I first met Geno when he and his post-production company, Lit Post, came on board to co-produce my genre feature, Silent Night. I knew through that initial experience that Geno was a true professional who understood the creative process. And perhaps most importantly, that he got things done and was a valuable collaborator with whom I wanted to build a relationship. Fast forward 8 years later, and we have completed 2 films together – Silent Night and Cell – and have another half a dozen projects in active development, all of which he was pivotal in our pursuit and acquisition. Without his fundraising efforts and passion to push things forward, our film slate would look very different today. I look forward to our production partnership in the present, and the one in our future, as well.

Since we first met during our CAA days, I’ve worked and have been friends with Geno for over 15 years now, and they don’t come any more stand-up than him. Whether it represents a professional or personal relationship, Geno’s always been a person you can trust. And in any circumstance, that’s a quality you value and hold onto once you find it. But aside from just his good nature, he’s uniquely positioned in his craft, having knowledge of both the creative and business sides of the industry. Being in a role of having to manage continual project development, he’s often provided me with valuable insights that have helped me turn a critical corner, and I very much look forward to the day when we get to combine our talents and create something compelling together.

Geno and I have worked together on several projects and there is no one more committed, collaborative, and savvy with whom I have worked on my films. He's an extraordinary hands-on producer who knows his craft and the politics of the industry. As a writer/director, I must have a trusted producing partner to ensure my movies are efficiently packaged, delivered in a quality manner, and acquire distribution to find an audience. Geno managed all of these things and more - he saved our movie. When we were two weeks out from production, our female lead fell out, and he quickly met the challenge by expertly steering the talent agency landscape to find an equal replacement. While under extreme pressure to keep our movie from falling apart, he stayed professional and composed and got the job done, not only saving our film but dozens of jobs in the process, including my own. He's an incredibly well-rounded producer and I eagerly await our next project together.

Geno is a dealmaker. He was a dealmaker when he ran sales and business development for my company, Lit Post, and he was a dealmaker when he came on board to executive produce my film, Itsy Bitsy. But more than that, he understands the creative process and how to help manage it; he understands movies. And from a very personal standpoint, he’s passionate about them, too. All of which made him a major influence on both the growth of our company, and on the completion and sale of Itsy Bitsy. He’s someone I trust – both professionally and personally – and I look forward to our continuing relationship.

Geno has a way with people, and especially with kids; he's a youthful spirit himself. When I was Principal at School of St. Mary in Lake Forest, all of the students looked up to him and would eagerly await his visits. So much so, that when he would come in for Career Day his slots were always the first ones to go. When he left, they immediately asked when he'd be coming back. He engages with the students on such an interactive level, that he inspires them not just in their school work, but in their lives, as well; they simply like being around him. Plus many of them are pursuing careers in the field or are investing time & effort engaging with film studies as a hobby, and Geno truly nurtures that in a way that helps to grow their hopes and ambitions. I can tell you first hand, that is no easy feat to accomplish with a bunch of elementary and junior high aged students. We could use more principled people like him shaping the next generation of young creative minds, and I look forward to bringing some of his inspirational lessons to Big Hollow School District #38.

During the time that Geno worked for my company, I found him to be a tireless and determined professional. He’s a people person, through and through, always with a ready smile and contagious enthusiasm. He continually holds himself to the highest standards and principals, and places no greater value than on his own personal integrity. To any person or institution in need of a trustworthy and self-motivated individual, I cannot recommend him more enthusiastically.

Geno’s an idea machine, and his passion for film and to nurture budding creatives is unmatched. I was recently in development with him on a high school film initiative for our Family Video brand. It was going to be an aggressive approach to help grow our audience by tapping into a younger generation of brand enthusiasts, and to encourage them to develop their interest in filmmaking. We spent over a year on it together, and were making exciting progress. Then the pandemic hit, quickly killing our 42-year-old Family Video business. We were forced to shut down all remaining locations and any future plans surrounding the company, including my initiative with Geno. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. But I take great comfort in the fact that Geno's innovative ideas surrounding his filmmaking outreach initiative - partnered with his extraordinary talent and resourcefulness - will bring a wealth of opportunities to young filmmakers. And perhaps most importantly, provide enduring value and a path forward to any of its participants. So if you happen to be one of those potential participants reading this right now, I cannot recommend Geno more highly for your endeavors. He has the passion, experience, and determination to help you, your students, and any other person develop interests to skills and skills into opportunities.