Mark Powell
Exclusive look at my script about the life of iconic tailor Mark Powell.
Years ago, I approached the tailor, Mark Powell, about ghostwriting his biography. I knew Mark, and I knew a lot about his past, which I found fascinating. He agreed to my idea and we set to work. After months of interviewing and putting together a package, I was finally ready to send all the material to my agent. Which is when Mark - acting on dodgy advice - pulled out of the project.
Eighteen months ago, I came across an old document on my laptop named MARK POWELL BOOK. I read it and a thought occurred - this would make a great film. I rang Mark and he agreed. (He also told me that this time he would not back out at the last minute.) We devised a routine. Every Friday, I would go to his Soho flat and we would put on tape his memories and stories.
Mark was brought up in the East End, under the shadow of the Kray Twins. In fact, his auntie lived under Charlie Kray’s flat. As a young man, Mark idolised the Krays. He was also clothes obsessed, so when, through chance he met Franco, an Anglo-Italian gangster, who offered him premises for his first shop, Mark was in his element. Gangsters, clothes and Soho - Mark’s Holy Trinity.
However, by his own admission, Mark got too close to the flame and was badly bitten by his associates. Which is what the film is about. In this extract from the script, Mark is being taken to meet Franco’s boss Peter on the night his daughter Ellie is performing for her school play, an event Mark has faithfully promised his family he will attend. The phrase O/S net to sone of Ellie’s dialogue means Off Screen.
A Christmas present for paid subscribers
Next week, I’ll be sharing news about a special Christmas present for paid subscribers to say thank you for supporting When My Soul Was in the Lost and Found.
Morning Glory Prosium fine art print
Ciao
Paolo x