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

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 IntroductionDiving Deep into 'Prodigal Sons'The Creative Process and CollaborationShooting Style and Production InsightsFinancial Aspects and Production ChallengesThe Power of a Proof of ConceptNavigating the Industry with a Concept FilmIndustry Relationships and CollaborationCasting for a Proof of ConceptThe Role of Comedy in ScreenwritingClosing Thoughts and Contact InformationUpon 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/forprophetfilmFor Prophet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forprophetfilm/MSI Films Website: https://msifilms.com/MSI Films on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msifilmsMSI 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 Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-servicesCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions