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Marisa Polvino
Award-winning film producer and thought partner with expertise in crafting social impact messaging in creative content.
Professional Background
Marisa Polvino is an esteemed award-winning producer known for her exceptional expertise in identifying, packaging, and producing high-quality, star-driven content across various genres and budget levels. As the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Straight Up Films, a prominent boutique entertainment company based in Los Angeles, Polvino is at the forefront of innovative filmmaking. She play a pivotal role in overseeing business strategy and operations, while adeptly shaping projects and forging valuable partnerships with thought leaders and change-makers that resonate with the company’s ethos.
Throughout her impressive career, Polvino has produced a remarkable array of notable films, including Transcendence, Outside Providence, Door in the Floor, and The Education of Charlie Banks. Working alongside Hollywood luminaries such as Rosario Dawson, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Gina Rodriguez, and Johnny Depp, she has established a respected presence within the film industry. Currently, Polvino manages an eclectic slate of projects, demonstrating her versatility and creativity as a producer. Among her exciting endeavors are Dissonance, a captivating young adult love story with a multiverse twist set to be directed by Catherine Hardwicke, alongside a highly anticipated film adaptation of Viktor Frankl’s iconic memoir, Man’s Search for Meaning.
Education and Achievements
Marisa Polvino’s education background is as diverse as her career trajectory. She studied Radio and Television Broadcasting, Theater, and Drama at the Polytechnic of North London, where she laid the foundation for her expertise in media production. Following this, she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies at the State University of New York College at Oswego, equipping her with a well-rounded understanding of media communications.
With a long-standing commitment to advocacy and social impact, Polvino co-founded Straight Up Impact, an initiative aimed at leveraging the power of cinema to influence culture positively. Recognizing the potential of storytelling to evoke emotion and shift perspectives, the organization focuses on creating, producing, and financing thought-provoking content that inspires positive social change.
Among her many notable achievements, in 2019, Marisa produced the short scripted film series “Power On” for Google and YouTube. This impactful series, directed by leading actresses, has a mission to inspire gender and racial inclusion for young girls aspiring to enter STEM fields. Furthermore, in 2020, she collaborated with the Kapor Institute and SMASH.org to create a powerful documentary focused on social justice through the voices of diverse youth. Currently, she is producing the award-winning short film series, “Meaning in Madness,” which addresses the pressing systemic issues related to the mental health crisis facing young adults and teens, highlighting the importance of finding meaning and purpose in their lives.
Community Engagement and Social Impact
Marisa's commitment to community engagement and fostering social responsibility extends beyond the entertainment industry. In early 2022, she invested in Barely Canadian, a Venice, CA-based social enterprise with an innovative business model that allocates 20% of its profits to support foster youth organizations. By aligning with brands that prioritize giving back, Polvino exemplifies the ethos of social entrepreneurship.
Moreover, she is a founder and serves on the executive board of Fosterprenuer Inc, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to sparking creativity and nurturing business ideas among foster and at-risk youth. The organization provides entrepreneurial programs tailored to empower young individuals with essential skills in ideation, business strategy, e-commerce, and marketing. The pilot program was successfully launched at UCLA in the summer of 2022, with plans for expansion to prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge in 2023.
Conclusion
Marisa Polvino's multi-faceted career as an award-winning producer and her unwavering commitment to social impact reflect her drive to make a meaningful difference in the world through the power of film and storytelling. Her role as a leader at Straight Up Films and her diverse array of philanthropic efforts exemplify her dedication to both the art of filmmaking and the betterment of society. With a strong educational foundation, a noteworthy portfolio of projects, and a mission to inspire positive change, Marisa continues to shape the entertainment landscape and uplift communities through her influential work.
