Filmmaker of the Week – Mark Andrew Hamer
Episode 43 of Filmmaker of the Week featuring Mark Andrew Hamer!
Give us a brief introduction of yourself, where you’re from originally and where you are now if different
My name is Mark Andrew Hamer. I am originally from Youngstown, Ohio but live in Cleveland, Ohio currently.
What is it that first got you into the world of filmmaking?
It started for me back in college. I was in a rock band and loved music. Through music I realized my real passion was creating and telling stories. One job in the industry led to the next until I was making my own films. I was lucky enough to be around people that shared my passion and enabled me to make it a career.
Share a little bit about your specialty in the film world
I started in post-production. Editing, then visual effects, then color, and eventually all that led into production. I still love post-production but the variety keeps me motivated. I really enjoy an environment where I can do post on one project, direct another, and then produce a different project. It keeps things fresh.
What has been your most challenging project to date?
The most challenging was The Hunting because we went into production right when COVID was peaking in late 2020/early 2021. Trying to assemble crews and cast and make sure everyone is safe and supported is a big enough task in normal circumstances. But the challenges the pandemic brought were new and we had to figure it out on the fly. I think we are better for doing it. But I’d rather not go through that again.
Tell us a bit about your latest project.
The Hunting is a horror/thriller that was just released in January 2022 on major streaming platforms. Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Redbox. It’s about a combat veteran that returns home with PTSD. It’s a reimagined wolfman film and we use the wolf as a metaphor for the PTSD. The story was originated by our co-writer, Terry Ryan. He is a former US Marine and would often hear Marines talk about “the beast they brought back”. That inspired the story. It takes place in small-town America and is a very grounded feature with practical effects. We love old wolfman films and tried to nod to those when creating The Hunting.
What is one moment you’ve had in any part of the filmmaking process where you learned a really valuable lesson?
I don’t know of one particular story that references this lesson but it happens all the time. I learned it is inevitable that you will work with the same people again on one project or another as time goes on. So always be respectful, nice, and considerate of others. And appreciate everyone for the jobs they do. Because down the road you will work with those people again and nobody wants to be around an a-hole.
What are some of the 5-year goals for you as a filmmaker/creative?
I would really like to help continue to build the film industry in NE Ohio. Good films can be made anywhere now and it’s great to do it at home. I’d love to write and direct a few more horrors and then do a few dramas. And keep doing smaller commercial work in between. Going back to the variety thing.
If you could work with one idol of yours, who would it be?
He has gotten some bad PR but I’d love to do something with Edward Norton. I just love what he brings to characters. Also a big fan of Ethan Hawke. Working with either of them would be a dream come true. If either of you read this. Please call me.
Name three films that have inspired you most in your journey.
Oh gosh this is such a hard question because there are just so many. I know the instant I write three I’ll think of three more so I’ll just go with the first ones that come to mind. American History X, Training Day, Ghostbusters, and Gremlins. So there is four.
Where can folks find out more about you online?
The best way is through the production company Garage Creative Studios. Garagecreative.com, FB @garagecreativestudios, IG @garagecreativestudios.
Any last thoughts or pieces of advice to filmmakers out there?
I really think filmmaking should be fun and collaborative. And it’s neither when people are mean or too self-absorbed. So always check your ego at the door and bring positivity to any set. Be an energy giver and not an energy taker and lift those around you up.
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