James Dalessandro, a renowned writer, director, and producer, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and later educated at Ohio University and the prestigious UCLA Film School. His impressive career has been marked by numerous milestones, including the founding of the Santa Cruz Poetry Festival in 1973, a literary event that has become the nation's largest and most esteemed.
Dalessandro's literary accomplishments are equally impressive, with four published books to his credit. His best-selling novel, "1906," is a gripping account of the devastating San Francisco Earthquake, while "Citizen Jane" is a true crime story that follows a San Francisco woman's 13-year quest for justice against the man who murdered her aunt.
The success of "1906" led to a bidding war between Warner Brothers and Dreamworks/Universal, with Dalessandro ultimately selling the rights to the former. He then wrote the screenplay, which is now set to be directed by the acclaimed Brad Bird for a Pixar live-action film.
In addition to his literary achievements, Dalessandro has also made a name for himself in television. He wrote and produced the documentary "The Damnedest, Finest Ruins" for KQED/PBS, which is currently available on the network's YouTube channel. His work on the documentary earned him the prestigious Platinum Broadcaster's Award.
Dalessandro's other notable projects include "Petrosino," a true story about a New York cop's 26-year battle against the Mafia, and "The Chosen," a project based on an idea by the legendary Stan Lee. Throughout his career, Dalessandro has demonstrated his versatility and talent as a writer, director, and producer, earning a reputation as one of the most respected and accomplished figures in the entertainment industry.
