Antonio Piccillo is a filmmaker whose style is unmistakably his own, characterized by long tracking shots and naturalistic conversations contrasted with fantastical plots. His films, often shot on location throughout the University of Arizona campus, serve as an informal tour of the campus.
The Auteur’s Journey
Antonio Piccillo’s journey to becoming an auteur filmmaker began when he was a child. Inspired by superhero films such as “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “The Avengers”, he created his own movies with his cousin. The pair produced the short film “Rich Brothers” in 2010, which featured two wealthy brothers battling the villainous SpongeBob and his crew of pirates.
- His filmmaking journey has been influenced by his family’s involvement in the arts.
- His parents, Jeff Imig and Juliana Piccillo, have been involved in social and environmental justice projects.
- He is largely self-taught, with some formal training from occasional classes at Pima Community College and the Chuck Williams Master Acting Class.
Piccillo’s Style and Themes
Piccillo’s films often blend elements of comedy, fantasy, romance, mystery, and sci-fi. He frequently features the University of Arizona campus as a character in his films, showcasing its unique architecture and natural surroundings. His use of long tracking shots and naturalistic conversations creates a sense of realism, while fantastical plots and characters add a touch of magic to his stories.
| Genre | Example |
|---|---|
| Comedy | “The Tucson Murder Mystery” |
| Fantasy | “The Tucson Multiverse Mystery” |
| Romance | “The Vampire Who Loves” |
Challenges and Opportunities
As a self-funded filmmaker, Piccillo faces challenges in securing funding and scheduling production. Budget constraints can lead to compromises in script development and casting. However, he has recently received funding from the Southern Arizona Film Society for their Film Positives Program, which has allowed him to create a new short film, “The Dinner”, with a professional cast and crew.
“My favorite part of making a movie is the connections you get along the way,”
Piccillo said. “And you can basically just make something when you have a team, when you have a community with you.”
Future Projects and Collaborations
Piccillo is set to release the superhero film “The Adventures of SuperToto” this summer, and he aims to explore new genres, such as film noir. He is also involved with Mountain Springs Community Services, which provides Home and Community Based Services to people with disabilities in Tucson.
- Piccillo will receive a budget of $1,000 to $3,000 from the Film Positives Program.
- He will use the funding to create a new short film, “The Dinner”, with a professional cast and crew.
- Piccillo’s future projects will focus on expanding his resume and exploring new genres.
“The Dinner” is a short film that focuses on strangers meeting at dinner and learning each other’s backstories, with the possibility that one of them could be a killer. Piccillo expressed excitement over finally being able to pay his cast and crew for their work.
A Community of Filmmakers
Piccillo’s work is part of a community of independent filmmakers who are breaking down barriers and pushing boundaries in the film industry. As an autistic filmmaker, Piccillo is a valuable addition to this community, bringing a unique perspective and style to his films. This film is a testament to Piccillo’s perseverance and dedication to his craft, and it serves as a reminder that with hard work and a supportive community, anything is possible.