Mark Donnell

Mark Donnell, born in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but spent the majority of his life in the rugged beauty of Central Oregon. His upbringing was steeped in creativity and intellect, thanks to his parents. His mother, Barbara Ann Donnell, was a respected member of the math department at Oregon State University, while his father, James Emerson Donnell, was a premier Oregon artist, poet, and school teacher. Mark's artistic roots ran deep, tracing back through generations of artists and writers. His grandfather was the acclaimed cartoonist behind 'Dupus Boomer', and his great-great-grandfather was none other than the renowned poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. Mark only has one son, Dylan Emerson Donnell, currently enlisted in the US Navy.

Mark's own journey into the arts began with acting. He started out in Oregon-based television commercials and even made appearances on "America's Most Wanted." He landed small roles in theatrical films like "Swordfish" and "The Postman," both filmed in his home state. However, it was the immersive experience of working on these film sets that ignited a new passion within him. Inspired by his exposure to the world of large-scale productions, Mark decided to venture into writing screenplays.

For Mark, storytelling was second nature. He had always been captivated by the art of creating imaginary worlds, and writing screenplays offered him a vast canvas to share his stories with a broader audience. Despite the steep learning curve, Mark persevered. Over the years, he honed his craft, perfecting his wordsmith skills. Since 2020, he has accomplished an impressive feat: 17 feature screenplays to his name, celebrated in numerous IMDB festivals and contests.

Mark's ambitions didn't stop there. His next venture led him into the realm of series teleplays. He conceived and wrote 'Downwinders', a near-future sci-fi project that he plans to pitch to streaming giants Amazon and Netflix. His passion for storytelling knows no bounds, and he continues to explore new horizons in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

Beyond his love for the arts, Mark has another passion that keeps him motivated - bodybuilding. His fascination with the sculpted physique began with iconic movies like 'Conan the Barbarian', making him a devoted fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. While he still enjoys training, it's now more about personal fulfillment and enjoyment rather than chasing Hollywood dreams. Mark acknowledges the passage of time but remains open to unexpected opportunities, especially in a cinematic landscape that occasionally calls for seasoned warriors like those in '300'.