Meet Shaun Paul Piccinino | Film & Television Director, writer, producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaun Paul Piccinino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaun Paul, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“From great sincerity comes great achievement.” This is a quote I first learned through martial arts and the philosophy of my martial arts teacher. It immediately struck a chord with me. If you approach just about anything in life with true sincerity the path to success, will become evident. At least that has been my experience. In martial arts it’s meant to corollate to techniques and how you apply them. I saw the truth in that through practice and then later started applying it to all walks of life.

So in the film industry I approach every project, film or otherwise with the utmost sincerity. In the people I collaborate with and the approach to the art itself. Whether it’s a lighthearted rom-com or an action-packed revenge flick, I do my best to put my heart and passion into it one hundred percent. And the results have almost always been so rewarding and fulfilling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Making films and TV series is my absolute passion. The process excites me, energizes me, and I genuinely adore every aspect of creating a movie or show. Whether it’s designed to touch your heart, evoke deep emotions, or simply entertain, I believe that films and shows are a vital art form. This belief drives my commitment to storytelling.

In my projects, I’m always on the lookout for compelling stories, intriguing characters, and exceptional collaborators. Finding the right team is just as crucial to me as selecting or developing a project. I also always strive to infuse even the most serious narratives with a touch of levity. Anyone familiar with my work will notice that there’s a consistent theme of heart at the center of every story I’ve had the privilege of telling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
-The Getty Center for Art

-A surf lesson in Manhattan Beach

-Grand Central Market for food

-Catch a movie at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (or TCL Chinese Theater)

-A hike up Escondido Canyon Trail

-Motorcycle ride down the coast from Redondo Beach to Dana Point

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well of course there have been many along my journey that have really impacted my life is such a positive way, so I can’t just name one.

My parents! They have always been so supportive, constructive and the guiding light in my life and career. So I owe them everything.

Alan Noel Vega has been a multi-faceted mentor and more importantly a dear friend from the very beginning of my adventures in Hollywood. He has basically also provided the opportunities (and guidance) to covert on those opportunities every step of the way. I did my first stunt gig under him, then later my first stunt coordinator position. As I continued to grow, he also fostered my first 2nd Unit Director opportunity on a tv series. Years on we worked on dozens of video games together and after that he actively pitched me as a director to bigger and bigger projects. Words can’t express my gratefulness to him. He is family to me.

After my career started to blossom, Ali Afshar came into my life and has also been a major mentor and dear friend. Believing in my talents and work ethic to be at the helm of 8 movies and counting for him, 6 of which ended up on Netflix (3 of those topping the charts worldwide), yet another film on Hbo’s Max (also topping the chart) and another distributed by Lionsgate with a limited theatrical run! I adore him and also considered him family.

Of course, there’s so many more like cinematographer Brad Rushing, actor Casper Van Dien, producer Christina Moore, writer producer Lauren Swickard, the list goes on and on and on! I am so grateful and truly cherish every one of them for just being a part of my life.

Website: https://www.directorshaun.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directorshaunpiccinino/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-piccinino-2060aa8/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@piccininopictures

Other: http://www.direct.me/directorshaun

Image Credits
Maria Lupu, Gloria El-Achkar, Brad Rushing