Mary Walls, the eldest of a sprawling family of ten siblings, hailing from the quaint and charming town of Ballymaguigan, nestled in the lush and majestic Emerald Isle of Ireland, embarked on a daring journey at the tender age of 18, leaving behind the familiarity of her homeland to venture forth into the vibrant and pulsating metropolis of New York City, a destination that promised excitement, adventure, and limitless possibilities.
Sean's academic odyssey commenced at Saint Anthony's High School, providing the groundwork for his future academic endeavors. He subsequently proceeded to Princeton University, where he dedicated himself to the study of Politics, concurrently exceling in the sport of lacrosse, earning the distinguished title of All-American and National Champion. Throughout his time at Princeton, Sean also had the opportunity to refine his filmmaking skills under the tutelage of renowned instructors Sue Friedrich and Keith Sanborn. It was also during his Princeton tenure that Sean met his future wife, Liza Hillenbrand, a union that would flourish into a lifelong partnership.
As Sean brought his academic endeavors to a close in the year 2003, he took the courageous step of transplanting himself to the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, a city renowned for its eclectic energy and creative vibrancy. It was in this dynamic setting that Sean embarked on a professional odyssey, assuming the role of assistant to the illustrious film director Renny Harlin, a master of his craft with a plethora of critically acclaimed productions under his belt. Furthermore, Sean also found himself working alongside the accomplished film producer Tom Sternberg, a seasoned expert with a long history of successfully bringing complex projects to life on the big screen.
Throughout the duration of his tenure, Sean concurrently dedicated a substantial portion of his time and unwavering energy to the esteemed Loyola High School varsity boys lacrosse team, thereby fostering a profound and enduring passion for the sport among its members.
Beyond his duties as a coach, Sean simultaneously pursued a parallel path of athletic endeavour, as he took to the field as a professional player for the Los Angeles Riptide, exemplifying his unshakeable commitment to his profession and his unyielding drive for exceptionalism.
Sean's unwavering dedication to his cinematic ambitions drove him forward, propelling him down a trajectory of artistic manifestation, as his inaugural feature script, Beach Pillows, captivated the attention of Iron Films and Reason Pictures, ultimately securing an option for the project.
As the specified timeframe for the initial venture came to a close, Sean decided to revisit his hometown of New York, a city that had played a significant role in his formative years.
Despite the initial disappointment, Sean remained resolute in his pursuit of creative expression, and in a bold move, he took the reins, creating Walls Farms Pictures, a production company that would ultimately become the catalyst for bringing his innovative ideas to life.
Sean's remarkable journey as a filmmaker culminated in the creation of the captivating cinematic piece, Beach Pillows, in the year 2013. This outstanding achievement was elevated to new heights by the incorporation of a memorable soundtrack, which boasted an impressive lineup of renowned rock bands, including the acclaimed Deer Tick and the talented The Deadly Syndrome.
The motion picture in question made its highly anticipated and long-awaited debut at the illustrious Lighthouse International Film Festival, a prestigious event that attracts a diverse array of film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world, where it received widespread critical acclaim and recognition, which further solidified its reputation as a cinematic masterpiece.
The Amsterdam Film Festival, a globally respected and esteemed occasion within the realm of cinematic excellence, proudly presented the distinguished film with the highly coveted Van Gogh World Cinema Screenwriting Award, a resounding endorsement of its outstanding storytelling capabilities and masterful narrative craftsmanship.
The movie's debut was met with widespread acclaim, and shortly after its successful premiere, it was picked up for distribution by Gravitas Ventures, a highly regarded and esteemed film distribution company, in January of the year 2014.
The highly anticipated film's theatrical release was accompanied by a simultaneous debut on home video platforms, with the movie becoming available for purchase or rental on Blu-ray disc and DVD formats, thanks to the efforts of Films Around the World, a renowned company committed to delivering top-notch cinematic experiences to a global audience, thereby providing movie enthusiasts with a convenient and high-quality way to enjoy the film from the comfort of their own homes.
Sean's sophomore feature film, Covadonga, was a behemoth of a project that magnificently demonstrated his impressive range as a writer, director, editor, actor, and composer. The film's original soundtrack, meticulously crafted and performed by Sean himself, served as the icing on the cake, infusing the cinematic experience with an added layer of richness and intricacy.
Covadonga, a cinematic masterpiece, garnered widespread critical acclaim, with its screenings taking place at numerous prestigious festivals across Spain, Ireland, England, and the United States.
The film's impressive itinerary included a showcase at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, a distinguished institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of cinema, with a rich history of presenting innovative and groundbreaking films.
Additionally, Covadonga made appearances at the Anthology Film Archives, a legendary New York City-based organization with a storied past that has been a hub for avant-garde and experimental filmmaking for over five decades, providing a platform for innovative and daring cinematic works.
Covadonga's connection to the Museum of the Moving Image is a testament to the institution's esteemed reputation as a leading cultural hub dedicated to the multifaceted world of film, television, and digital media.
Situated in the vibrant heart of New York City, this iconic museum has been a driving force in the preservation and promotion of cinema for over two and a half decades, solidifying its position as a pioneering force in the industry.
With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, the Museum of the Moving Image has become a beacon for film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public alike, offering a unique and captivating experience that celebrates the art, history, and technology of the moving image.
The numerous accolades bestowed upon Covadonga's remarkable film served as a resounding endorsement of Sean's unparalleled filmmaking prowess, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his burgeoning reputation as a talented figure in the industry.
Sean's impressive array of awards, which included top honors for Best Film, Best Narrative, Best Score, Best Actor, and Best Director, stood as a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication as a filmmaker, and served to further solidify his reputation as a rising talent in the industry.
These prestigious awards, a culmination of Sean's tireless efforts and unwavering passion for filmmaking, served as a resounding validation of his artistic vision and technical expertise, and cemented his status as a masterful storyteller capable of captivating audiences with his unique narrative voice.
As a result of these impressive accolades, Sean's reputation as a skilled and innovative filmmaker continued to grow, attracting attention and admiration from industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike, and paving the way for future projects that would undoubtedly showcase his remarkable talent and artistic vision.
Sean's artistic pursuits transcend the boundaries of the cinematic world, as he has simultaneously embarked on a musical odyssey, releasing a trilogy of rock and roll albums within a remarkable one-year timeframe, commencing on July 9, 2021, and concluding on July 8, 2022.
Sean's multifaceted talents extend far beyond his musical endeavors, as he has consistently demonstrated his remarkable versatility by taking on a wide range of roles within the production of various projects for an impressive array of esteemed brands and networks.
His impressive and extensive resume showcases a diverse array of credits, including that of a skilled writer, director, producer, and editor, all garnered through his work with a multitude of distinguished clients.
Sean, a dual national boasting dual citizenship of both the United States of America and the Emerald Isle, Ireland, resides in the picturesque state of Connecticut, where he cherishes the warmth of his loving relationship with his wife, Liza. This blessed union has been enriched by the arrival of their three precious children, Sloan, Roan, and Francis Finn, who have brought immense joy, happiness, and a profound sense of fulfillment to their family's life.
