Marc Cleary, hailing from Ireland, is a distinguished LGBTQ+ and Biracial writer and director who has made Los Angeles his home for over 16 years. Mentored by the renowned Hollywood producer Laurence Mark, Marc has honed his skills, writing, producing, and directing an array of TV pilot presentations, films, and music videos over the past thirteen years.
His debut, the bold and heartwarming short film "Pepper," blazed a trail across the festival circuit, clinching an impressive 13 global awards. In 2015, one of Marc’s projects led to an extraordinary opportunity - he was handpicked from a pool of up-and-coming directors to be mentored by James Franco. This mentorship paved the way for Marc to direct an art-house feature film under Franco's guidance. Soon after, Marc took a creative pivot, drawing on his background in dance and choreography, and made the transition from the world of film to television. This shift bore fruit in the form of his first pilot script, 'From The Top.' Though it initially faced a roadblock with MTV, Marc's proficiency as a visual artist facilitated an on-the-spot deal with The CW and Warner Bros.
In 2019, Marc was approached by Irish production company Mist Media to spearhead the development of a series based on Derek Fee's 12-book series, 'Wilson' - a gritty crime drama set in the tumultuous backdrop of Northern Ireland. Following multiple projects under Mist Media, Marc's contribution earned him the role of Chief Creative Officer within the company. Fast-forward six months, and after delivering three substantial projects, Marc swiftly rose to a partnership position at the company. Currently, he's engaged in the creation of feature films and TV shows in collaboration with Mist Media.
In the past year, Marc's talent and dedication have been recognized as networks hand-picked and vetted him for directorial shadowing roles on Freeform's 'Good Trouble' and the Disney+ sensation 'The World According to Jeff Goldblum.’ In a more recent chapter of his career, Marc achieved a significant milestone with his heartwarming and distinctive comedy, 'Black Irish.' This project, inspired by his own upbringing in Dublin, secured a coveted development deal with the Irish Film Board, also known as 'Screen Ireland.'
Marc's journey is colored by a unique upbringing as a bi-racial individual in a predominantly white Ireland. This perspective infuses his work with a distinctive and authentic aesthetic, particularly when crafting diverse storylines.
