Meet Mark Samuels | Filmmaker & Television Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Samuels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think life is all about taking calculated risks. My career as a director, producer in the television industry all started with taking a risk. I was a musician and wanted to start shooting my own music videos. I didn’t go to film school or know anything about creating a film so it was a bit of a challenge to get started. I decided to take the risk and invest in a camera (even though I didn’t know how to use it or even attach a lens LOL ) and I started filming as many music videos as I can. After a few years of shooting music videos I decided I wanted to make my first feature film. I had no experience with script writing or managing a production this large but I decided to take another risk and give it a shot. This was one of the best decision’s i’ve ever made. 2 years after filming my first feature film titled “Murder Gardens” it ended up being one of the most viewed independent films of 2019 and instantly gave me the platform I needed to now begin directing and producing more feature films on a bigger and broader scale.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. I’ve always had a passion for art and creating whether it was drawing or through my music but my love for film was completely different. I never went to college for film but I learned through the school of hard knocks. I did my share of internships, free (unpaid) work, and thousands of hours of youtube tutorials to get to where I am. Now with a successful full feature film under my belt and two more films in production I am looking forward to bring Hollywood to Miami and growing the film industry in South Florida.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in town I would start off with breakfast in Miami Gardens either at Stadium diner or Waffle House. Then head down to Wynwood for some sight seeing and appreciation of the art. We would probably grab a few drinks at Wood Tavern in Wynwood then make our way to downtown Miami to catch the Miami Heat game at one of my favorite bars

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Spike Lee was a huge inspiration in me wanting to tell positive black stories through film and television

Website: murdergardens.com

Instagram: @kingcolosus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-samuels-57439399/

Twitter: @kingcolosus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/king.colosus

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3RlECPAV2YUvtkk9aqkeQ