ABOUT
Presenting the IFC Center Premiere of "Zoul"
My name is Tom Cassese, and I am a filmmaker, animator, and illustrator.
Whether through live-action or cartoons, my goal is to tell entertaining stories that people love. I strive to create films with interesting plots and characters that stay with people after the credits roll. My dream in life is to create someone's favorite film.
Since graduating summa cum laude with a film degree from Hofstra University's Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, I have directed and produced independent film projects. My most recent films, Zoul and Concurrence, have screened and won awards at festivals internationally and all over the country, from New York to Los Angeles to the 69th Cannes Film Festival. My new animated film Beanstalk has so far been accepted into 2 festivals.
While not directing and producing, I work in the television industry -- currently at AMC Networks and SundanceTV, and previously at truTV and The Discovery Channel. During college, I interned at DC Comics in their editorial administration and talent relations department, which gave me invaluable insight into the business-side of creative storytelling. I also illustrate children's books, most recently an anti-bullying story entitled Kids on Patrol.
I also have experience pitching my original stories. Last year I pitched an original animated series to Fred Seibert of Frederator Studios. Previously, I had pitched an original concept Forbidden, which is available on my website. I've also had separate pitch meetings with Sony, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks Animation Studios, where I pitched my concept, The Wrong Side of the Universe, as a feature. I fully intend to continue developing and pitching ideas, so I decided to go back to school to further hone this skill. I started classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York City in computer animation, pitching, and visual media IP development taught by former Marvel Comics executive editor Carl Potts.
I don't know how I find the time to do all this, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much for visiting my website. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a collaboration. I'd love to work with you! And stay tuned because there's always more news to come!
- Tom
Whether through live-action or cartoons, my goal is to tell entertaining stories that people love. I strive to create films with interesting plots and characters that stay with people after the credits roll. My dream in life is to create someone's favorite film.
Since graduating summa cum laude with a film degree from Hofstra University's Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, I have directed and produced independent film projects. My most recent films, Zoul and Concurrence, have screened and won awards at festivals internationally and all over the country, from New York to Los Angeles to the 69th Cannes Film Festival. My new animated film Beanstalk has so far been accepted into 2 festivals.
While not directing and producing, I work in the television industry -- currently at AMC Networks and SundanceTV, and previously at truTV and The Discovery Channel. During college, I interned at DC Comics in their editorial administration and talent relations department, which gave me invaluable insight into the business-side of creative storytelling. I also illustrate children's books, most recently an anti-bullying story entitled Kids on Patrol.
I also have experience pitching my original stories. Last year I pitched an original animated series to Fred Seibert of Frederator Studios. Previously, I had pitched an original concept Forbidden, which is available on my website. I've also had separate pitch meetings with Sony, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks Animation Studios, where I pitched my concept, The Wrong Side of the Universe, as a feature. I fully intend to continue developing and pitching ideas, so I decided to go back to school to further hone this skill. I started classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York City in computer animation, pitching, and visual media IP development taught by former Marvel Comics executive editor Carl Potts.
I don't know how I find the time to do all this, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much for visiting my website. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a collaboration. I'd love to work with you! And stay tuned because there's always more news to come!
- Tom
