Mark Elias

Sep 30

From Acting Hustle to Indie Film Producer: Mark Elias and We Could Be Heroes

This week on Pitch Lab, hosts Thomas Frank and Jackie welcomed Mark Elias—actor, writer, producer, and content creator—whose career spans hit shows like 9-1-1: Lone Star, Lucifer, Truth Be Told, Criminal Minds, Justified, and CSI. After 15 years as a working actor, Mark has shifted gears into producing and writing, with his latest project—a gamer-centric indie film called We Could Be Heroes—now raising funds on WeFunder.

A Philly-Born Storyteller

Though born in Houston, Mark grew up in Philadelphia, where his creative streak first showed through short stories and comic-style adventures he drew as a kid. Films like The Graduate and Good Will Hunting convinced him that acting could be transformative, but it wasn’t until he moved to Los Angeles, studied at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, and started hustling through student films that he carved a path into Hollywood.

Writing, Producing, and DIY Filmmaking

Mark’s creative journey didn’t stop at acting. A chance collaboration on a script nudged him into writing, eventually leading to two feature films shot on shoestring $50,000 budgets. Those projects proved that with the right script, strong performances, and smart production, you can create something that punches far above its weight.

As both a writer and actor, Mark channels characters that fall within his strengths—dark, troubled James Dean types or eccentric, Mr. Robot-inspired roles—so he can deliver strong performances even under indie shooting constraints.

We Could Be Heroes: The Next Leap

Mark’s latest project, We Could Be Heroes, is a fast-paced indie crime comedy in the spirit of Deadpool, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The story follows a 14-year-old gamer girl whose stolen console drags her, and her neurotic neighbor, into a crime much larger than they realize. Add a washed-up detective uncle (a role already attached to a recognizable actor), and you’ve got an odd-couple adventure about family, identity, and resilience.

With a $1 million budget, Mark is strategically allocating funds to secure recognizable talent, which dramatically increases distribution opportunities, especially overseas. He sees the project as not just a film, but an opportunity for audience-backed filmmaking, with investors literally becoming part of the journey.

What We Learned

1. Hustle beats luck.
Mark’s career is a testament that breaking into Hollywood without connections takes persistence. Every credit he’s landed, except one, came from hustle, relationships, and relentless drive.

2. Story is king.
Whether you’re making a $50,000 indie or a $5 million studio film, the script determines the quality. A strong story can overcome budget constraints, while a weak one can sink even a blockbuster.

3. Business comes before show.
From securing funding to aligning with distributors, indie filmmaking is 98% business. Success requires treating film not just as art, but as a marketable product.

4. Star power matters.
Securing a recognizable actor isn’t just vanity, it’s leverage for distribution deals, especially in international markets. Attaching the right name can make or break a project’s trajectory.

5. Culture partnerships are the future.
By weaving in esports and gaming culture, We Could Be Heroes has potential beyond film festivals. Strategic partnerships with esports teams, Twitch streamers, or gamer brands could exponentially expand reach.

6. Audience can be the producer.
Through platforms like WeFunder, viewers aren’t just spectators, they can literally fund the film, earn credits, and be part of the creative process.

Why Invest?

Mark believes We Could Be Heroes offers both a fun ride and a meaningful story. It’s about unlikely friendships, chosen family, and finding strength in unexpected places all wrapped in humor, action, and gamer culture. Investors not only get a financial stake but also the chance to see their name on screen, attend premieres, and quite literally help make the film possible.

As Mark put it:

“This is audience-created content. We can’t make it without people sitting in front of their computer saying, ‘Yes, I love it, I’m on board. Let’s make this thing happen.’”