FC Mentor Mark Leisher
When it comes to experience in professional filmmaking,
Film Connection mentor Mark Leisher has a few stories to tell. A competitive snowboarder in Utah and Colorado in his earlier years, Mark decided to jump into filmmaking after going on a trip with Warren Miller Films. He wound up filming extreme sports, doing camera work for several X-Games and ESPN, and even accomplishing some rather dangerous shots filming kayaking and other outdoor sports.
“I have some experience with climbing and rappelling and rigging,” he says,
“so, wherever we could set up a different shot that nobody else was getting…In Minnesota, we actually did a lead line string out of a cable across a 70-foot waterfall, and we’re shooting over top of the guys going down the waterfall. If I would have dipped into the water, fell out of that, that would have probably been the end of me.”
Mark’s adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks took an entrepreneurial turn when he decided to go into business for himself.
“I think the guys that were hiring me were making all the money,” he says.
“I just sort of realized that hey, maybe I could put my attention into starting my own company one day instead of doing all this crazy stuff and not getting compensated a lot for it.”
That idea led to the forming of
Mark Leisher Productions, which is now a leading full-service video production, web design and digital marketing company in Bethesda, MD, servicing major clients such as
Red Bull, Hitachi, Under Armour and others. Never one to shy away from the cutting edge, his was among the first companies to go digital and HD, and to accommodate his large number of location assignments, he invested in a mobile studio. One of his more notable recent assignments?
“I did a documentary for the 50-year anniversary of the Beach Boys,” he says.
“I was on tour with them for three and a half months.”
Mark’s experience in film and video, especially in running his own successful production company, gives him a particular understanding of embracing risk to do what you love.
“I have had three businesses and none of them have failed,” says Mark.
“I only got bored and wanted to do something else…Taking action and not being scared to fall or fail—this has been the hardest quality for me when it comes to being an entrepreneur. I don’t ever look forward to or expect failure, but it is part of the deal.”
As a Film Connection mentor, Mark imparts that same drive, passion and entrepreneurial spirit into his students, immersing them in hands-on instruction along the way.
“How could a race car driver ever be competitive if he/she never got behind the wheel of a race car?” he says.
“Teaching real world situations is the most valuable teaching opportunity that anybody can have. I feel most young people run off to college just for the college experience. They know beforehand that the first year or more will be a wash, and forgiving for their parents. I feel this is a big waste of time, money and resources. I learned early that a ‘trade’ was more important than a piece of paper with a degree.”
FC Apprentice Madison Dan
Naturally, Mark is impressed when his apprentices demonstrate the same go-getter attitude that helped him achieve his own success. One recent example he mentions is Film apprentice
Madison Dan.
“Madi was engaged right from the get-go,” he says.
“Madi was open to learning all aspects of production and post. She was also willing to show up on sets and participate in any capacity we required…By the end of our curriculum, now she has her own company. She started her own business. I think she’s getting work. So, I think Madi is a great success story. She’s only 18 years old.”
Today, even with his current work load, Mark is still pushing boundaries and taking risks, keeping up with the latest technology, and even adding to his own skills as a filmmaker. His most recent effort: training to be a drone pilot, so he can film using drones.
“The production value is incredibly lifted,” he says.
“The aerials and the ability to fly these things in tight spaces, that’s what I’m trying to master right now and not be dangerous, and learn etiquette. You’ve got to learn etiquette…I don’t want to just be the go-to drone guy, [but] I want to add it into our services.”
Mark Leisher’s success as a filmmaker is hard-won, a result of years of consistent hard work, investment and risk—but he’s also evidence that the payoff is well worth it. As a Film Connection mentor, Mark seeks to impart that same solid work ethic to his students. He doesn’t candy-coat the work or the risks. His advice:
“Be ready to take your lumps and bumps” and
“Stay away from ego. Nobody wants it in a collaborative situation.” At the same time, he stresses the rewards for consistency and staying the course.
“If you’re good at it, work begets work,” he says.