Mark Albiston | |
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Born |
Wellington, New Zealand |
19 March 1972
Occupation | Director, screenwriter |
Years active | 1994–present |
Mark Albiston (born 19 March 1972) is a New Zealand film, television and advertising director. He graduated from Canterbury University (Christchurch) in 1992 with a degree in Fine Arts.
In 2000, Albiston started the production company Sticky Pictures. The company produced award-winning content across a wide range of genres including documentary, short films, music videos, and commercials. These projects offered Mark the opportunity to refine his talent from a variety of angles while also honing his skills as a writer, editor, cinematographer, and director.
In 2007, Albiston received recognition in the Short Film Section at the Cannes Film Festival for his short film Run. Created in collaboration with writer/actor Louis Sutherland, the film won prizes at a number of other festivals.
The two later partnered again, this time under the co-directorial banner Mark & Louis, to win the same award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival with their follow-up short film The Six Dollar Fifty Man. They were the first directors to win twice in that category at Cannes. The film was a breakout hit on the festival circuit; its tally included winning the award for best international short at The Sundance Film Festival, a special mention in its section at Berlin, scooping three awards at the 2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards — including Best Short — and top prize at the 2010 Flickerfest festival in Australia. The Six Dollar Fifty Man made the 10-strong long-list for the Academy Awards, ultimately missing out on the final five.
At the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, Mark premiered Shopping, his feature film co-directorial debut. Also created with Louis Sutherland, the film earned several awards including a Grand Prix at the Berlin International Film Festival, and seven [New Zealand Film Awards. including Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Director.
Albiston is currently developing a feature film together with NZ writer Paul Stanley Ward called Cat Burglar. He continues to work commercially, directing adverts for brands such as McDonalds, Sky and others through global production company The Sweet Shop.
Albiston has gained an international following by crafting a body of work that focuses on character and emotion, stripping away pretence to create authentic and raw emotional performances.