Mark Pennell - Producer/Writer Born and raised on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Mark graduated from Monash University (Melbourne) with a Bachelor of Economics. He spent a short time in the financial markets securing a financial dealers license before moving overseas. Early on, Mark spent time in both Los Angeles and London learning about film producing, theatre production and entertainment finance. He worked with Lionel Bart (Oliver, Lock Up Your Daughters), Alexandra Rose (Frankie & Jonnie, Pretty Woman) and Cy Coleman (Sweet Charity, City Of Angels). This served as an invaluable apprenticeship for his career in the Entertainment business. Mark's individual Theatre Producer credits include the major theatrical productions of 'Blitz', 'Sweet Charity' 'Fiddler on The Roof'; the original concept production 'Countdown The Musical' of which Mark was co-creator; and most recently Xanadu. Mark has also appeared as an actor in the motion pictures: 'Man From Snowy River II', 'Guests Of The Emperor' (HBO), 'Four Minute Mile', 'On The Beach' and numerous Australian television shows. His movie credits include Producer of 'The Real Thing' and Executive Producer of 'Storm Warning' and 'Prey'. Mark was also responsible for the creative development and public issue of 'Clancy Of The Overflow'. In addition, Mark was joint owner and commercial director of Australian Pavilion Operations, which was appointed to staff and operate the $50 million Australian Pavilion at the World Expo in Japan. Mark has written a number of scripts. Most recently he completed the romantic adventure Pirate film 'The Sea Hawk'. This film is scheduled for release late 2013. Mark is a creative, strategic and performance focused executive with 20+ years of innovative, energetic leadership in Australia, US and UK. He is an expert in developing product, sourcing and securing finance, leveraging relationships and presenting complex large-scale productions. Mark's involvement with Beacon has been 8 years in the making. He is very happy to be with a company that prides itself on making high quality and commercially successful product. It also gives him the opportunity to work with Armyan Bernstein. Show less «