the conflict. Told through the eyes of several soldiers, protestors and family members, this program ultimately makes a controversial war relatable for younger audiences. It also gives an older generation the opportunity to heal divisions. Over the course of a year, Mark worked alongside Penn State producers and editors to create this extensive, cross-platform project. Some of his many tasks included creating advertisements for social media, managing the website, designing the poster, photographing events and organizing hours of archival footage. Mark even had the unique opportunity to film some of the documentary's final scenes. The full program can be viewed here.

THIS LAND OF MINE

 The Story of Fort Roberdeau
For much of 2018, Fort Roberdeau Historic Site seemed to be Mark’s second home. Contracted by Blair County, he filmed at the Revolutionary War fort during special events and programs. Afterwards, he would edit this footage together, creating a new orientation film that would later play in site's visitor center. With the help of historians and park staff, Mark co-wrote the script. "This Land of Mine" eventually became a comprehensive examination of the landmark, placing its history within the broader context of the American Revolution and colonization. Mark’s quest to capture an authentic setting for the production took him all across the state, amid all seasons. Portions of the film were thereafter condensed into promotional videos for the fort's website and Facebook. It is Mark's hope that his work with Fort Roberdeau offers visitors a holistic understanding of the cultures, personalities and conflicts that molded a region at the outset of the American experiment.
"You demonstrated great vision in filming and editing our new orientation film. It now tells the story in an engaging manner and appeals to a large audience."
- Glenn Nelson, Executive Director of Fort Roberdeau
"We're extremely pleased with your work. Our film is not only informative and well-composed, but makes Blair County’s history museum attractive and inviting."
- Joseph DeFrancesco, Former Executive Director of BCHS

FORGING THE FUTURE

The Baker Family Legacy
As a long-time member and volunteer of the Blair County Historical Society, Mark was excited to intern with them in 2016. During his time at the Baker Mansion History Museum, he created exhibit films, assisted with display construction, managed social media platforms, took photographs at events and re-designed their website. Mark also produced videos for the museum, culminating in the filming and editing of a new visitor center film entitled, "Forging the Future." This short orientation piece not only profiles the ornate 19th Century Baker Mansion, but the family who lived there for 75 years. The film connects the family, and the community in which they lived, with the broader narrative of the growing, industrial nation. Mark also produced the museum’s marketing campaign, “Live History.” These promos highlighted the wide-variety of activities the museum has to offer. Mark was eventually hired as a Visitor Services Assistant.

Award-Winning Projects

As part of their 25th Anniversary, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) launched a Fan Dedication Contest. Over 800 people from around the world created and submitted 90-second videos discussing their favorite piece of cinema. With professional camera and audio equipment, Mark recorded his brother Jared dedicating the 1993 epic, Gettysburg.  Eventually, 25 lucky people were chosen as the winners, including Jared. He was then given the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia to introduce his movie with TCM host, Ben Mankiewicz. Jared and Ben's introduction aired on TCM television in April 2019.
Mark won first place in the Go For Broke National Education Center's film contest two consecutive years. Contestants were required to discuss the Japanese American World War II experience with either a short essay or video. Mark produced "Victory Will Be Ours" (2015). This short documentary delves into the stories of 442nd Infantry Regiment in Europe while also highlighting the struggles of Japanese Americans in internment camps at home. "Trials and Triumph" (2016) focused more on the 442nd's basic training experience before their deployment to battlefront Europe in 1944.
Check out more videos on Brush Mountain Media's YouTube Channel!