Mark Burley
Producing TV through Netflix’s Evolution
Mark A. Burley is a four-time Emmy-nominated producer and director.
A veteran of television, he was born in Berlin and was raised in London.
He discovered his love for narrative storytelling at the University of Bristol and moved to LA in his 20s to pursue the film business. There was a slight detour, however, and he dabbled in advertising before finding his way into commercials.
He worked for many years as an assistant director and quickly got into the DGA. For a good chunk of his career, he also worked as a Unit Production Manager (UPM), which is what I often do on sets!
His path eventually crossed with writer/producer/show creator Jenji Kohan, and he’s been a part of her ecosystem since Weeds in 2005.
He’s produced and directed on GLOW, Orange Is The New Black, Murder, She Wrote, and Simon & Simon. He has also worked on a number of TV movies-of-the-week, including Mrs. Santa Claus and Hiroshima: Out of the Ashes.
During our chat, we take a deep dive into the murky waters of television to understand all of its producer titles. We also discuss how Netflix changed the game for storytellers worldwide and patience… something that I am constantly working on.
Tune in!
xx cg
“Don’t get into this business unless you are totally, absolutely enamored and passionate about it.”
-Mark Burley
Episode Transcript
