Theatre Wed Feb 10 2010

Hollywood in Englewood

By LaShawn Williams

Many artists (i.e., actors, singers, producers) who start their career in Chicago often leave the Windy City for the bright lights of Hollywood--but not Mark Harris--for this director, producer and screenwriter from the South Side, Chicago will always be "home."

Growing up in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, Harris always knew he would someday become a writer. "It's my gift," he said. Later, he left a job in corporate America to pursue his dream; for him, it was a risk he knew he had to take. "I had no fears at all. I knew I wanted to do it and I never looked back," said Harris.

Without any regrets, Harris began to hone his craft, and in 1997, wrote his first screenplay. Writing remained his passion; however, he yearned to do more: He wanted to spearhead his own films. "I started out as a writer and then branched out. I realized if I wanted my own projects, I had to do them myself."

And 1555 Filmworks was born.

Harris founded 1555 Filmworks as a vehicle to write, direct and produce films with stories that he himself wanted to see onscreen. "I wanted to tell stories from an African-American perspective," he said. "Films are a powerful form of entertainment--they can change people's lives. As a filmmaker, I think we should focus on uplifting and my films do just that."

His first film, which he also wrote, directed and produced, was Why Men Cheat in 2005. From there, Harris went on to write and produce several more films, including Nothin' 2 Lose, II, starring actor Brian Hooks.

Through the success of his films, Chicago is never far from Harris' mind; in fact, he not only makes all his films here, he also works with a regular rotation of Chicago actors and comedians, including Rodney Perry, Vanessa Fraction and Damon Williams. "Working with performers who are from Chicago is very conscious on my part. Because I'm also a native of the city, I try to, whenever I do anything, use Chicago actors."

Harris' latest venture takes him from film to the stage with the play, Friends with Benefits, a play he produced with Barry Bowles, with Hooks in the lead role. "Friends" is the story of a group of friends from college who get together for a school reunion. During the reunion, many dark secrets begin to surface, and the audience learns about the consequences of having "friends with benefits."

But according to Harris, "Friends" almost didn't come to Chicago.

"Barry and I have worked together before. He wrote the play and asked me to read it and I loved it," he said. "He wanted to take the play to Los Angeles, but I had to convince him to bring it to Chicago."

And Harris wouldn't have had it any other way.

Friends with Benefits is playing Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Dr. Show times are 3pm and 8pm; tickets are $25-$35 for both shows. Contact 1-800-660-7155 for more information.