Mark McClafferty began his career in the entertainment industry working at ABC in the Program Research Department, as its Director. Three years later, Mark accepted his initial creative position at Paramount Pictures as Director of Creative Affairs for Miller/Milkis/Boyett Productions. He assisted in the development of new programs and oversaw the company’s ongoing hit comedies Happy Days, Angie, Mork and Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, Out of the Blue and Bosom Buddies, Tom Hanks’s first leading role in Hollywood.
Mark returned to ABC when he was offered the position as Director of Dramatic Programming. He and his staff were responsible for overseeing the successful shows, Hart to Hart, The Fall Guy, Battlestar Galactica, Dynasty, Fantasy Island, Hotel and The Greatest American Hero.
Four years later, Mark McClafferty joined prolific producer Glen A. Larson at Twentieth Century Fox as G.L Productions, Executive VP and Producer. “Glen and I just clicked from our first meeting on Battlestar Galactica. Our tastes were aligned, and we both believed if you’re going to put in the time it takes to be successful in the entertainment business, you’d better find people you really like working with. It was a great creative experience that I will always cherish.” Many of the 80’s most successful TV programs had the GL logo on them. Nine of the company’s shows aired on Network Television, including The Fall Guy, Cover Up, Knight Rider, Magnum, P.I. and The Highwayman.
In late 1987 Mark received another call from Paramount Pictures. He became President of Eddie Murphy Productions. Over seven years, he launched and produced the Royal Family with Redd Foxx, The Kid Who Loved Christmas, Sammy Davis’s last movie, and five other comedy specials and videos.
Mark is currently President of Spellbound Pictures working with his best friend and partner, the immensely talented Author/Writer/Producer/Songwriter, Pamela Edwards McClafferty. Soon after the formation of the company, the partners completed a 60 million dollar, 12-picture deal with Ellipse/Canal+, the French Entertainment giant, to supply the United Artists Theatre Circuit with a steady flow of family-friendly films. Mark served as Chairman of the International Consortium. The group’s initial film, THE CLIMB, filmed in New Zealand, starred John Hurt, David Stratharin and Gregory Smith. It first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Diverse! The entertainment business has changed significantly in the last few years and is increasingly fragmented. One must carefully set an agenda each day and do your best to stick to it!
How do you bring ideas to life?
My partner and I agree. Ideas bring us to life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
People excite me and ideas excite me!
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I surround myself with like-minded people.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Make choices with your ultimate goals in sight.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
The new California work ethic – “Don’t call me at home.” You’ve got to be kidding.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Keep your word.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I stop the day, step back, reevaluate my goals for the day, and then proceed.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I look for the best in people and try to encourage them to work hard together.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Control the narrative, don’t let a situation control me.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Do not be foolish enough to give away your business ideas to anyone!
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google search!
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I am generally loaded down with a ton of business-related reading each night. At some point I will get around to the 6 books on my nightstand. I will, I swear I will!
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bear, Chicago P.D., I like real life and I like action.
Key learnings
– Set goals.
– Set Priorities.
– Continue to reevaluate.
– Work with a team attitude.
– Keep your word.