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Mark Claywell Director-DP |
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Director Mark Claywell is currently under surveillance by both the FBI and the CIA.
Thats because he has spent the last 6 years following Isa Abdullah Ali, the self- proclaimed American Jihadist, while filming his documentary of the same name. 'American Jihadist' is Claywell's award-winning film that took him to Bosnia, Lebanon, Iran, Washington and New York, as he examined the psyche of this U.S. born Islamic radical. Claywell's candid interviews with Ali bring out the humanity in a man dedicated to fighting for his faith. The film spurs discussion and provokes debate, rather than simply demonizing his subject. The US government wishes Mark were more one-sided.
Currently a festival favorite, 'American Jihadist' has won the Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance, the Best Documentary Jury Award at the Bel Air Film Festival, and the Best Documentary award at the International festival of Muslim cinema in Kazan, Russia.
Mark's path to directing began by graduating from the media arts department at the University of South Carolina in 1984, with honors, followed by various jobs inside the advertising/production business. From working at a small advertising agency to learning to edit at a television station, he figured the only way to call yourself a director was to learn every facet of the business.
After a few years of paying dues, Mark decided to go into freelancing on the production side and try his hand at being a Director of Photography lensing several national campaigns. He used this experience to begin directing (and shooting) at Boulevard Films in Charlotte, N.C. in 1992. From 1995 to 1997 Mark worked as a director/cameraman for Fireside Productions in Atlanta, GA.
After a few years of shooting regional work in Atlanta, Mark decided to make the move to NYC. He sent his reel to Bobby Fisher's startup company Celsius Films and a relationship was formed. For the next three years Mark was constantly challenged with various national and international campaigns.
Mark's NYC campaign was the first filming permitted in the city after the events of 9-11. The spots have since gone on to garner much praise and recognition for their honest and heartfelt approach.
Thats because he has spent the last 6 years following Isa Abdullah Ali, the self- proclaimed American Jihadist, while filming his documentary of the same name. 'American Jihadist' is Claywell's award-winning film that took him to Bosnia, Lebanon, Iran, Washington and New York, as he examined the psyche of this U.S. born Islamic radical. Claywell's candid interviews with Ali bring out the humanity in a man dedicated to fighting for his faith. The film spurs discussion and provokes debate, rather than simply demonizing his subject. The US government wishes Mark were more one-sided.
Currently a festival favorite, 'American Jihadist' has won the Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance, the Best Documentary Jury Award at the Bel Air Film Festival, and the Best Documentary award at the International festival of Muslim cinema in Kazan, Russia.
Mark's path to directing began by graduating from the media arts department at the University of South Carolina in 1984, with honors, followed by various jobs inside the advertising/production business. From working at a small advertising agency to learning to edit at a television station, he figured the only way to call yourself a director was to learn every facet of the business.
After a few years of paying dues, Mark decided to go into freelancing on the production side and try his hand at being a Director of Photography lensing several national campaigns. He used this experience to begin directing (and shooting) at Boulevard Films in Charlotte, N.C. in 1992. From 1995 to 1997 Mark worked as a director/cameraman for Fireside Productions in Atlanta, GA.
After a few years of shooting regional work in Atlanta, Mark decided to make the move to NYC. He sent his reel to Bobby Fisher's startup company Celsius Films and a relationship was formed. For the next three years Mark was constantly challenged with various national and international campaigns.
Mark's NYC campaign was the first filming permitted in the city after the events of 9-11. The spots have since gone on to garner much praise and recognition for their honest and heartfelt approach.