Mark Pennell
HEAD OF NEW BUSINESS & SPECIAL PROJECTS
PRODUCER/WRITER/GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVE
Mark is a creative, strategic and performance focused executive with 20+ years of innovative, energetic leadership in Australia, US and UK. Mark is an expert in developing product, sourcing and securing finance, leveraging relationships and presenting complex large-scale productions. Motivational leader known for calm and clear delivery of mission objectives, aligning people and resources and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Successfully secured funding for a number of stage shows and films.
-Successfully controlled the operations and creative direction of a number of large-scale musicals and motion pictures.
-Successfully delivered the operations for the $35m Australian Pavilion at world expo (Japan) and turned an operating profit for the commercial stakeholders.
-Holds a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University with graduate major in Law & Business Management.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Head Special Projects and New Business Beacon Pictures (Los Angeles) 2011 – present
-Reports directly to the Owner & CEO Army Bernstein.
-Established relationships in China. Sourcing investment, Co-production partnerships and Distribution.
-Successfully established a relationship with Executive Management at eOne Entertainment and leveraged that into an operating Television joint venture between Beacon and eOne.
-Involved in strategic development of new business and company expansion.
-Attend international film festivals and liaise with sales agents and distributors.
-Developed and wrote the TV projects: Spade & Archer’, ‘Girl On Couch’
-Developed and wrote the Film Projects: ‘The Sea Hawk’, ‘The Rescuers & the Catchers Curse’, ‘Our Man from Monaco’, The Righteous, ‘The Sacred Jade’. ‘Once A Year Man’
-Developed the non scripted projects: ‘Celebrity best in show’, ‘Wedding Wish’,
-Developed and financed the digital Gamers series ‘Randoms’
Producer: Xanadu the Musical 2010 & 2011
-Successfully negotiated the performance rights, sourced and closed the $5m production funding.
-Became expert with the operations of Marquees and temporary venues.
-Sourced and secured the cast and creative team, oversaw the marketing and publicity.
-Navigated statutory authorities and stakeholders to secure all relevant approvals and licenses.
Producer/Executive Producer: Resolution Independent 2005 – 2009
-Conceived and constructed a vertically integrated film production company.
-Drove the company through start up to development of 8 ready to go projects.
-Sourced funding and assisted in structuring the production finance for 2 films.
-Attended the major film festivals and oversaw the distribution of the motion pictures produced by the company.
-Storm Warning. Sold to the Weinstein Company for an immediate profit. Distributed in 39 countries.
-Prey: Oversaw the post production and turned the film around from no sale and no market interest, to a US DVD sale and Australian theatrical release.
Owner & Commercial Director Australian Pavilion Operations 2003 – 2006
– Successfully created the tender document and won the contract for the $35m Australian Pavilion at the World Expo in Japan.
-Oversaw all aspects of staffing and team building.
-Implemented protocols and liaised with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
-Implemented and oversaw the retail division of the company and successfully generated over $2m in profits through the expo period.
Established Hugh Jackman’s production company 2001-2003
With close personal ties to the Hugh Jackman and the family
Theatrical Producer Penncorp 1997 – 2004
-Negotiated the licenses and rights, raised the production funds and ran the operations of 4 major musicals.
-Sourced and secured the crew and cast. Oversaw the creative elements of the marketing and merchandise. The productions had a combined turnover of $55m.
o Sweet Charity – $2.5m pre production $260,000 per week running cost. 60 staff. Season turnover aprox $24 million
o Fiddler on the Roof – $4.2m pre production cost. $400,000 per week running cost. 72 staff. Season turnover aprox $14 million
o Countdown – $1.2m pre production cost. $130,000 per week running cost. 24 staff. Season turnover aprox $6 million
o Blitz – $800,000 pre production cost. $110,000 per week running cost. 20 staff. Season turnover aprox $4.5 million