Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Piccinino.
Hi Shaun, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A small-town kid with big dreams. I grew up in Chico, California, where I started acting on stage at 8 years old, was classically trained by my drama professor/stage director father, started writing/directing local commercials at 16, and then moved to Southern California by 20 to pursue the business of filmmaking. Once in Los Angeles, I worked as a PA, did background work, and then transitioned into doing editing and visual effects in TV, all while creating my own short films on the side. Later, I landed stunt gigs (because of my martial arts background) and started making my first feature films. Flash forward to today, and I have a dozen feature films and several television series under my belt as a director.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha, I don’t think I’ve ever met a single person in this business that has had a smooth road. My journey has been no different. Full of ups and downs, there were certainly moments where I contemplated walking away, but then when I paused to reflect, I realized there’s nothing else I can do… I have to be a storyteller, a creator, it defines the very core of who I am. Look, Hollywood can be full of rejection almost every moment of every day, but if you have the resolve to never give up or give in, when you have those moments of breakthrough and success, nothing is sweeter. My experience is the hard work can truly pay off if you’re not afraid to jump in headfirst. Every overnight success is at least 10 years in the making.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been super blessed to have found a place in this business as a writer, director, filmmaker. I currently have 6 films on Netflix, 3 of which have topped the charts worldwide for the streaming Giant. “A California Christmas” was the breakout film we didn’t see coming. My awesome friends at ESX Entertainment (headed by Ali Afshar) and I made that movie in the middle of the pandemic and were just happy to have a job. We never thought it would hit number 1. That lead to a sequel, which also topped the charts the next year. The following summer, we did “That’s Amor,” and it made it to number 2 in the world on Netflix. Not bad, I’d say! I was and am still flabbergasted by it all. Next, I was lucky enough to make a movie with Warner Bros, HBO Max (now Max) and again ESX called, “Holiday Harmony”. Once again, to our surprise, it rocketed up the charts for Max. I say all the time that we just make these movies with as much love as we can, and that’s the only thing I can attribute to their success on the streamers. Of course, the many talented people involved are the major ingredients as well.
My latest film to release is an action film called “The Island,” that I shot in the Caribbean with MSR Media and Saban Films. That movie landed on Starz and somehow also rocked up the charts to number 1 and has been in that spot for almost a month! I keep pinching myself because it truly feels like a dream. A cool thing to note is my cinematographer on all 5 of these chart-topping films has been my dear friend Brad Rushing.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
One of my all-time favorite book series is called “The Bobiverse” by Dennis E. Taylor. It’s a sci-fi epic that explores deep themes of what it truly means to exist and what our consciousness actually is. I was upset when I finished the series as I really didn’t want to leave that universe. I just loved being immersed in it.
One of my favorite podcasts is “How Did This Get Made,” which, surprise surprise, explores how certain movies got made in Hollywood. It’s really a fun podcast as they focus on some of the most ridiculous films ever created.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.direct.me/directorshaun
- Instagram: @directorshaunpiccinino
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-piccinino-2060aa8?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: www.imdb.me/shaunpiccinino
Image Credits
Maria Lupu
Gloria El Achkar
