Frank Mancuso was born in Albany, NY. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1979. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Rose in 1983 in Public Communications. In 1983, he moved to NYC to study acting and pursue his dream. He studied at HB Studio’s with Bill Hickey and Michael Beckett. He took time away from acting and started a career in Law Enforcement. He was a Court officer, worked for the NYPD as A Evidence and Property Specialist and then became a NYC Deputy Sheriff in 1997 until he retired in 2014. He was also a First Responder during the 9/11 attacks. He also worked a second job at Madison Square Garden for 25 years, which lead him back into the movie industry working as a bodyguard to many celebrities over the years. Since then he has begun writing and producing. His first production, called Blue Iron, in which he was Executive Producer aired on Amazon Prime for a year. Currently he is working on his 2nd screenplay. His first screenplay called S.T.A.N.E. has won several film awards
Exclusive Interview with Frank Mancuse- Screenwriter
NY GLAM: WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
First, thank you for the interview. We are excited, we are currently working on a new Horror Film called ‘SHIFT’ written and directed by my partner Chris Bear Adams. We are hoping to have a May 2020 release and submit for the Houston Horror Film Festival in June 2020. This is my second project with Chris. He also wrote and directed Blue Iron.
My other project is a comedy called Isabella that I had the pleasure as Executive Producer to work with Geri Costa, who produced and wrote this comedy. She is also the casting director of Street Smart and several other shows. We hope to have this ready for spring 2020 to pitch to the networks.
NY GLAM: WHAT MAKES A FILM GREAT FOR YOU? ARE THERE CERTAIN QUALITIES THAT MAKE A FILM BETTER FOR YOU?
For me, a film has to grab me within the first twenty minutes. I need to relate to the characters and be drawn into their lives as the character to be believable. Basically, when the movie is over, will I remember you and bring you up sometime in a conversation with someone. That means, you stood out. Ex. Like James Caan, who payed Sonny Corleone. You knew exactly who he was from the start.
NY GLAM: AS A SCREENWRITER, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF BUILDING A CHARACTER.
As a writer, you need to know everything about the character, before the audience see’s him. Who is was, what kind of life did he have growing up, his social and economic status. For ex, an wealthy rich kid, whose Dad is powerful, tends to look down on other people, not knowing the daily struggles what it is like to make ends meat.
NY GLAM: TOP 3 FAVORITE PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN?
Well, my first one would be our own project Blue Iron. Seeing it develop from a sizzle reel to a full 20 minute episodic on Amazon Prime. We couldn’t have been more excited then that. My 2nd would be “The Departed” I auditioned for a role as inmate and got called in as a featured extra in the scene with Leonardo DiCaprio. Cool. My last would be working as a Security guard in a scene with Teddy Savalas in a Kojak movie. He was cool. Nice people.
NY GLAM: DO YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF CREATIVELY IN ANY OTHR WAYS?
Yes, I am currently working on my second screenplay, entitled “AVA” My first ever screenplay won best Action/Adventure at the Las Vegas International Film Festival. Platinum in the International Film Festival and Silver at The Hollywood Screenwriters Awards. It has received several more Laurels since. So far, Ava has picked up 2 Laurels already. Plus, I have in the past dabbled as a lyricist and co wrote 5 songs with different musicians like Tony Caso, Rich Riggi and Paul Amodeo.
NY GLAM: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONEWHO WANTS TO HAVE A CAREER IN FILMAKING?
First you need patience. Rome was not built in a day. This industry is very competitive. Keep pushing yourself to always get better. Do your own projects that are going to make you shine and stand out. Especially with today’s social media net working availabilities.
NY GLAM: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU IN 2020?
I am hoping to raise funding to produce at least 2 films this year. The “Iron Wraiths” and my featured S.T.A.N.E.
NY GLAM: WHERE CAN EVERYONE KEEP UP WITH YOU TO LEARN MORE?
My Instagram account is THE CALABRIAN KID. My Twitter account is @Wraiths17102774 and my Facebook is BLUE IRON PRODUCTIONS LLC.
Thank you for this opportunity. It was my pleasure speaking with you. Stay Tuned.
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