User:Gidney/Mark Pennell

Mark Pennell is an Australian born Film and theatrical producer. Born 31st August 1967 in Melbourne Victoria, Australia. He completed a Bachelor of Economics in 1987 at Monash University, Melbourne. His first professional job in the entertainment business was as an actor in the motion picture 'Man From Snowy River II'. This was followed by roles in 'All the Way', Neighbours, Blue Heelers, the Four Minute Mile, 'Quigley Downunder' and Guests of the Emperor. In 1997 he acquired the rights and produced the Cy Colman musical Sweet Charity. He cast the then unknown choreographer's assistant Kelly Abbey in the title role of Charity Hope Valentine. Kelly later reached international acclaim as choreographer of 'Happy Feet' and 'Fame'. Mark then produced/executive produced 'Fiddler on the Roof' - staring Topol 1998/9; and then the original concept show 'Cowntdown,the musical'1999/2000 In 2001 Mark was in London as producer of the motion picture 'Boswell for the Defence' starring Michael Caine. Due to funding problems created by the German Executive producer 'MBP' the project collapsed and was not completed. In 2003 he produced the film 'The Real Thing'. In 2006 he executive produced 'Storm Warning' and in 2008 he was executive producer on 'Prey' or 'Outback' (US title). In 2005 he married to model/author Tara Moss. They were divorced in 2008. No children. Mark is Godfather to Oscar Jackman, Son of Hugh Jackman the actor He has two siblings. Louise Pennell international journalist and director of Clark+Pennell Communications and Jason Pennell Barrister at the Victorian Bar. He is the son of Heather (Horwood) Pennell. Australian TV celebrity and pin-up of the early 1960's