A well-known name in the field of entertainment, Mark Steilen stands as a testament to hard work, creativity, and the indefatigable spirit of innovation. His career has spanned over three decades and he has explored various fields such as screenwriting, film directing, and producing. He is particularly known for his commendable work in films and television series.
Mark Steilen (b. 1970) is a U.S. writer, producer and director. Among other things, he has written tv-series such as Will (2017) and Shameless (2017-2018), and directed The Settlement (1999) and Wieners (2008). In 2018, he wrote the screenplay for Tag, and then co-produced this movie with Tood Garner. Examples of other movies produced by Mark Steilen are Sleepwalking, Play the Devil, and Church of Gay Jesus. Steilen is also known for his work on Stuck on You (2013) and Hall Pass (2011).
Mark Steilen’s body of work and his unflagging commitment to pushing creative boundaries constitute a legacy that will undeniably reverberate through the annals of Hollywood storytelling for many years to come. Emerging filmmakers can learn from the breadth and depth of Steilen’s career, a shining testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence in the entertainment industry.
Steilen’s influence in the industry extends beyond his portfolio of direct contributions. He also served as a mentor to aspiring filmmakers, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience generously. Despite his success and considerable contributions to the TV and film industry, Steilen remains a humble and dedicated professional, constantly seeking new ways to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
Background and early career
Mark G. Steilen was born in 1970.
Education
Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the English Language and Literature/Letters (1977-1981)
Masters Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Master of Arts (MA) in the English Language and Literature/Letters (1981-1983)
Masters Degree from UCLA
Master of Fine Arts – MFA Film/Cinema/Video Studies (1984-1988)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Steilen completed his MFA in Film Directing with thesis film, “The Trip Back,” for American Playhouse. This film was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain” by Robert Olen Butler.
Hollywood career
Mark Steinlen’s career took off in playwriting, where his distinctive voice and compelling storytelling skills were first recognized. This early success propelled him towards Hollywood, where he began working with film and television. In 1998-1999, Steinlen wrote and directed the independent film “The Settlement”. It won the Los Angeles Film Festival and was sold to HBO Films.
In Hollywood, Mark Steilen’s name became associated with key projects that succeeded both critically and commercially. He worked on numerous films and television series, showcasing an impressive range of themes and styles. The Maine Hollywood writer is particularly recognized for his work on ‘Mozart in the Jungle,’ a series that won Golden Globe Awards in 2016. He has also contributed to the exciting sequel of the movie ‘Zombieland’.
One of the standout moments of Steilen’s career is his work on the popular comedy-drama show ‘Weeds.’ As a writer and editor of the show, his contribution played a significant role in its popularity and subsequent success.
Unique approach
Renowned for his fresh perspective and out-of-the-box thinking, Steilen is known for his unique blend of humor and realness. Instead of using conventional methods, he endeavors to craft intricate narratives that focus on human emotions, experiences, and the irony of life itself.
Multi-faceted talent
Mark Steilen is not just a screenwriter and director. His talents have been utilized in various other roles in the entertainment industry. He has shown substantial ability as a producer, enabling several iconic shows and films to come to life. His credits include the successful comedy show ‘The Loop’ and the Emmy Award-winning ‘Mozart in the Jungle.’
Private life
Mark Steilen is married to the actress Carrie Yazel.
A few examples from Steilen’s career in the United States
In 2013-2014, Steinlen wrote and co-produced the Golden Globe winning series, “Mozart in the Jungle” for Amazon Studios.
He then worked as a writer and producer for Warner Bros. Entertainment for over 8 years, starting in 2016. During his time with Warner Bros, he developed, sold, wrote and produced the film “Tag” for Newline Cinema and Warner Brothers Studios.
In 2017, Steilen wrote the episode, “Extraordinary Hazard,” for the CBS Emmy-winning series “Madame Secretary”.
In 2018, Steilen starte working for both Legendary Entertainment & ABC and HBO. He worked as an executive producer and writer for LE & ABC for almost five and a half year. His time with HBO in New York City was shorter, from May 2018 to March 2019, and consisted of him being the writer and Co-EP for the final season of HBO´s “Divorce”, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Hayden Church.
Steilen also worked for nearly a year for Showtime Networks Inc; from May 2017 to March 2018. He was a writer and Co-EP for season eight of Shameless.
Work in England
Steinlen wrote and co-produced “Will” for Turner Broadcasting System in London, England in 2016-2017. This is a TNT tv-series based on the life of young William Shakespeare.