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20 M PS E . O R G will be hosting the awards ceremony for the second year in a row. While at Sony, Mark was presented with an intriguing challenge—supervising the television series Scorpion. At that time, the show was in the midst of its run and had faced a revolving door of sound supervisors. Mark's initial response was hesitant, and he adamantly resisted taking on the task, turning it down multiple times. The tales he'd heard about the show's complexity and demanding nature left him wary. However, fate had other plans. Kevin Wahrman at Sony persistently encouraged Mark to consider the role. Despite Mark's reservations, Kevin's unwavering belief in him eventually wore down his resistance. With reluctance, Mark decided to give it a shot. Joining the team at Scorpion was like diving headfirst into a whirlwind. The series revolved around a group of genius problem solvers who tackled diverse and high-stakes challenges. From nuclear submarines on the brink of disaster to airplanes in perilous situations, each episode presented a unique and colossal problem to solve. The catch was that almost no sound elements could be reused across episodes, making every installment a fresh and intricate soundscape to craft. Adding to the complexity, Scorpion was a weekly series with a relentless schedule. The pace was intense, requiring Mark's expertise for ADR sessions every week. These sessions took place at Manhattan Beach Studios, seamlessly accommodating actors fresh from the set. Despite these formidable challenges, Mark's tenure at Scorpion proved to be a transformative experience. He discovered a remarkable connection with Agatha Barnes, the producer, and their professional synergy blossomed into a friendship. Mark and his fellow audio colleagues, including mixers Alec St. John and Marshall Garlington, and music editor Eduardo Ponsdomenech, formed an enduring team. They embarked on numerous projects together, creating a strong and dependable professional unit. Their collective journey eventually led them to Reacher (2022), where their creative synergy continued to thrive. Reacher became a significant milestone in Mark's career. The show's first season received acclaim, and the second season outshone its predecessor, earning the coveted title of Amazon's number-one show for the year. While the double strike of 2023 had temporarily impacted post- production work, Mark remained optimistic about the future. He anticipates a bustling period ahead in 2024, as the industry recovers from the strike-induced lull. Mark's personal life has a heartwarming story that began around 21 years ago. While he was still working at Fidelity Studios, a pivotal moment was set in motion when his father Joe made an unexpected phone call to him. Deby, a Brazilian native, had come to the US to learn English in Los Angeles in preparation for a job opportunity Crew sushi meal with Guin during Powers (2015). L-R: Mark Lanza, Derek Somaru, Terry O'Bright, Guin McPherson, Nick Offord.