Mark Harris(XXIX)
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Mark Harris: Writer, Director, Producer
Mark Harris is a self-taught filmmaker who discovered his passion for storytelling early in life. Growing up in Englewood on Chicago’s Southside, he dreamed of being his own boss and developed a deep love for writing. With over 20 film projects distributed worldwide, Harris has built a career rooted in independence, determination, and a commitment to reshaping the entertainment industry on his own terms.
The challenges of Englewood helped shape Harris’s resilience. Sports became a positive outlet within a community defined by both strong family foundations and systemic obstacles. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he studied English-an experience that further sharpened his storytelling voice and creative discipline.
After returning to Chicago, Harris worked various jobs while continuing to pursue his passion. As a sales representative at a furniture store, he connected with early supporters who encouraged his ambitions. By 1997, he committed fully to screenwriting, immersing himself in the craft and writing more than ten scripts. His early hustle led him to pitch Zombies in the Hood to studios, eventually connecting with writer-director Barry Bowles, who became his first mentor.
In 2005, determined to stop waiting for opportunities, Harris took control of his own path. With $2,000 contributed by colleagues who believed in his vision, he produced his first film, Why Men Cheat. That moment marked the launch of his production company, 1555filmworks, and the beginning of his journey as a fully independent filmmaker.
Since then, Harris has continued to expand his reach and influence. He founded Black Films Rock LLC, a powerful online marketing and audience-building platform, and co-founded the Englewood International Film Festival in 2010-creating spaces to celebrate cinema and uplift voices from his community.
Mark Harris is a self-taught filmmaker who discovered his passion for storytelling early in life. Growing up in Englewood on Chicago’s Southside, he dreamed of being his own boss and developed a deep love for writing. With over 20 film projects distributed worldwide, Harris has built a career rooted in independence, determination, and a commitment to reshaping the entertainment industry on his own terms.
The challenges of Englewood helped shape Harris’s resilience. Sports became a positive outlet within a community defined by both strong family foundations and systemic obstacles. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he studied English-an experience that further sharpened his storytelling voice and creative discipline.
After returning to Chicago, Harris worked various jobs while continuing to pursue his passion. As a sales representative at a furniture store, he connected with early supporters who encouraged his ambitions. By 1997, he committed fully to screenwriting, immersing himself in the craft and writing more than ten scripts. His early hustle led him to pitch Zombies in the Hood to studios, eventually connecting with writer-director Barry Bowles, who became his first mentor.
In 2005, determined to stop waiting for opportunities, Harris took control of his own path. With $2,000 contributed by colleagues who believed in his vision, he produced his first film, Why Men Cheat. That moment marked the launch of his production company, 1555filmworks, and the beginning of his journey as a fully independent filmmaker.
Since then, Harris has continued to expand his reach and influence. He founded Black Films Rock LLC, a powerful online marketing and audience-building platform, and co-founded the Englewood International Film Festival in 2010-creating spaces to celebrate cinema and uplift voices from his community.
