Mark Corbeil
He played in Hakan Gunnarson’s Dollar Baby Harvey’s Dream as Harvey Stevens.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Mark Corbeil: I grew up for a number of years next to a movie theatre. Single parent mother and poor. I often would watch films (I snuck into all movies, restricted etc.) I decided back then I would pursue this both on and off the screen. I have twenty plus years in film and television production. In movies and dramatic series I performed as a script supervisor. This led to ghost directing for several big Hollywood writers who had been given their first chance to direct. Great experience, however, most directors especially incompetent ones, are impossible to work with. I have a long list of bone head mistakes these guys can make. Ego, especially Hollywood ego is very challenging to work around.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Mark Corbeil: During my early days going to the movies. The passion returned after being encouraged by actor Robert Blake while doing a TV movie in the early 90’s. Later good friend Naomi Watts also reignited not just acting but the story telling, the direction. Years as a script supervisor I have been the other end of the phone call, OC lines, etc., and it humbly taught me the art of throwing it away, or less is more. Most supporting actors are guilty of juicing it up when they shouldn’t.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Harvey’s Dream Dollar Baby film?
Mark Corbeil: My agent at the time called me and said to audition for it. Vancouver film school has a pretty high rating with professional film people there.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Mark Corbeil: Jealousy and betrayal are powerful emotions that at times can affect all of us in actions and behaviour that is not who we are, or at least think we are. To commit murder is to me living in a nightmare, wondering how one could do day to day life with such a monkey on ones back.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Mark Corbeil: I had to audition, originally for Frank.
SKSM: You worked with Hakan Gunnarson on this film, how was that?
Mark Corbeil: He’s focused and intense. When were shooting the digging scene outside, I began reciting TS Elliott and which we could not use his mind is not written in stone.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Mark Corbeil: I’ve been pitching development money for a series drama/comedy working title, “speakers Corner.” It deals with mental illness and 21st century living. I would act/direct it. Initially I would like three episodes, so it could be also be a feature. I am in the Toronto area and theres always work. Time will tell.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Mark Corbeil: Yes, hats off to all you film fans that enjoy the magic whether its a short or a feature… its all about the audience at the end of the day.
