#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it?

A lonely woman. An art collector. A speed dating event. What could go possibly go wrong? Who wouldn’t want to know?

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

The initial idea for The Keeper came to me from listening to my wife recount one of her crazy dreams. After I wrote the script, I had my wife and producing partner read it. She put the script down and said “This taps into too many of my fears. I’m not sure I can help you produce this.” The next day she said, “I keep thinking about that script.” The journey began.

#3: What is your movie making background?

Tell us about yourself. I am a NYC based actor / writer-director / filmmaker. I am also a founding partner in DelanoCelli Productions. I have performed in numerous plays in NYC and I can be see in co-starring roles on Blacklist, Gotham, and the Onion News Network. When I'm not acting in other people's work, I create my own. Laura Delano and I began working together by producing and associate producing a number of Off-Off Broadway plays as well as Off Broadway. I wrote and directed my first film in 1999 on 35mm, before the digital explosion. I believe in treating people the way you want to be treated. I believe in showing up on time, which in this business means early. I believe the only person you are in competition with is yourself. I believe in helping each other to succeed. I am a lover of spirited conversation, good friends, good food, and good wine. Being Italian, that means invite six, cook for twelve…ok, twenty.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

Time is always at a premium in independent film, and with this film it was especially tight. I was working in front of and behind the camera so it was important to give myself the extra minutes to switch gears. It was also essential to have a DP I had worked with before along with a producing partner who encouraged me to take on this challenge.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

The Keeper premiered on October 3rd of 2019. The film will be on the festival circuit for the next year and a half. I currently have two shorts that I am writing and I am refining my first feature film script which I plan to enter into screenplay completions in early 2020. I hope to direct it.