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SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – A Shreveport director has been selected for Tyler Perry’s DREAM program.
Finalist, Mark Bonner, 30, was born and raised in Shreveport. He went to Fair Park College Preparatory, where there was no film program, but that didn’t stop him.
His creative side showed up at just the age of three. He grew up loving drawing, comic books, verbal storytelling, writing, and theatre.
A Shreveport director, Mark Bonner, has been chosen to be part of Tyler Perry’s DREAM Program.(ksla)
“I probably started my creative side as early as maybe three years old… doing little mini talent shows for my brothers and sisters,” says Bonner.
Bonner is a director and became the first Black winner of the Film Prize in 2021.
“I was the first person to do so many things… It’s okay to be the first person because you can lead the path for others,” says Bonner.
A Shreveport director, Mark Bonner, has been chosen to be part of Tyler Perry’s DREAM Program.(ksla)
A Shreveport director, Mark Bonner, has been chosen to be part of Tyler Perry’s DREAM Program.(ksla)
Film style & directing philosophy
Bonner prefers emotionally rich films that envoke a broad range of feelings, from laughter, tear-jerking, anger, and happiness. He believes films should be complex like the real human experience.
“A film should be complex, kind of like a person in that experience… everyone can get something from my film,” explains Bonner.
He believes in collaboration when directing, but keeping his own vision intact.
“I try to let them interpret it their way, but through my visions,” explains Bonner.
In his first film, Shreveport Sun, he was able to channel the actress’s grief into a powerful scene.
“Shreveport Sun is my first child, my first leap,” says Bonner.
Another one of his favorite works is H Film and Red Deserts.
“Red Desert is probably my special child right there,” says Bonner.
During his 2021 Film Prize win, the audience connected with the film about his upbringing. The moment he won was an emotional one.
“I broke down crying when my name was announced… It’s still shaking to this day,” says Bonner.
Chosen for Tyler Perry’s DREAM Program
Bonner was chosen out of 100 finalists, and he sees this as an intense opportunity beyond just emails or cursory contact.
“It was surreal… a warm feeling to get that news,” says Bonner.
He set goals to network, seek mentorship, absorb industry knowledge, and ultimately produce funded projects.
“Knowledge is power. I want to absorb that knowledge,” explains Bonner.
His advice
Bonner says it’s important to research and have a belief in yourself.
“Research, research, research, and then just believe that you can,” explains Bonner.
It’s also important to have a solid script as the blueprint for filmmaking.
“Script is the blueprint. If you want a strong structure of a building, you have to have the blueprint,” explains Bonner.
He suggests starting small, using close friendships to help with practicing acting and writing.
“Make it a daily task. It’s like fitness. Keep it as a regimen,” explains Bonner.
What impact do Films have on the community?
Films inspire people by showing relatable, raw, real stories and triumphs. They can highlight the importance of Black and Shreveport communities to see themselves represented.
“Films are so inspirational. It can really change the world,” says Bonner.
Bonner cites Black Panther and how it impacted many communities in such a way.
“People want to see themselves. It’s very important to put those types of things out there,” says Bonner.
What’s next?
Bonner plans to re-release Shreveport Sun for free on YouTube.
His latest film, Bamboo Bridge, is currently in the festival circuit, but he hopes it will come to his hometown.
Tribute
A Shreveport director, Mark Bonner, has been chosen to be part of Tyler Perry’s DREAM Program.(ksla)
Bonner’s mother, Molly Bonner, recently passed away. She was a poet and a source of creative inspiration for him.
“I got all my talent from her,” says Bonner.
The challenge ahead
Tyler Perry Studios is looking to develop the next big thing with his new project, Dream Collective Studios.
3,000 people applied, and Bonner made it to the final 100. These remaining 100 have a chance to participate in four weeks of virtual sessions. The sessions are designed to educate, inspire, and cultivate a lasting community.
During the sessions, the finalists will meet with a director and creative collaborators. They will cover a variety of topics, including career origin, art of collaboration, case studies of trials and triumphs on and off set.
The finalists will submit a short film script and materials for evaluation, with the opportunity to advance to an in-person experience.
10 winners will be selected and flown out to Tyler Perry Studios to begin an immersive, 10-day hands-on training workshop, including short film preparations.
5 grand prize winners will be announced in August, each of them will be awarded production funding of $30,000 from Tyler Perry Studios to make their short films this fall in the greater Atlanta area.
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