Meet Mark Kohl

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Kohl.

Mark Kohl is an award-winning Director and Cinematographer who has set himself apart in the world of television and feature films with his innovative style and cutting-edge approach. Among a long and noteworthy list of credits, Mark has shot features for Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope production company, served as the Director of Photography on Aaron Spelling’s Safe Harbor, and shot over 130 episodes of America’s Most Wanted. He has served as camera operator or Cinematographer on over 15 films including Lonely Hearts with John Travolta and James Gandolfini and HBO’s Recount with Kevin Spacey and Dennis Leary. In between, Mark Kohl has managed to deliver more than 2000 commercials to hundreds of agencies and clients such as McDonald’s, Honda, Ford, AT&T, Pizza Hut, Carnival Cruise Lines and Dick’s Sporting Good’s

Most recently, Mark served as Director of Photography for Disney Plus The Quest, cinematic reality show produced by the creators of Lord of the Rings and The Amazing Race. Shot widescreen anamorphic – unprecedented for the reality show genre – it blends scripted fantasy and over-the-top competitive challenges. The Quest premieres in the summer of 2021 on Disney Plus.

Born and raised in Chicago, Mark moved to Jacksonville, Florida as a young man – where his film career began by way of his musical ventures. He was a sought-after guitarist for multiple local bands in a region legendary for spawning the classic country-rock sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band. But aside from music, Mark had a real passion for photography, which led to his documenting the influential Southern rock scene through his Hawkeye Brownie camera. Taking a job with a video production company, Mark began to get his hands on more sophisticated camera gear, allowing him to take his passion to a new level. The spark was lit, and his journey took a hard turn towards film.

“I was 19 years old. I remember the first time I touched a broadcast camera (3/4″ video) and it felt like it was a part of me. I dove in hard and learned everything I could from others and shooting and editing projects on my own for local companies. I worked every waking hour to learn my craft and built up a small client base. And after about three years working there, I built up a small client base and decided to take off on my own and started my production company,” Mark recalls.

Just married and with a six months old baby, it felt like a risky move, but there was no dissuading Mark from his true calling. Opportunities quickly came knocking. Notably when a major Hollywood producer came to Jacksonville to shoot multiple network movies of the week. He hired Mark as a local to work as second camera. That opportunity kick-started a string of production gigs, which led to Mark’s signature of shooting narrative stories, with cinematic style and state of art production quality – at the time on 35mm film.

“I took this knowledge and began applying it to my local corporate and commercial work. My reel began to improve and I hustled hard. I built up a reputation and starting winning awards,” Mark adds.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The struggles as a freelance individual or company has always been the struggle of instability. I really never had a steady client or continuous flow of guaranteed income. So one is never settled or comfortable. Which in looking back I guess is good because you always had to stay diverse and relevant and on your toes in every way. It determines your entire life, how you grow, invest in yourself, your relationships, how you dress, your mental and physical health. It’s a way of life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for my experience. The diversity and reliability of thousands of days on set working with every kind of production, situation and budget combined with an artistic flair bring a sense of ease to my clients.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find someone whose work and work ethic you admire. Talent is nothing without a strong work discipline/ethic. It’s required for one’s reputation -which is everything in this business.

Contact Info:

• Email: kohlpictures@gmail.com
• Website: www.kohlpictures.com
• Instagram: mark_kohl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.kohl.37/