MARK LEIREN-YOUNG directed and wrote The Hundred-Year-Old Whale, a documentary about the matriarch of the southern resident orcas that won the 2018 Writers Guild of Canada Award for Documentary. Mark is currently in post-production on his first feature-length documentary, The Whale Who Changed the World – a look at the past, present and future of the endangered southern resident orcas.

He’s currently in development on several different feature scripts and a sitcom he’s developing with his wife, Rayne Benu.

THE GREEN CHAIN

Mark’s first feature, The Green Chain, which he wrote, directed and produced earned Mark a 2008 nomination for “Best Screenplay” from the Writer’s Guild of Canada. The movie won the El Prat de Llobregat Award at the 15th Annual Festival Internacional de Cinema de Medi Ambient (FICMA 2008) in Barcelona. It was one of only three finalists for “best feature” at Mockfest in Los Angeles. The movie earned Jillian Fargey a Leo Award for “Best Supporting Actress.”

The Green Chain explores the issues facing dying logging communities and stars Babz Chula, Brendan Fletcher, Tricia Helfer, Jillian Fargey, Scott McNeil, Tahmoh Penikett and August Schellenberg.

THE GREEN FILM

Mark wrote and co-produced the award-winning short, The Green Film. Starring Jonathan Young (Nightwatching) and Lexa Doig (Andromeda). Directed by Andrew Williamson (Sea), Produced by Scott Renyard (Project Cougar) and Juggernaut Pictures Inc. And featuring Local Anxiety’s Green Guilt Blues.

The Green Film has received a 2009 Gold Remi Award from Worldfest Houston, a 2009 Bronze Palmetto from the Felder Film Festival and a 2009 Slate Award Nomination – The California International Film Festival – Best Mini Short.

OTHER

Mark also does the occasional fun thing like this…