Mark Johnson, Oscar and Emmy-winning Hollywood producer was in Western Australia last week for his first trip to the State to work alongside Simon Baker on the feature film Breath, which is based on the award-winning novel by the same name, written by local author Tim Winton.
Mark is working in partnership with Baker and See Pictures’ Jamie Hilton to produce the film, which is being shot entirely in the Great Southern region, primarily in Denmark.
The Hollywood-based producer has an impressive CV and has worked for many years in film and television. He has produced and been involved in many projects including: Rain Man, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Rectify,Good Morning Vietnam, The Natural, Tin Men, Avalon, Diner Bugsy, The Chronicles of Narnia franchise, The Notebook, Galaxy Quest,The Rookie and Donnie Brasco, to name a few.
“Since I first read Breath and began discussing it with Simon, I’ve dreamed of filming in Western Australia,” said Johnson. “We’re now in a position to make that dream a reality. I can’t wait to see with my own eyes the world Tim Winton has described so vividly.”
Breath focuses on two teenage boys who, hungry for discovery, form an unlikely friendship with a mysterious older surfer that pushes them to take risks which will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives.
ScreenWest presented a Q+A with Mark for the local screen industry in which he discussed his extensive career and provided skills and tips on what it takes to be successful in the industry.
Ian Booth, Chief Executive of ScreenWest said “Having someone of Mark’s calibre choose to come and make a film in the State is an amazing opportunity. Mark was generous with sharing his knowledge and skills and offered the industry a chance to hear him discuss his long-standing career in the sector”.