I am a creative and deadline-driven media professional with over two decades of experience in writing, editing, video production, and digital content creation. I specialize in storytelling, visual communication, and post-production, and have developed a robust portfolio collaborating with industry leaders such as CBC, Disney, and Warner Brothers. Throughout my career, I've developed and led creative teams, crafted original show ideas, and consulted on narrative development across various media formats. I also have rich experience in teaching, where I've guided students through the entirety of media production and helped prepare them for careers in the creative arts.

Mark Achtenberg

I am a creative and deadline-driven media professional with over two decades of experience in writing, editing, video production, and digital content creation. I specialize in storytelling, visual communication, and post-production, and have developed a robust portfolio collaborating with industry leaders such as CBC, Disney, and Warner Brothers. Throughout my career, I've developed and led creative teams, crafted original show ideas, and consulted on narrative development across various media formats. I also have rich experience in teaching, where I've guided students through the entirety of media production and helped prepare them for careers in the creative arts.

Available to hire

I am a creative and deadline-driven media professional with over two decades of experience in writing, editing, video production, and digital content creation. I specialize in storytelling, visual communication, and post-production, and have developed a robust portfolio collaborating with industry leaders such as CBC, Disney, and Warner Brothers.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed and led creative teams, crafted original show ideas, and consulted on narrative development across various media formats. I also have rich experience in teaching, where I’ve guided students through the entirety of media production and helped prepare them for careers in the creative arts.

See more

Work Experience

Freelance Writer, Director, Editor, Digital Artist at Various Clients (CBC, TV Ontario, BBC, MTV, Disney, Jim Henson Company, PBS, Warner Brothers, IMAX)
January 1, 2000 - Present
Developed, wrote, directed, and edited a wide range of content including TV shows, documentaries, animation, and branded media for national and global audiences. Conceptualized and presented original show ideas, treatments, and visual decks for pitching to networks and production companies. Assembled and led cross-disciplinary creative teams including editors, animators, and writers to guide projects from ideation through post-production and final delivery. Oversaw all stages of production emphasizing storytelling quality, visual style, and audience engagement. Consulted on screenwriting and narrative development, helping clients refine scripts and storytelling structures across various media formats.
Author at Run Amok Books
January 1, 2018 - Present
Wrote "Get Your Hero Up a Tree: How to Write a Movie that Doesn’t Suck," a comprehensive and humorous guide to screenwriting, sold through major international retailers. Applied advanced editorial skills to shape and polish complex writing concepts into an engaging, instructive, and accessible format for readers of all levels. Provided educational insights and clear frameworks on story structure, character arcs, and script formatting for aspiring screenwriters and media professionals.
Professor (Media and Writing Courses) at Humber College, Toronto
January 1, 2023 - August 8, 2025
Instructed college-level courses in writing, producing, Adobe Photoshop, and video production with a practical, industry-informed approach. Guided students through the complete media production pipeline from concept development and scripting to post-production and presentation. Designed and updated curricula to align with evolving trends in digital storytelling, software advancements, and audience consumption habits. Offered individualized mentorship to students, helping them develop portfolios, understand industry expectations, and prepare for careers in media and creative arts. Collaborated with faculty teams to integrate interdisciplinary learning and improve program cohesion across courses.

Education

Bachelor Degree (Hons) English at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay
January 11, 2030 - August 8, 2025
Advanced Diploma Film and Television at Humber College, Toronto
January 11, 2030 - August 8, 2025

Qualifications

Multiple awards and bursaries
January 11, 2030 - August 8, 2025
Writing scholarship, Toronto International Film Festival
January 11, 2030 - August 8, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education