SPARKPLUG FILMS (AUST) is a Melbourne and Sydney based production company, founded by Mark Forytarz and Renelle Richards, focused on generating screen content that attracts an international audience.
Mark was a co-producer on PAWNO, the critically acclaimed film nominated for six AACTA awards and the winner of the Jury Grand Prize for the best feature film at Cannes des Antipodes, as part of the Cannes Film Festival. Mark’s next feature films to be released in his role as Executive Producer include both MEASURE FOR MEASURE and NEVER TOO LATE.
In 2019 Mark founded the Melbourne Film Factory, a quarterly event bringing together the film industry in Melbourne.
Mark also brings over 24 years experience in the property industry, as Director of Castran Gilbert Real Estate, co-ordinating the marketing and sales of Melbourne multi-residential projects to local, interstate and international markets.
Renelle Richards has worked in the post production section of the television industry for the past 12 years. Renelle is a well known and respected Editor working with companies Warner Bros, Endemol Shine Australia, ITV Australia, Eureka, Screentime and Ch9. Previously Renelle freelanced as a Production Manager at boutique companies specialising in commercials, animation, EPKs and branded content media. She has worked at a post production facility managing projects ranging from commercials, animation, EPKs etc.
Renelle has produced a number of short films and in 2016 THE VEILED was invited to officially screen at the Montreal World Film Festival in the “Focus on World Cinema Short” section. THE VEILED was also a winner at the Accolade Global Film Competition.
Sparkplug Films are currently in development on a script adaptation of the novel SYMPHONY FOR THE MAN, a horror/thriller film SHADE, and are about to begin pre-production on feature film THE ENVELOPE, based on a story created by Mark Forytarz.
In late 2020, early 2021, they will officially launch the first Sydney Film Factory.