Joseph Procopio's filmmaking journey began at the tender age of 8, inspired by the legendary directors of Hollywood, including Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Robert Zemeckis, and Steven Soderbergh. With a Sony handicam purchased by his parents, he started making films, using basic editing software to recreate shots from his favorite movies.
At the age of 9, Joseph directed his first film, "Nine Times Eight" (2004),which premiered at the Toronto Sprockets International and Rhode Island Film Festivals, garnering numerous awards and accolades. This achievement earned him an invitation to the prestigious Palm Springs Shorts Film Festival, followed by a Canadian Embassy-sponsored screening in Washington D.C.
Joseph's European debut at Raindance UK, CIFEJ Kids4Kids festival in Italy, and Little Big Shots in Australia solidified his position as a rising talent in the industry. Even before reaching double digits, he had already set his sights on a career in entertainment, inspired by the iconic film "E.T." at the age of 6.
Joseph's innate understanding of director Steven Spielberg's vision, direction, and use of music in storytelling was sparked by watching the film's making-of DVD extra. Spielberg unwittingly became Joseph's virtual mentor, setting in motion a filmmaking career that has resulted in numerous international awards and accolades for the now 19-year-old writer/director.
Over the past decade, Joseph has been exposed to every aspect of the filmmaking process, thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of his family. His mother and sisters have acted in his films, while his father, Frank Procopio, achieved modest success in the Canadian film and TV industry in the 80s and 90s, offering valuable guidance and advice.
Joseph's father's influence has played a significant role in his growth as a filmmaker, with the 12 films he has directed and produced to date showcasing a wide range of human emotions and narratives. His work has caught the attention of established filmmakers and international media, with Maclean's magazine naming him one of Canada's Top 10 under 25 in 2011.
Joseph's journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and family support. Despite his young age, he has already established himself as an accomplished filmmaker, with a body of work that is sure to continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
