Mark built his cameras reflex system from scratch. The parts needed to up date the old camera had to be hand crafted. Mark had to buy a mill machine and lathe--- and taught himself how to operate the tools. The foundation for camera system is a Mitchell GC, popular for its steady film transport system and versatility in all manner of process work. 

Along with machining, there were two other sciences that would be essential to the development of Mark’s progress. Trial and error, along with his library of books gave him the basic skills of mechanical drawing and optical engineering that he needed. It was only then that he could begin milling the parts to up-date the camera.

Early in 1992 Mark met an aggressive film maker from Minnesota who was bent on making a movie in Alaska about a young boy and a wolverine. Steve Kroschel, owner of Kroschel Films, asked Mark to work with him for a day and was so impressed that he asked Mark to be the Director of Photography for his film RUNNING FREE. Mark and Steve filmed the feature over a two-year period. Mark was again asked by Steve to help write and DP his next feature BLACK FEATHER.

Between Steve’s two films, Mark began work on his own film. BUSH PILOTS OF ALASKA, a documentary film that looks at bush pilots in a contemporary light. Over a two-year period, Mark was able to capture the essence of bush piloting in Alaska. Having financed the film himself, he was able to bring it to completion early in October of 1995. Mark continues to work with the production companies that come to Alaska to film. The list of production companies is extensive. Mark has recently worked on Castle Rock Entertainment film, ALASKA, as an aerial camera operator. He was also asked to film the aerial sequences for a Kellogg’s Corn Flakes commercial for Harkness Sayers Film Production of England and did second unit work for Graphics Films IMAX movie Alaska Sprit Of the Wild.

Mark’s hope is to produce a documentary film every two years. He thinks that it is a most important genre-- "It is our obligation as film makers to pass on a visual interpretation of our time."  Mark is aggressively writing scripts of films he will be making in the near future. His goal is to produce and direct his own films and help others as a director and cinematographer.