M A R K S C H I M M E L, p.g.a.
I’ve spent my entire life as an artist and the majority of my professional career as a filmmaker and commercial director.
My artistic path began at Pratt Institute and continued through to a Master’s degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Earning my M.F.A., deepened my creative practice but also enabled me to teach filmmaking, branded content, and other disciplines within the entertainment industry.
Throughout my career, I’ve directed and produced across nearly every genre, working with everyone from medical professionals to public figures like Russell Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and George Strait. I’ve co-produced for the Farrelly Brothers and directed campaigns for major global brands including McDonald’s and Pfizer. Along the way, I also wrote an award-winning screenplay, "The Adoption". Recently, I produced my second feature film in Kent, U.K. with lead actor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers. and completed my second screenplay (co-writer), "A Ginger Bones Christmas".
I’ve taught at Columbia College Chicago, led the Branded Entertainment track at Ringling College of Art and Design, animation and motion design at the University of South Florida and film at Cleveland State University. Currently I am a full-time Lecturer with the University of Central Florida (UCF).
I reside on Florida's Southwest coast and can often be spotted paddleboarding on the Intracostal Waterways.
Awards
FICTION AND NON-FICTION FILMS:
“THE MUSICIAN” 2019-2020
Vero Beach Wine and Film Festival, Jury Award Dramatic Short’
2021 Directors Circle Festival of Shorts
Chicago Inde. Film Awards
Key West Film Festival
Arizona Short Film Festival
Richmond International Film Festival
The Black American Film Experience Virtual Festival
TCIFF, People Choice Award
Midwest Independent Film Festival
Barrington Shorts, Grand Prize
Patrick Lives On, Chicago Film Showcase
Queen Palm Beach, Honorable Mention
Vegas Movie Awards, Honorable Mention
Studio City International Film Festival
TCIFF /International Film Festival
Kansas International Film Festival
Director’s Circle Festival of Shorts
Amarcord Art House Television and Video Awards
Phoenix Shorts
Orlando International Film Festival
“KILL THE LIGHT” 2018
Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Director
Chicago Amarcord Arthouse, Best Director
Kansas International Film Festival
TCIFF, Best Short Film, Best Editor
Barrington Shorts, Grand Prize
AOF Festival, Nominations include Best Short, Best Director, Best Sounds Design and Best Editing
Lake County Film Festival
Global Shorts, Award of Excellence
Snake Alley Film Festival
Great Lakes International Film Festival
Vegas Movie Awards, Best Cinematography
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge), Film Festival
EMMY
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
“The Majority Report” 2016
“Advances in Medical Education”
Gold Medal
The New York Festivals
“Painful Vanities” – Documentary, starring Woody Harrelson
Certificate of Merit
The Chicago International Film Festival
“Chewed Up” 2017
Bronze Medal
The New York Festivals
“Unconditional Love” – Documentary
Sliver Hugo Award
The Chicago International Film Festival
“Experience the Power” – Documentary
Silver Plaque
The Chicago International Film Festival
“Advances in Medical Education” – Documentary
Silver Plaque
The Chicago International Film Festival
“A Bread Time Story” – Narrative Film
Silver Plaque
The Chicago International Film Festival
“Time” – Ministry Health
Certificate of Merit
The Chicago International Film Festival
“Symphony of Care” – Documentary
Certificate of Merit
Hugo Awards, The Chicago International Film Festival
“Sweet Home Chicago- Chicago Street Musicians” – Music video
Roy W. Dean Film and Video Grant, Los Angeles
“Painful Vanities” – Documentary
The Poplock Foundation Film and Video Grant, Washington, DC
Doris Day Animal League
“Advances in Medical Education” – Documentary
COMMERCIALS AND CONTENT
Gold Statuette
ADDY ADARD
“Help Team” – Tribune Company
Gold Award
Create Magazine
“How Can I Help You?” – Tribune Company
Gold Statuette
TELLY Award
“Family” – NSLIJ Health
“Home For Dinner” – Adelphi University
“Biker” – On Site Trading
“Research” – NSLIJ Health
“Pick it Up” – Tribune Company
“All the Color” – Tribune Company
“Game Show” – Tribune Company
Silver Statuette
TELLY Award
“Sunday Run” – Tribune Company
Silver Award
Worldfest Houston
“Long Island, Our Story” – Tribune Company
Silver Remi
Worldfest Houston
“Family” – NSLIJ Health
“Climber” – On Site Trading
Bronze Remi
Worldfest Houston
“Biker” – On Site Trading
“Father & Daughter” – Tribune Company
“Advances in Medical Education” – PCRM, Doris Dan Animal League
Sliver Honors
The Global Awards
“Healthy Connections” – Ministry Health
Award of Excellence
Art Directors Club of New York City
Advertising Excellence Award
American Association of Advertising Agencies, New York City