Meet Mark Allen Michaels | Writer/Director

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

Hi Mark Allen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I launched my company Fire Breathing Films, Inc in 2016 – It was because I love movies and I wanted to try my hand at making films I would want to see –
The theatre stage was terrifying to me – Public speaking! How do actors do it? I had to know and I was baptized in fire acting on stage in Boston – It was thrilling! And I was hooked!
I studied acting on both coasts and eventually settled in Hollywood; the playground of swimming pools and movie stars –
Acting led to writing…writing parts for myself in plays….Writing plays led to writing screenplays…And directing myself in plays led to directing myself in films –
Life for me is self discovery – And my films reflect that –

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My first film, was an experiment in film as art – Shot in black and white, it told the story of a dysfunctional family dealing with a painful death – It is best to leave the viewing of this film for another year – My next feature, the psychological thriller MIND RAGE, was about two brothers on opposite sides of the law –
I followed with THE FIANCE; another psychological study on how relationships may change when someone commits fully to a partner – Of course I had to include Big Foot in this scenario!
Then came VAMPYRZ ON A BOAT, somewhat self explanatory if you know what I mean –
In the pandemic years, I cranked out three ‘stage films’; PRIOR, BANDO, and THE BIG T –
This led to my most fully realized movie;JOE CRIST – a comedy spaghetti western with a faith vibe –

I have come full circle; from my early black and white experimental art film to my new art film western JOE CRIST –
When people watch JC they see what is on the screen – When I watch JC, I see art – The colors, the textures, the action, the emotion and the humor add up to my expression of film as art – How do I know JC is art to me? Easy…I can watch JC over and over and over again – just as I would view over and over and over again a painting that I love –

‘Life happens while you’re making plans’ – Ain’t that the truth! For an indie film maker like myself, the hunt is always on for money – Cash, crypto, stocks and bonds…You name it, I’ll take it from an investor –
But investors are like smoke; they disappear as quickly as they appear –
Challenges? You betcha!
From writing a script, to financing, to crew and cast, to locations, to shooting, to editing, to music, it’s a journey of pain and sadness and happiness and hope!
Happiness is good health and having a purpose in life – Making films is my purpose –

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a bar junkie…I love the darkness…Kinda reminds me of a movie theatre but without the popcorn! But let’s go with the more civilized establishments for a visiting friend; Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City – Great bar and the Supper Club upstairs is a treat!
Smokehouse Restaurant in Burbank – Great history! Across from Warner Bros so you can feel like you are close to the stars even if you aren’t!
Le Petite Restaurant in Sherman Oaks – Fine french dining and the pomme frites are to die for!
The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu – Great ocean views, drinks and food! What more could you ask for!
Casa Vega Restaurant in Sherman Oaks – Very cool – Retro feel – Gimme a margarita please!
Anywhere in Santa Monica as that used to be my old haunt and I love the vibe –

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Film making, for me, is a group effort – Without the great casts and crews I have worked with, my movies would still be a figment of my imagination!

Website: https://www.firebreathingfilms.net

Youtube: https://www.firebreathingfilms.net