Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Labella.
At the core of my journey is a unique and heartwarming tale that sets me apart in the history of the United States Navy. Picture this: I proudly hold the distinction of being the sole sailor whose Filipina mother, out of concern and love, made a surprise appearance at my barracks when I hadn’t answered the phone for two days. While it may seem like a humorous anecdote, the authenticity of the story resonates deeply. This incident predates the era of iPhones, a time when our lives weren’t intertwined with cell phones and social media. My mother, my overprotective hero, made her presence felt in a way only she could.
Fast forward a few decades, and I find myself armed with a medical doctorate degree, a testament to my commitment to a stable career in Producing and Screenwriting. The journey began amidst the challenges of preparing for my USMLE board exam review at Kaplan in Chicago. A moment of adversity struck when my belongings were stolen, and a fellow alumnus, now an Internal Medicine doctor, came to my rescue in freezing temperatures. Dr. Toni Espina, my savior and enduring friend, embodies the spirit of camaraderie that fuels my passion.
To replace the stolen items, I stumbled upon an opportunity in the world of acting, starting with background roles in the NBC show “Chicago Fire.” Little did I know that this foray into acting would ignite a passion for storytelling within me. It wasn’t an instant love affair; rather, it emerged as a source of healing during a period of profound personal heartbreak in Chicago. Acting became a crucial part of my journey to self-discovery and recovery.
While I deeply respect and appreciate acting, my true love lies in writing. I fully embraced the potential of a producing and screenwriting career when I clinched my first major award and secured a writing gig with a studio that believed in my talent. That transformative moment marked a pivotal decision when I called my mom, declaring, “This is it. I want to be a writer. It’s not just a skill; it’s where my greatness lies, and it’s what will bring me lasting joy.”
Unlike my medical career, driven by a desire to help others and save lives, screenwriting encompasses a passion beyond the altruistic aspects. Storytelling has the power to change lives! It changed mine. It became my lifeline during the darkest moments, pulling me out of despair during the challenging days on the frontlines of the pandemic.
As someone who witnessed the fear in the eyes of colleagues, friends, and patients succumbing to COVID-19, storytelling became my solace and strength. This profound experience has fueled my commitment to dedicating the rest of my life to storytelling. I am not just an Executive Director of a thirteen-year non-profit, Fil-Am Creative; I am a storyteller on a mission to illuminate diverse perspectives, foster tolerance, and promote understanding. Storytelling, for me, is not just a career—it’s a calling, a force that guided me out of darkness and continues to light my path forward.
Encouraging individuals to venture into the entertainment industry is no small feat, as it demands a resilience that goes beyond the ordinary. It’s a challenging journey, one that often tests your endurance, mental strength, and ability to navigate a landscape abundant with rejection.
When recommending this industry to those close to me, I emphasize that it’s not a sprint but a marathon. Success requires unwavering discipline, unyielding mental fortitude, and the resilience to rise above the countless rejections that inevitably come your way.
I advise others to pursue acting, screenwriting, or producing only if there is an undeniable passion that fuels their drive. It’s a challenging path that demands dedication beyond measure. Personally, I can attest that there is nothing else in the world I’d rather do than tell stories, write, and produce. If someone shares this sentiment, then I wholeheartedly encourage them to embrace it. Push hard, work tirelessly, and, crucially, maintain humility to foster personal and professional growth. In the face of adversity, it’s this unwavering commitment and passion that will sustain you on the challenging yet rewarding journey of bringing stories to life in the entertainment industry.
In the realm of film success, “Soul and Spice” has garnered numerous awards, attracting attention from multiple production companies vying for its rights. However, my unwavering trust lies with Livi Zheng at Sun and Moon Films. Beyond her exceptional talent, I value her integrity, a quality I consider paramount in the collaborative world of filmmaking. Additionally, being a staunch supporter of women filmmakers and leaders, I find inspiration in my upbringing in a single-mama home.
As my schedule for 2024 fills up with a myriad of projects, time becomes an even more precious commodity. Among the highlights is the opportunity to collaborate with Brillante Mendoza, the eminent filmmaker who holds the prestigious titles of being the first director to win Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice Palm D’Or. His contributions to Filipino cinema have earned him the distinguished honor of knighthood by France for the Arts.
The role of a producer is no small feat, and alongside my million-dollar projects in 2024, we are actively developing a significant indie film titled “CRAB.” This project, celebrated by my peers, holds a special place in my heart, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing its growth and success.
With numerous endeavors on the horizon, 2024 promises to be a busy yet fulfilling year, and I embrace the challenges and opportunities it brings with open arms. As I navigate this dynamic landscape, my passion for storytelling and commitment to meaningful projects remain unwavering.
In the intricate world of this business, the essence lies in taking calculated risks while remaining attuned to one’s needs. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful consideration.
Reflecting on my own approach, I’ve often been one to err on the side of caution. However, over time, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of letting go, embracing risks, and, importantly, granting myself the freedom to make mistakes. The key, of course, lies in the invaluable lessons learned from those missteps.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marklabella.com
- Instagram: Markjlabella
- Facebook: Mark Labella
- Management: Altamero Management ([email protected]).
Image Credits
Walter Tabayoyong
