Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzann Toni Petrongolo
Hi Suzann, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry. I went to as many networking events as I could which led me to my first jobs on set. I began working on various productions learning as much as I could while developing my own feature films. Eventually, I was able to find partners to collaborate with on developing projects, and films began to come to life.
Most recently I produced the crime/action feature film THE DIRTY SOUTH, which won Best Cinematography at the Chelsea Film Festival. It released in theaters and on major streaming platforms such as Peacock and Prime Video, garnering critical acclaim and coverage by top outlets such as MovieWeb and The New York Times.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say independent producing has a smooth road. Each project is an uphill battle, but it has encouraged me to be more flexible with how creative endeavors come to life, and instilled a work ethic that I don’t think I could shake now. Although the road is full of ups and downs, it has allowed me to pursue creative ideas and projects without feeling I need permission to do so.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a film producer, my passion is in great storytelling that connects with audiences on a deeper level. Of course, this can be done in many ways, but every genre of story can have this foundation, which is what I look for when diving into a new project. If I am excited about a story, it is easy to give everything to it, and the work becomes both challenging and fun. I would say not being scared of (and often enjoying) hard, consistent work makes up for my weaknesses, and welcoming the challenge of trying something new for the first time.
What are your plans for the future?
I am very excited about two upcoming releases of films I worked on over the last year: THE HERMIT and DEAD GIVEAWAY. I hope to continue to grow in the world of film, and tell fun, inspiring, and creative stories.
I’m a big believer in consistency, and hope to build on the foundation of the recent projects I have done. Each project is completely different, and I look forward to what’s to come!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanntoni/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/VP-Independent/61559623590014/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vpindependent/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vpindiefilms
