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Mark Burg
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Mark Burg is an American film producer, manager and actor. He is the co-founder of Evolution Entertainment and produced the Saw film series as well as the CBS television series Two and a Half Men.
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Burg graduated from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in 1981.[2]
In the 1990s, Burg worked for Island Pictures and Palm Pictures, producing such films as Basketball Diaries (1995), The Sandlot, The Cure, and Strictly Business (1991).[3] In 1998, Burg founded Evolution Entertainment along with his producing partner Oren Koules.[4]
In 2003, Burg and Oren Koules saw a seven-minute teaser of a film written by Australian screenwriters, Leigh Whannell and James Wan, and agreed to produce the film. The film would later become the original Saw film that was released in 2004.[5] The budget for the film was $1.2 million with $1 million of the funding coming direct from Burg and Koules. Production was done under a newly formed subsidiary of Evolution Entertainment called Twisted Pictures. The film turned in the Saw franchise with the sequel released in 2005 and the franchise making $420 million at the box office by 2007.[6] Evolution Entertainment was also responsible for the production of Two and a Half Men starting in 2003.[5]
Burg became the sole-owner of Evolution Entertainment in 2011, buying out co-founder Oren Koules.[7] He also became an advisor for Forest Road, a special-purpose acquisition company, in 2020.[8] Burg also co-produced Spiral, the ninth installment from the Saw Franchise. The franchise has grossed more than $1 billion from box office and retail sales as of 2021.[9]
Filmography
[edit]He was a producer in all films unless otherwise noted.
Film
[edit]| Year | Film | Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Can't Buy Me Love | Co-producer | [10] |
| 1988 | Bull Durham | [11] | |
| 1991 | Toy Soldiers | Executive producer | [12] |
| Strictly Business | Executive producer | ||
| 1993 | The Sandlot | Executive producer | |
| 1994 | Airheads | ||
| 1995 | The Cure | ||
| 1996 | Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood | Executive producer | |
| The Little Death | Executive producer | ||
| Eddie | |||
| 1997 | B.A.P.S. | ||
| How to Be a Player | |||
| 1998 | The Gingerbread Man | Executive producer | |
| Body Count | |||
| 1999 | Black and White | Executive producer | |
| 2000 | Lockdown | ||
| 2001 | Good Advice | ||
| Diary of a Sex Addict | Direct-to-video | ||
| 2002 | Run Ronnie Run! | ||
| John Q. | |||
| Malevolent | Executive producer | ||
| 2003 | Love Don't Cost a Thing | ||
| Dude... We're Going to Rio | Executive producer | Direct-to-video | |
| 2004 | Saw | ||
| 2005 | Saw II | ||
| 2006 | Saw III | ||
| 2007 | Dead Silence | ||
| Catacombs | |||
| Saw IV | |||
| 2008 | Repo! The Genetic Opera | ||
| Saw V | |||
| Vlog | Executive producer | ||
| 2009 | Saw VI | ||
| 2010 | Lottery Ticket | ||
| The Tortured | |||
| Saw 3D | |||
| 2013 | Texas Chainsaw 3D | Executive producer | |
| Ain't Them Bodies Saints | Executive producer | ||
| Grace Unplugged | Executive producer | ||
| 2014 | Catch Hell | Executive producer | |
| 2016 | Havenhurst | Executive producer[13] | |
| 2017 | 9/11 | Executive producer | |
| Jigsaw | |||
| 2018 | Traffik | Executive producer | |
| 2019 | The Intruder | ||
| American Skin | |||
| 2021 | Spiral: From the Book of Saw | ||
| 2023 | Saw X | ||
| 2026 | Twisted | Producer |
- As an actor
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Toy Soldiers | Himself 'Mouthwash' Buyer |
Uncredited |
- Miscellaneous crew
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Waxwork | Production consultant |
- Thanks
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Boxing Helena | The producer wishes to thank |
| 1995 | The Basketball Diaries | Special thanks |
| 1998 | Let's Talk About Sex | Very special thanks |
| 2017 | Atomic Blonde | The producers wish to thank |
TBA |
He Helped Me: A Fan Film from the Book of Saw | Special thanks |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | The Three Amigos | Documentary | |
| 2004 | The Casino | ||
| 2005−06 | Love, Inc. | Executive producer | |
| 2008 | Vlog | Executive producer | |
| 2011 | Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen | Co-executive producer | Television special |
| 2003−12 | Two and a Half Men | Executive producer | |
| 2012−14 | Anger Management | Executive producer | |
| 2017 | Hit the Road | Executive producer | |
| 2017−20 | Loudermilk | Executive producer |
Awards and recognition
[edit]Burg has been nominated and won numerous awards. He received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on Two and a Half Men and won both a TV Land Award for his work on the same and a ShoWest Award for his work on the Saw film series.
Primetime Emmy Awards
[edit]| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Outstanding Comedy Series | Two and a Half Men | Nominated | [14] |
| 2007 | Nominated | [15] | ||
| 2008 | Nominated | [16] |
TV Land Awards
[edit]| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | TV Land Future Classic Award | Two and a Half Men | Won | [17] |
ShowWest Awards
[edit]| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | ShoWest Award of Excellence in Producing | Saw film series | Won | [18] |
References
[edit]- ^ Horn, John. "Horror film producer turns to Christian drama in 'Grace Unplugged'". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Pirani, Steven (April 11, 2014). "Accomplished producer discusses business in film industry". The Ithacan. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
- ^ "On The Film Front". Billboard. 16 May 1998. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (16 January 2013). "Evolution Entertainment Launches TV Division, Inks First Look Deal With Lionsgate". Deadline. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ a b Lidz, Franz (21 October 2009). "Limbs Pile Up, and Money, Too". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
- ^ Barry, John (19 August 2007). "In Lightning trio, he's Mr. Hollywood". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 20, 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
- ^ Crowe, Deborah (23 June 2011). "Burg Buys Out Partner at Evolution Entertainment". Los Angeles Business Journal. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (30 November 2020). "Showbiz SPAC Closes $300M IPO; Forest Road With Tom Staggs, Kevin Mayer, Shaquille O'Neal Eyes Media Deals". Deadline. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (23 May 2021). "'Spiral' Pushes 'Saw' Franchise Past $1 Billion at Global Box Office". Variety. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "BUCKS DIRECTOR SAYS HOLLYWOOD 'CAN'T BUY ME LOVE'". The Morning Call.
- ^ Nashawaty, Chris. "Bull Durham — 9 things you didn't know about the film". Entertainment Weekly.
- ^ "MOVIE REVIEW : 'Toy Soldiers' as Ludicrous as Its Premise". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Beale, Lauren (6 April 2015). "Producer Mark Burg sells in Sherman Oaks". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ Weisman, John. "Comedy Series". Variety.
- ^ "Emmys produces names". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Appelo, Tim. "'Two and a Half Men': 5 Reasons the Show Won't Try for a Best Comedy Emmy". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ "The Seventh Annual TV Land Awards to Honor 'M*A*S*H,' 'Married with Children,' 'Home Improvement,' 'Magnum P.I.,' 'Knots Landing' and 'Two and a Half Men' Among Others". Paramount.
- ^ Kilday, Gregg. "Burg and Koules to get ShoWest producing nod". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
Mark Burg
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Early years
Mark Burg was born on December 9, 1959, in Hartsdale, New York, United States.[10] Limited public information is available regarding his family background or specific formative influences during childhood. Burg later transitioned to higher education at Ithaca College.Education
Mark Burg attended the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Management in 1981.[11] This academic background provided foundational training in media and production principles that shaped his subsequent entry into the entertainment industry.[12]Career
Early career
After graduating from Ithaca College's Roy H. Park School of Communications in 1981, Mark Burg began his career in the film industry, initially taking on producing roles that built his experience in independent and studio projects.[12] Burg's early producing credits included serving as co-producer on the coming-of-age comedy Can't Buy Me Love (1987), directed by Steve Rash and starring Patrick Dempsey, which marked one of his first major feature film contributions.[13] He followed this with producer duties on the sports comedy Bull Durham (1988), written and directed by Ron Shelton, featuring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon in a story about minor league baseball.[14] These projects in the late 1980s helped Burg establish connections in Hollywood while navigating the challenges of budget-conscious productions and emerging talent development.[15] In the early 1990s, Burg advanced to the position of president at Island Pictures, where he oversaw the development and production of several notable films, focusing on diverse genres from dramas to family-oriented stories.[14] Under his leadership, the company produced Strictly Business (1991), a romantic comedy directed by Kevin Hooks that highlighted emerging Black talent including Joseph C. Phillips and Halle Berry; Toy Soldiers (1991), an action thriller with Sean Astin about a group of students thwarting terrorists; The Sandlot (1993), a beloved coming-of-age baseball film directed by David Mickey Evans; The Cure (1995), a heartfelt drama starring Brad Renfro and Joseph Mazzello about young friends on a quest; and The Basketball Diaries (1995), a gritty adaptation of Jim Carroll's memoir directed by Scott Kalvert, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in a breakout role.[14] During this period at Island Pictures, Burg learned key lessons in managing studio acquisitions and independent financing amid shifting industry priorities, particularly as the company faced closure by parent PolyGram in 1997 due to strategic realignments.[16] This foundational work in production oversight and talent nurturing positioned Burg for future entrepreneurial ventures in entertainment.Founding of Evolution Entertainment
In 1998, Mark Burg co-founded Evolution Entertainment with Oren Koules as a talent management and production firm based in Los Angeles, aiming to represent actors and develop entertainment projects.[17] Initially, the company focused on managing high-profile clients such as Charlie Sheen and Kevin Dillon while pursuing production opportunities, including the 2002 thriller John Q, which marked an early milestone in securing major studio deals.[18] By the early 2000s, Evolution Entertainment had expanded its roster and production slate, enabling the company to facilitate key projects like the Saw franchise through its management and development infrastructure.[1] In 2011, Burg acquired Koules' 50% stake in the firm following Koules' departure from the management operations, becoming the sole owner and appointing Michael Menchel as president to oversee day-to-day activities.[8] Under Burg's sole leadership, Evolution evolved into a more robust production entity, launching a dedicated television division in 2013 with a first-look deal at Lionsgate Television to broaden its scope beyond film management.[1] In 2020, Burg took on a strategic advisory role with Forest Road Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company focused on media and entertainment investments, further positioning Evolution for growth in the evolving industry landscape.[19]Major film productions
Mark Burg co-produced the 2002 thriller John Q, directed by Nick Cassavetes and starring Denzel Washington as a father who takes a hospital emergency room hostage to secure a heart transplant for his son after being denied by his insurance company. The film explores themes of medical ethics, healthcare access, and the flaws in the U.S. insurance system, drawing from real-world debates on patient rights and corporate accountability.[20] With a production budget of $36 million, John Q grossed $102.2 million worldwide, marking a significant commercial success for Burg's early producing efforts through Evolution Entertainment.[21] Burg's most prominent contribution to cinema came with the launch of the Saw horror franchise, beginning with the 2004 film Saw, which he co-produced with Oren Koules under their Twisted Pictures banner. Made on a modest $1.2 million budget, the movie—directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell—centered on two men trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by the serial killer Jigsaw, introducing innovative trap-based storytelling that revitalized the horror genre's focus on psychological tension and moral dilemmas.[22] The film exceeded expectations by grossing $103.1 million worldwide, spawning nine sequels through Saw X (2023), with the franchise collectively earning over $1 billion at the global box office and pioneering low-budget horror's potential for high returns through direct-to-video and theatrical expansions.[23] Burg played a key role in developing the series' interconnected narrative arc, emphasizing escalating traps and Jigsaw's philosophy of forcing victims to confront their flaws, which influenced subsequent horror franchises in trap mechanics and ensemble storytelling.[24] Beyond Saw, Burg produced several other films that showcased his versatility across genres, including the 2003 romantic comedy Love Don't Cost a Thing, a remake of Can't Buy Me Love starring Nick Cannon, which highlighted teen romance and social class dynamics.[25] In horror, he contributed to Dead Silence (2007), James Wan's ventriloquist dummy tale of supernatural vengeance, and Catacombs (2007), a claustrophobic thriller set in Paris's underground tunnels.[26][27] Later works included the 2010 comedy Lottery Ticket, featuring Bow Wow in a story of sudden wealth and neighborhood pressures, and the slasher film Chain Letter (2010), which explored urban legends and digital-age terror.[28][29] Burg also co-produced Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021), a franchise spin-off directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and starring Chris Rock as a detective unraveling Jigsaw-inspired murders, blending police procedural elements with the series' signature gore to gross $40.4 million worldwide.[30] In 2025, plans for Saw 11 were scrapped due to creative disagreements between Burg and co-producer Oren Koules over the sequel's direction, leading to the sale of the franchise rights to Blumhouse Productions.[31] This impasse halted development despite initial scripting by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, underscoring Burg's hands-on approach to maintaining the series' core identity amid evolving horror trends.[32] Burg is currently producing the upcoming horror-thriller The Monster, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and starring Djimon Hounsou, set for release in 2025.[9]Television production work
Mark Burg served as an executive producer on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men from its premiere in 2003 through 2012, helping steer the series through its early success and contributing to its run as a top-rated comedy that spanned 12 seasons overall.[33] As Sheen's longtime manager of 16 years, Burg navigated complex cast dynamics amid the actor's high-profile personal and professional challenges, including a 2011 production shutdown due to Sheen's public meltdown and subsequent firing by the network.[34] [35] The show transitioned by recasting the lead role with Ashton Kutcher for season 9, allowing it to continue for four more seasons despite the upheaval. Under Burg's production, Two and a Half Men earned Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006, 2007, and 2008.[7] Beyond Two and a Half Men, Burg executive produced the short-lived NBC romantic comedy Love, Inc., which aired from 2005 to 2006 and centered on employees at a matchmaking service.[36] He later reunited with Sheen as executive producer on the FX sitcom Anger Management from 2012 to 2014, a multi-camera comedy loosely based on the 2003 film of the same name that ran for 100 episodes and marked Sheen's return to television following his Two and a Half Men exit.[37] [38] Through Evolution Entertainment, which Burg co-founded in 1998, he expanded into dramedy with Loudermilk, serving as executive producer on the Audience Network (later Amazon Prime Video) series from 2017 to 2020; the show followed a recovering alcoholic and substance abuse counselor in a Pacific Northwest town, blending humor with themes of redemption.[39] Evolution's TV output under Burg has emphasized multi-camera comedies and character-driven formats, leveraging partnerships like a first-look deal with Lionsgate Television to develop serialized content focused on ensemble casts and relatable interpersonal conflicts.[1]Personal life
Marriage
Mark Burg was previously married to actress and filmmaker Troy Byer from 1994 to 1999.[40] The couple share a son, Jordan Burg, born on November 4, 1997.[41] In 2011, Burg married Shainaz Donnelly, a philanthropist and event host.[40] The pair welcomed a son, though his name has not been publicly disclosed.[42] Donnelly has occasionally intersected with Burg's professional life, such as when she encouraged him to produce the 2013 Christian drama Grace Unplugged after reading the script.[43] Together, they have hosted events, including an alumni gathering for Ithaca College in 2015 at their Los Angeles home.[44] Burg maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his family post-marriage, with public appearances limited to select charitable and social functions, such as the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's Beastly Ball in 2023, where he attended with Donnelly and their son.[42] This discretion allows him to balance familial responsibilities alongside his demanding career in film production.Business roles
In 2011, Mark Burg acquired full ownership of Evolution Entertainment by purchasing the 50% stake held by co-founder Oren Koules, thereby becoming the sole proprietor of the production and management company.[8] Following the buyout, Burg restructured the company and appointed former CAA agent Mike Menchel as president to oversee operations, enabling continued development of film and television projects under his leadership.[8] This ownership has persisted, with Burg retaining a significant share in key assets such as the Saw franchise library even after partial sales to entities like Content Partners in 2025.[45] Evolution Entertainment's talent management division, which represented writers, directors, and actors, was acquired by Primary Wave Music in 2014, integrating Burg's team into the larger music and entertainment management firm while allowing the production arm to operate independently under his direction.[46] Burg's ongoing oversight of Evolution has focused on production financing and strategic partnerships, such as first-look deals with studios like Lionsgate for television development.[47] In 2020, Burg transitioned into a strategic advisory role with Forest Road Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company targeting investments in media and entertainment sectors, where he provides expertise on deal sourcing and industry opportunities.[48] This consulting position leverages his production background to guide financial strategies in content creation and distribution, without involvement on the board of directors.[19] These advisory and ownership roles have facilitated Burg's support for Evolution's ongoing productions by connecting them to investment capital and industry networks.Filmography
Feature films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Can't Buy Me Love | Co-producer | Co-produced this teen comedy starring Patrick Dempsey, marking one of Burg's early feature credits during his time at Island Pictures. |
| 1988 | Bull Durham | Producer | Contributed to the production of this baseball comedy directed by Ron Shelton, featuring Kevin Costner. [49] |
| 1991 | Toy Soldiers | Executive Producer | Produced this action film about students fighting terrorists, starring Sean Astin and Wil Wheaton. [50] |
| 1991 | Strictly Business | Executive Producer | Oversaw production of this romantic comedy with Joseph C. Phillips and Halle Berry, focusing on urban life in New York. [51] |
| 1993 | The Sandlot | Executive Producer | Produced the beloved coming-of-age baseball film directed by David Mickey Evans. [52] |
| 1994 | Airheads | Producer | Handled production for this comedy about a rock band taking a radio station hostage, starring Brendan Fraser. |
| 1995 | The Cure | Producer | Co-produced this drama about two boys' adventure to find a cure for AIDS, directed by Peter Horton. |
| 1996 | Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood | Executive Producer | Produced this parody of hood films starring Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans. [53] |
| 1996 | Eddie | Producer | Produced this comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg as a limousine driver who becomes a basketball coach. [54] |
| 1997 | B.A.P.S | Producer | Produced this comedy starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle. [55] |
| 1997 | How to Be a Player | Producer | Produced this comedy starring Bill Bellamy. [56] |
| 1998 | The Gingerbread Man | Executive Producer | Produced Robert Altman's thriller based on a John Grisham story, starring Kenneth Branagh. [57] |
| 1998 | Body Count | Producer | Produced this crime drama. [58] |
| 1999 | Black and White | Executive Producer | Executive produced this drama about racial tensions in New York, directed by James Toback. [59] |
| 2000 | Lockdown | Producer | Produced this prison drama starring Master P. [60] |
| 2001 | Good Advice | Producer | Produced this comedy starring Charlie Sheen. [61] |
| 2001 | Diary of a Sex Addict | Producer | Produced this direct-to-video drama. [62] |
| 2002 | John Q | Producer | Produced this medical drama starring Denzel Washington as a father fighting for his son's life. |
| 2003 | Love Don't Cost a Thing | Producer | Produced this romantic comedy starring Nick Cannon and Christina Milian. [63] |
| 2004 | Saw | Producer | Co-founded Twisted Pictures to produce this horror franchise starter, launching a major series. |
| 2005 | Saw II | Producer | Continued the franchise with this sequel expanding the Jigsaw lore. |
| 2006 | Saw III | Producer | Produced the third installment, further developing the horror elements and traps. |
| 2007 | Saw IV | Producer | Oversaw the fourth film, introducing new twists in the series narrative. |
| 2007 | Dead Silence | Producer | Produced this horror film directed by James Wan, involving ventriloquist dummies. |
| 2007 | Catacombs | Producer | Produced the supernatural horror film starring Shannyn Sossamon. |
| 2008 | Saw V | Producer | Produced the fifth entry, focusing on survival games. |
| 2008 | Repo! The Genetic Opera | Producer | Produced this rock opera horror film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. |
| 2009 | Saw VI | Producer | Produced the sixth film, incorporating themes of corporate greed. |
| 2010 | Saw 3D | Producer | Produced the 3D installment concluding the original arc. |
| 2010 | Lottery Ticket | Producer | Produced this comedy starring Bow Wow about a winning ticket. |
| 2010 | The Tortured | Producer | Produced this horror-thriller about revenge. |
| 2013 | Texas Chainsaw 3D | Executive Producer | Executive produced this reboot of the horror classic. |
| 2017 | Jigsaw | Producer | Revived the Saw franchise with this sequel. [64] |
| 2019 | The Intruder | Producer | Produced this thriller starring Michael Ealy and Meagan Good. |
| 2019 | American Skin | Producer | Produced Nate Parker's drama on racial injustice. |
| 2021 | Spiral: From the Book of Saw | Producer | Produced the franchise spin-off starring Chris Rock. |
| 2022 | End of the Road | Producer | Produced this action thriller starring Queen Latifah. [65] |
| 2023 | Saw X | Producer | Produced the tenth installment, set between earlier films. |
| 2025 | The Monster | Producer | Upcoming horror-thriller directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, starring Djimon Hounsou. [9] |