The Power of a Proof of Concept, with Mark Stewart Iverson

Faith & Family Filmmakers

Episode 20 - The Power of a Proof of Concept, with Mark Stewart Iverson

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt talk with filmmaker Mark Stewart Iverson, diving deeper into his work and approach to filmmaking. Mark shares insights into his upcoming film 'Prodigal Sons,' a drama set during the Vietnam war era focusing on the divergent paths of two brothers. He discusses the film's development, from a script penned by a long-time friend, funded through a personal inheritance with divine inspiration, to its production aiming for a doc-style, 16mm film aesthetic. Iverson elaborates on the Proof of Concept (PoC) production, highlighting challenges and opportunities during the SAG strike and the inclusive effort from the cast and crew who believed in the project's potential. He underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, from production through to casting, and the strategic use of PoCs in pitching to investors and studios.

They also discuss the importance of humor in filmmaking, regardless of genre, and Iverson's approach to embedding comedy into scripts to deepen emotional impact and character relatability. He emphasizes character-driven writing as fundamental in crafting engaging narratives, offering insights into his screenwriting classes and methodologies. The episode includes:

• Welcome and Introduction
• Diving Deep into 'Prodigal Sons'
• The Creative Process and Collaboration
• Shooting Style and Production Insights
• Financial Aspects and Production Challenges
• The Power of a Proof of Concept
• Navigating the Industry with a Concept Film
• Industry Relationships and Collaboration
• Casting for a Proof of Concept
• The Role of Comedy in Screenwriting
• Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Upon graduating from UCLA Film School, Mark Stewart Iverson co created, co wrote, and co directed Hulu's former number one web series, Dorm Life. The hit comedy show racked up three Webby Awards, two Streamy nominations, and two W3 Gold Awards. After a spiritual transformation, Mark founded MSI Films with the production of his original screenplay, the award winning For Prophet, marking his feature directorial debut. Mark currently serves as the creative producer for the sustainability docu series, Rivers Are Life, on the Weather Channel, having produced 16 episodes in 8 countries across 5 continents.

For Prophet Website: https://forprophetfilm.com/

For Prophet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forprophetfilm

For Prophet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forprophetfilm/

MSI Films Website: https://msifilms.com/

MSI Films on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msifilms

MSI Films on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msifilms/

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association

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