Leo is an award-winning writer-director with experience in Film, TV, and Theatre. He
is a versatile talent with the artistic flexibility to engage an audience in a variety of
genres and media.
Leo’s first feature, a dark comedy entitled “IN VINO” (starring the legendary
Ed Asner & Sean Young), won Best Comedy at the Hollywood Film Fest, Best
Screenplay at ARPA International Film Fest, was sold to Lionsgate (among others)
and it will be released worldwide in late 2020.
Following IN VINO, Leo was hand-picked by FJ Productions to direct the TV
version of “A Man and His Prostate” by Ed Weinberger (Mary Tyler Moore Show,
Taxi). Also with FJ, Leo is in development on his next film “The Godmother.”
Most recently Leo’s Pilot “ARTY” was selected as a FINALIST at the 2020
PGA Power of Diversity Master Workshop. In early 2020 Leo was also contracted to
write a feature entitled “Le Dame In Rosa”. He’s thrilled to be co-author of this film
with the great Martin Donovan (Death Becomes Her, Apartment Zero). Le Dame In
Rosa was a Semi-Finalist at ScreenCraft Comedy 2020.
Leo’s work has been recognized worldwide in major festivals and markets. His
shorts “Love Triangle”, and “Tipping Point” have been selected and honored by
The Cannes Film Festival, The Sarasota Film Festival, Palm Beach Film Festival, and
the USA Film Fest. Leo’s TV pilot “Extravaganza” was selected as a runner-up and
featured during the ProShow at the PGA Produced By Conference.
FMM: Have you always been creative?
It’s a course and a blessing. At first, it was difficult, especially as a young man who didn’t know how to channel creativity, what to do with it or how to even recognize it. It all would result in a lot of confusion and sometimes even pain and sorrow. I was fortunate I met people who advised me and encouraged me to look for myself in something artistic. The minute I took that route, it all started to make sense… Well, sort of!
FMM: What led you to become a screenwriter and filmmaker?
Chance and, in a way, failure! I started off as an actor and a singer. I must even admit I wasn’t half bad. I still do it now and then. I studied with the best teachers and started working. Life for an actor in Hollywood is challenging. I was unsatisfied with the far-in-between chances I had to “express my creativity.” At the same time, I had ideas and stories that would come to mind and nudge me until I wrote them out. Once I started writing, my whole universe opened. I didn’t go to school for filmmaking or screenwriting. I learned on the ground. This happened right at the beginning of the YouTube era when creating original content was “the new thing.” Suddenly it was possible to get together with some friends, and at a small cost (or even with no money) we could make short films, web series, sketches… you name it. I started doing it. Trying stuff out. Some of my first shorts and videos totally sucked, but I’m quick on my feet and soon learned from my mistakes. When my acting career was, in effect, kinda failing, my filmmaking and writing took off. I found the resources and the partners to fund my first company, “7-Waves Entertainment,” and created content of every kind. Shorts, Commercials, and Web Series, all the way to my first feature film IN VINO.
FMM: Tell us about your first feature, a dark comedy entitled “IN VINO” (starring the legendary Ed Asner & Sean Young).
It was a real thrill to make In Vino. It tells the story of a mischievous Billionaire (Ed Asner) and his wife (Sean Young). They invite their closest friends and family to dinner, but before dinner is served Charles falls face forward on his plate, DEAD. Linda confesses that she poisoned him and everyone in the room to get the money. The guests have an impossible choice: Kill one person among them and take the blame for both murders to get the antidote or… DIE in one hour.
I was always fascinated by human behavior. The film’s idea was to put a group of people in an insanely absurd situation. The title itself refers to the Latin “In Vino Veritas,” meaning that when inebriated our true nature comes out. A metaphor to say that when people find themselves in an extreme situation, their real nature is exposed and revealed… It usually is a pretty tragic display, which makes for great comedy.
The cast is stellar: Ed Asner, who became a dear, dear friend, was really the highlight of this experience for me. At 89, this man took a chance on a young filmmaker like me and made my movie something it would never have been without him. His talent for comedy was like no other. His timing, clockwork. His heart… well, one of the best human beings I met. Working with Sean Young was a delight as well, and what a talent she is… boy oh boy! Absolutely gorgeous, skilled, elegant, and hilarious. The rest of the cast was made out of the most amazingly various ensemble of pros I could put together: Candice Azzara, utterly funny and spicy and sweet; my dearest Alison England, a powerhouse, comedy personified; Marina Benedict, one of the best actresses I’ve met, and so stunning, a total lens magnet; Brendan Bradley, who nailed a performance that truly carries the weight of the movie; my buddy Jill-Michelle Melean, a comedy pro, radiating joy; my amazing friend Brooks Almy, who went toe to toe with Ed Asner like no other could. Jeff Doucette, an entire circus act in one man; Adam Korson, sharp as a razor-blade; Jen Candy sweet sweet sweet and hilarious; Andre Gordon, a fella filmmaker of mine, and what an actor; Chris Ashworth, the one dude who played it “straight” in the movie; Casey Kramer and Natalie Britton, who stole the show with their physical comedy; and lastly a cameo from my friend Alex Rose Wiesel, who brought the film a lot of luck.
FMM: What genres interest you?
Lots! I think, more than genres, I’m drawn to stories that have an edge, something unusually off or strange. I love comedy. We need to laugh. To me, it’s a life-or-death thing. I love thriller stories and cut-throat movies that keep me guessing the entire time. I love films and tv shows with the guts to say something real, make a statement, and touch people in their heart of hearts.
FMM: How have you evolved in your craft?
Really by doing it. I had great people around me. I watched and, and learned… Still learning! I wrote a film, “Le Dame In Rosa,” with Martin Donovan, a veteran screenwriter, director, and author of such cult films as “Apartment Zero” and “Death Becomes Her.” Martin has been a friend and mentor for years. He helped me A LOT with “In Vino,” but writing “Le Dame In Rosa” with him took me to another universe. Martin truly is a genius. I can only hope to have retained a speck of the magic he showed me. I also recently wrote a pilot with Salvatore De Mola, one of Italy’s top screenwriters and winner of the highest laurels in Europe. Salvatore brought me on to help him write his Pilot “Overseas,” a remarkable WW2 series. Writing with Salvatore was another huge evolving point in my craft. I could go on forever… I learned it by doing it. It’s sink or swim, or at least it was for me.
FMM: You have been the creative force behind four musicals, with an original book, produced by the Totti Vocal Studio, one of the major musical institutions in Rome. Tell us about your experience.
Well, this is where my heart opens. Alfredo Totti is my first teacher and one of my best friends. He was my introduction to show business, and I have been privileged with many opportunities to go back home to Italy and work with Alfredo. He is a vocal coach of international acclaim and runs the most prestigious vocal academy in Italy. Alfredo is perhaps one of the artists that’s more similar to me (or I’m similar to him.) What I mean is that he never stops… He does one thing and plans 100 more. He had this ambitious idea of creating original shows for his students to perform in, and I was game! We brought to life 4 unique shows, which were a total success in Rome. I cannot wait to go back for number 5.
FMM: What will people notice when working with you?
I think they would notice my genuine love for what I do. They would also notice my resolve and my determination. During my initial, alone writing time, my process is a bit of a disorganized mess. Still, when I get to the stage when I’m ready to bring other people in, I am incredibly focused and know what I want. I’m also very demanding. I expect a lot from the people I work with. I expect a lot because I care a lot, and I give a lot. I am a bit of a perfectionist – A messy perfectionist – is that an oxymoron? Oh, well…
FMM: Share what is next for 2023.
I’m deep in development on a limited series entitled “The Six Mile House,” which tells the true story of Lavinia Fisher, the first female American Serial Killer. It’s a captivating tale, thrilling, dark, and full of suspense but also filled with humanity. I’m working on “The Six Mile House” with my friend Fabio Golombek, President of FJ Productions, and my new buddy Pete Corall, veteran producer of titles such as Django Unchained and 23 Jump Street. On the film side, I hope 2023 will see “Le Dame In Rosa,” go into production. It’s such a hilarious and surreal comedy with three fantastic women in the lead.
“Overseas” is also on its path to come to life, and I expect that 2023 will allow us to shine some light on this untold chapter of WW3.
In closing, I think my 2023 will have to include a vacation, a trip somewhere new and exciting. Something I can share with my life-partner JP and our families. I’m lucky I love my work, but it’s so important to be able to go back home, pet my pup, and cuddle up with the people that make my life worth living…
