MARK CLARK: WHAT MOMMA WANTS
- Michael Thervil
- Sep 30
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Written by Michael Thervil
[Mark Clark What Momma Wants] There's a lot more to mark Clark than being known as one of the greatest when it comes to lighting and grip in Hollywood. He’s a husband, father, educator, and graduate of the University of Houston and the University of UT Austin, and veteran Screenwriter and Producer. What we like most about Mark Clark is his steadfast vision when it comes to not only writing and making quality films that people want to see, but his dedication to his craft and resilience in the face of adversity in Hollywood. We had time to do a Q&A with Mark Clark, and this is what he had to say.
VEDA World News: in your opinion when does a film become more than entertainment?
Mark Clark:
“The simple answer is when they have something to say films can bring social issues to light and influence how people think when that translates into action that's saying something most importantly a film scene in the theater or at home can spotlight our nation's most pressing problems and promote change through conversations you can't fix the problem until you can define it
VEDA World News: You and your wife Cathy decided to write What Momma Wants which is set in Houston's Fifth Ward, how did you come to make the decision that Fifth Ward was the best place to make the film?”
Mark Clark:
“The story revolves around mama's desire for her 2 remaining sons to walk a straight and narrow path that would ensure their safety once she is gone. That's not easy in the 5th ward surrounded by the guns, drugs, crime and the gentrification of the neighborhood. My wife and I are a writing team. Since my spelling is on par with that of 1/6 grader my wife proofreads everything that we do. past that she is my sounding board quick to tell me what works and what doesn't we haven't we have done well so far, What Momma Wants has won ten film festival awards.”
VEDA World News: while there are some that would criticize you for writing a “Black Story”, what was the determining factor that prompted you to do so?
Mark Clark:
“After the death of George Floyd I was walking talking with a Black Associate and we asked the question what can a couple of film makers do to make people wake up care about one another and keep something like this from happening again well we had no answers but the question stuck with me now Fast forward to 2022 I was diagnosed with cancer I was in the process of selling my business I couldn't work in the conversation I had years ago I decided to do something about I had always written and now it was time to write a screenplay that the nightly news regulates to 32nd sound bites.”
VEDA World News: with you and your wife writing the script for What Momma Wants, would it be safe to say that you both developed the film by yourselves?
Mark Clark:
“No, we would never have gone this far without the support of a tight-knit group of producers that believed in the film and have worked to make it happen.”
VEDA World News: when it comes to developing the film What Momma Wants, what kind of Production Crew are you looking to put together?
Mark Clark:
“I'm excited about the production we are negotiating with the highly qualified Black Director and Production Coordinator. All that is needed is a budget to lock them in. I have family ties with the topflight cinematographer for sound. I have a friend I started in the business who just completed his 70th sound project. Thanks to my years in the business, I have that kind of support for the rest of the crew.”
VEDA World News: there are a lot of people that are looking to get into film making, especially in Houston Texas, what advice would you give them?
Mark Clark:
“I'd say start small, make an iPhone movie with your friends and see if you really like it if you are willing to put in the work to do it right.”
VEDA World News: what makes you say that?
Mark Clark:
“Because to make it in the industry as a full-time 100% commitment first you must get the basic training through a film school or an apprenticeship. I went to one of the top schools in the country in the 70s. Today's education will run $45,000 for in-state tuition and more than $200,000 for out of state tuition.
After graduation if you become a freelancer you'll never know when or where your next job will come from if you have plans for that getaway weekend and an offer the job you will likely take it think about what it does to your dating life or marriage the next thing to consider is that you may take years to learn your craft well enough to make a reasonable living I shot weddings for the first two years after I left my corporate job oftentimes the work isn't easy the 10 hour day is common in the industry and then there's overtime remember also the show must go on I have worked in the rain snow and temperatures over 108° not every job is a death March but it does happen.”
VEDA World News: Who are you looking to be a part of your Production?
Mark Clark:
“While we push for some casting decisions the director will give final approval.”
VEDA World News: there are a lot of “Black Films” that have been made over the years – what makes What Momma Wants as a “Black Story” different from the ones before it?
Mark Clark:
“We focus on why it's easy to understand how people might turn to crime if they are hungry as a part of a marginalized society. An individual may seek the comfort of an illegal drug for a brief escape when talking about guns, however they can be for protection or an instrument that kills. What Momma Wants to focus on is gun violence and the tragedy that goes with it. In 2022 more Black Men ages 15 to 24 died by gun homicide than from any other cause. Going back a year earlier to 2021, that number was even higher even though they only make up 6.4% of the US population, this film tends to get people talking about positive social impact.”
Mark Clark also went on to say the following:
“I’m a White Screen Writer who grew up in adjacent to the 5th ward And I attended high school at the first integrated facility in Houston TX so my friends were Black, Brown, and White and I did the television ministry of a Black Baptist Church for two years as Houston danced to the sound of rap my company The Lighting Zone did music videos for the ghetto boys bun BGK juvenile slim thug and others.
But to fully understand the topics I was writing about, I conducted extensive interviews with the community and the politicians representing them. I drew heavily on the experiences of Anthony Covington, who is my associate producer who lives in Kashmir in this division within 5th ward. Interviews were not enough, I sought advice from several Black Screenwriters including Michelle Howard Toomer and Don Revis who graciously shared their understanding of Black Culture and their thematic notes that helped shape the telling of the story from the outside looking in like myself they believe screenwriting is a collaborative effort and like most Screenwriters, they enjoy helping when called upon. After the 1st 10 drafts a table read was done to test the dialogue, what work was kept and what didn't was rewritten. Then once our scouting of 5th ward was done and more interviews led to draft 21 and the What Mama Wants script, and it continues to be redefined”.
VEDA World News: you mentioned that your company “The Lighting Zone” did lighting for several rap artists who are icons in the music industry, how did you go from doing lighting to writing and producing films?
Mark Clark:
“Like many people my career has taken a few twists and turns in college I started on drama and tech scholarship when it ran out I switched my major to cinematography after graduation I worked at Saint Lukes hospital with doctor Denton Cooley who was famous for performing the first implantation of a total artificial heart in others while there I produced patient education and public relation films in 1980 I left the hospital and opened MC Productions which produced commercials and a documentary for the institute of rehabilitation and research.
By the mid 80's the feature film bug had bitten, and my partner and I raised a little over $1,000,000 for a co-venture with American Playhouse to produce the motion picture Billy Galvin which starred Karl Marlden, Joyce Van Patton and Lenny Von Dawson the movie was a critical success but not a financial one leaving me in debt. To work out of the debt I returned to my lighting craft and opened The Lighting Zone servicing commercials television shows music videos and movies I never lost my passion for feature films and while my wife and I ran the company I was able to craft the look of many features with my lighting skills and from time to time work as an Executive, Associate or Co-producer.”
VEDA World News: for the people that are getting started in screenwriting, what advice would you give to them as they start their screenwriting journey?
Mark Clark:
“If you want your work to be read use a program that will help put it in the proper script format whether you are submitting to a studio or a Film Festival even the best written story that does not follow the recognized format has little chance of success while there are several good script writing programs I use final draft next have an idea of what things cost especially when writing to a budget modest budgets revolved around few locations and a few characters don't write that big chase scene or use a known piece of music if you can't afford it finally remember that the business of film this business no matter what side of the camera you are on if you are an independent you have to understand the business and how to sell yourself I'm still learning how to pitch my film ideas successfully.”
VEDA World News: you talked about your background in theater; will you be directing What Momma Wants?
Mark Clark:
“No, this is a Black Story, and it must be told with a Black Voice. My team and I put together a Black DGA Director and Union Production Manager in charge of the film.”
VEDA World News: So, what's your next step when it comes to making your film What Momma Wants a reality?
Mark Clark:
“We're looking for Developmental Investors. We will retain key personnel with these funds while simultaneously seeking Production funding.”
VEDA World News: what are some of the biggest challenges you think you will face once you're done filming What Momma Wants?
Mark Clark:
“I've had a good life I've been in the company of Presidents and Kings and given my work I've got to do many things including writing in the Goodyear Blimp being at the first night launch of the space shuttle flying the full motion shuttle simulator I've also had the opportunity to be on the floor during major sporting events and working on Wall Street watching huge deals go down and this is only the name of few. I've also had the opportunity to travel extensively. As I approach the end of my life, I am passionate about making films that matter and that will make the world a better place for my grandchildren.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Screenwriter Mark Clark as he provided us with insight into the newest film he’s working on called What Momma Wants. As he painted his vision for the film, it’s easy to see how and why What Momma Wants is going to be a blockbuster hit with movie goers no matter their ethnicity. Keep in mind that a great film is just that – a great film. Although it should be understood that film making is an art and thus should not be colorized by society, the sad reality is that films are. But Mark Clark is looking forward to and will change that. We’re looking forward to watching What Momma Wants as soon as it hits theaters.”
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