My directing work can be threaded together by the search for the human condition within all circumstance- in even the craziest of circumstances. Imagining new worlds, creating characters and revealing engaging scenarios in which viewers search for themselves are all behind my drive to tell stories.. At the center of my action films is always a hero trying keep himself whole in a violently unhinged world. At the core of my science fiction films are questions society needs to answer about itself. But always, regardless of genre, is a search for the human condition in interesting circumstances.

In my previous careers, I spent over a decade at Nickelodeon focused on one simple goal: to extend the sense of wonder in children for as long as possible. Touch devices, augmented and virtual reality, and interactive storytelling allowed us to create pure magic for kids. They could watch, control and become their favorite characters. We simultaneously taught them about their world and extended their belief that anything was possible in it. This work was cut from the same cloth as my directing. Inspiring wonder through imagination.

Lastly, to me, the creative process is as much a fantastic journey as it is a destination and means to an end. The mediums I work within require teams of specialists, artists, and craftsmen. Success is always a function of how well collaboration happens. All the best cases end with a final product worth experiencing and a creative process that also created memories and dear friends.

I lead with my enthusiasm and create with heart. 

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Mark Cheng is a multi-faceted director and producer. With 20+ years of experience, his skills include software engineering, business development, the art of motion graphics, and motion picture directing. In 2022, Mark executive produced and directed the first season of HIPPO PARK, a 20 episode kid-centric musical series.

Cheng worked for Nickelodeon for over 12 years, leaving his post in 2017 as a Vice President and General Manager of NOGGIN, the company's direct-to-consumer subscription (SVOD) service. Cheng led a multidisciplinary team of artists, technicians and strategists. He built websites, created video games, and invested in new media technology. Cheng’s leadership in Games helped Nickelodeon win an Emmy for Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media. Cheng also served as a creative consultant for Viacom NEXT’s annual Virtual Reality Fellowship Program.

Cheng has always been a storyteller and content creator. He has been directing live action and animation since 1999. Over the years many of his projects have won awards at multiple film festivals, and he’s worked with companies including IndiePix, Warner Bros’ Machinima, Archstone Distribution, and Broadmedia Studios in Japan. In 2018, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment acquired Ghost Source Zero via Archstone. Cheng has also created content for Nickelodeon Digital promotions. 

In 2005, Cheng received his MBA from Rutgers University where High Tech Growth was his area of focus. In 1997, Cheng graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Cinema. He has also studied at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Cheng is married to Dr. Jennifer Tang and resides in Los Angeles with their three sons.