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Sean Cisterna

Film Producer and Director

Professional Background

Sean Cisterna is a highly regarded feature filmmaker and television producer/director, best known for his impactful storytelling and his commitment to bringing true stories to life on the silver screen. With a career spanning over a decade, Sean's work has gained critical acclaim, with a focus on blending real-life events with compelling narratives designed to resonate with audiences of all ages. He is currently in the post-production phase of his latest project, FROM THE VINE, featuring Emmy winner Joe Pantoliano. This film promises to be another testament to Sean's dedication to creating engaging cinema.

One of Sean's most successful films, KISS AND CRY (2017), captivated audiences with the true story of Carley Allison, a young girl with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The film was not only a commercial success in Canada, topping the English-Canadian box office, but it also became one of the most popular titles on Netflix U.S. upon its release. Through its heartfelt narrative and the unique approach of casting Carley's real-life best friend, Sarah Fisher, as the lead, KISS AND CRY successfully highlighted themes of friendship, strength, and resilience.

In 2015, Sean directed the inspirational sports film FULL OUT, which tells the true story of gymnast Ariana Berlin. Starring the talented Jennifer Beals, this film has garnered a viewing audience on platforms such as Netflix and has been broadcast on major networks like NBC in the U.S. and Disney Europe.

Sean’s talent is not limited to feature films; he has also made his mark in television production. He is currently working with TLN Television and Corus Entertainment on a new preschool series titled My Name is Ripley, which is expected to air nationally in 2019. Sean's versatility in storytelling shines through in both his television and film projects.

Education and Achievements

Sean Cisterna is an alumnus of York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting and Film. His academic background in screenwriting laid the foundation for his successful career and honed his unique ability to craft compelling narratives. Strongly supported by his education, Sean has become a prominent figure in the film industry, not just as a creator but also as a mentor and leader in various production roles.

Throughout his career, Sean has worked with several esteemed production companies and television networks, wearing multiple hats in various projects. He held the title of Film Producer and Director at Mythic Productions and previously served as a Television Series Producer and Commercial Producer at Telelatino Network Inc. Other notable roles included Director and Co-Producer at Full Out as well as Director and Producer at Moon Point, where he further developed his storytelling style that consolidates emotion with realism.

Sean’s experience has also seen him in leadership roles at Bensondale Productions Inc., as well as from the creative front at Cin-O-Matic Films and Mcintyre Media Inc. Each of these positions reflects Sean's multifaceted expertise across film and television production, effectively showcasing both narrative depth and production quality.

Notable Achievements

  • From the Vine: Sean's upcoming feature film, which showcases his ongoing evolution as a filmmaker.
  • Kiss and Cry: A transformative film that topped the box office and ranked as one of Netflix U.S.'s most popular movies.
  • Full Out: A celebrated film that reflects Sean's commitment to sports narratives and inspirational storytelling, now available on major streaming platforms.
  • Moon Point: This award-winning road trip comedy has established Sean as a versatile director, winning praise at international film festivals.
  • My Name is Ripley: A new preschool series indicative of his innovative approach to diverse audience segments.

Sean Cisterna's ongoing passion for storytelling, combined with his impressive professional experience and academic background, positions him as a leading figure in both the film and television industries. His ability to create inspirational narratives based on real-life stories continues to resonate with audiences globally, reflecting his dedication to the art of filmmaking and storytelling. Currently engaged in exciting projects that encompass a range of genres and formats, Sean remains committed to crafting narratives that inspire, entertain, and enlighten viewers of all ages.

Related Questions

How did Sean Cisterna's education at York University shape his filmmaking career?
What were the key creative decisions behind the casting of Sarah Fisher in *Kiss and Cry*?
What lessons did Sean Cisterna learn during the production of *Full Out* that he applied in subsequent projects?
How has Sean Cisterna's approach to storytelling evolved throughout his career?
What challenges did Sean face while working on *From the Vine* and how did he overcome them?
How does Sean Cisterna balance his work as a film director and a television producer?
What inspired Sean to create *My Name is Ripley* for preschool audiences?
In what ways do Sean Cisterna's films address themes of resilience and friendship?
How does Sean Cisterna select the true stories he chooses to adapt into films?
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Location

Canada