Starting out as a cub reporter on a local paper, my career in media has been a total joy.
I’ve learned a lot along the way and I’m delighted to be able to share some of that with others who are equally passionate about creativity, story-telling and the world we live in today.
My journey, which has taken me from London to Los Angeles, has been anything but ordinary, encompassing magazine editing, celebrity journalism, production, screenwriting, and podcasting.
After moving on from the local paper [see my first front page above right], I moved to London and dove headfirst into the world of showbiz journalism, where I went to hold prominent roles, including launch showbiz editor for Now magazine and commissioning editor at the Mirror newspaper. Eventually, as a freelancer, I moved to Media Guardian as a reporter.
In 2007, I relocated to Los Angeles were I solidified my reputation as a cultural correspondent for The Guardian, penning the popular LA Diary and covering the vibrant Hollywood scene. I wrote A-list profiles for Red, Grazia, Marie Claire, The Scotsman, the Sydney Sunday Herald and other top publications, covering the movie junket circuit.
In 2020, I published my celebrity journalism memoir, Ryan is Ready for You Now, which details my extensive career. I’m proud to say it now sits in many university libraries, has even been read by a celebrity or two and in a full circle moment, was written about in the paper where I started all those years ago.
I sold my first screenplay in the late nineties, storylined on Coronation Street, and had a couple of other screenplays optioned by major studios. However, my time in LA saw my screenwriting reach new heights; I wrote, produced and directed three short films, and two of my screenplays were Nicholl Fellowship quarter-finalists, one was a Scriptapalooza semi-finalist and another a Beverly Hills Film Festival Finalist. I was also invited to join the BAFTA LA Newcomer Programme.
While living in Hollywood, a well known actress attached herself to Best Woman, and, my script Jeannie Miller was under consideration at Scott Free Productions, where I directed a table-read for executives [see left]. If you’re a fan of The Morning Show, you’ll recognise a pre-fame Desean Terry, who appears in the series.
I’m also very proud to have nurtured a thriving creative community, founding my first in-person writers group in Hollywood, which ran for two very productive years. Today, I run a magnificently effective writers group in Leigh-on-Sea, as well as The TEN writers group on Substack, where I foster a supportive environment for writers.
I also run writing workshops, both online and in person, and mentor writers who need that extra push. Think of me as a personal trainer for scribes!
My diverse talents have led to freelance roles across various media, including working with an LA-based esports company and as an Artist Liaison for Save the Children, where I was lucky enough to visit Tanzania, with one of their high-profile ambassadors. I have also worked as a celebrity booker/showbiz producer for Loose Women, where I’m proud to say that my finest hour was reuniting Cagney and Lacey!
During lockdown, I rebranded Lisa Marks Media, to offer a range of services from copywriting to ghostwriting, and now as a creative consultancy.
Based in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, my goal is to continue to inspire and guide writers through my editing, mentoring, and consultancy work. Whether I’m mentoring aspiring authors or working on my latest project, my passion for writing and creativity is the common thread that drives my ever-evolving career.
In my spare time (such as it is), I perform improvised comedy with a local group, and am currently writing my first novel. I also love to swim in the sea, have just completed a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems and hope to continue studying. One of the reasons I’ve returned to study is that passionately believe that processing our lives and thoughts through our writing can lead to better mental health.
Ultimately, my goal is to see my work on screen, see my in-progress novel published and help people share their stories. Do get in touch with me at lisamarksmedia@gmail.com if you want to learn more about my services and if you think I can help you realise your dreams too.
Lisa
Lisa Marks Media 