WRITER // DIRECTOR
Currently residing in Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro, Mark Christopher is the writer/director of the iconic 54 along with his much celebrated director’s cut and a variety of award winning independent films, television work, and musical theater.
54: The Director’s cut
Vinegar Syndrome/Paramount has just released a collector’s box set with both versions of “54” and a host of extras. The full story of the production, release, re-cut and re-release now comes to life. 54 began principle photography in 1997 with Miramax serving as the studio. Despite a very positive initial reaction from the studio and industry insiders, Harvey Weinstein demanded extensive cuts and reshoots - 40 minutes were cut from the 100 minute film, most of them centering around the lead character’s bisexuality, and 33 minutes of new “straight" material were added as additional photography. After 17 years, Mark was finally able to remaster the film with its original footage, leading to its triumphant premier at the Berlinale, and a subsequent run opening festivals around the world.
"I was thrilled to get my vision of this film out into the world - its premiere at the Berlinale in 2015 was a profound moment for me. The release of the director's cut proved that the film I originally made had worked and that Harvey … made a mistake.”
Both versions of the film are available on most streaming platforms.
Real Life: The Musical
Haven't you ever wanted life to be a musical? Haven't you ever wanted to break into song when words are not enough? Check out Mark's sizzle real for Real Life: The Musical which launched the series he created and executive produced for the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Alkali, iowa
Ten years before Brokeback Mountain, there was a ground-breaking short film set in rural America that captured the imagination of audiences. "I hope you'll find this elliptical tale rich in themes of legacy, paternity and independence in the rural midwest." Starring Mary Beth Hurt and winner of seven major awards, including the Teddy at the Berlin International Film Festival..
Dead boys Club
The Dead Boys Club, 1992, was inspired by the ghosts of all the boys we lost to AIDS in New York. Dedicated to John Reed and Ricky Wilson of the B-52s ("The Dead Beat Club").
"My first year film at Columbia University. This is a movie shot on celluloid and cut on a flatbed. For all its technical and creative flaws, it’s one of my favorite pieces of work. I think it has a bit of magic. In 1992, it struck a nerve with audiences around the world. Laughter, tears and disco.”
DBC Trailer (Frameline)
Heartland
Heartland has over ten million hits on YouTube - thanks to a couple pirates who owe Mark some doubloons! On the surface it is the simple tale of a big city college boy who heads back to the farm, ostensibly to help out his family, but is stranded there by responsibility and love.
"I loved the process of making this film - building it from the inside out in terms of shooting and production on a variety of formats."
Palm Springs longest running musical comedy. On hiatus after four years.
Wisconsin widow Maryann Popecky transforms from frump to fabulous when she finds herself at the center of modernity in 1966 Palm Springs.
Broadwayworld.com writes, "Perhaps the biggest round of applause should be saved for Mark Christopher ...Great writing, incredible voices, terrific acting and beloved songs combine to make this one of the most enjoyable visits to the theatre that I have had in a very long time.”
MID CENTURY MODERNS
in development
BERLIN - a US/German co-production with Leonine Studios
ROLANDO NO RIO - a US/Brazilian co-production with Globoplay
SARA - a Czech/German co-production
‘70s Soul Project (development)
Cleopatra VII (development)