Toni's upbringing in the picturesque state of Rhode Island played a pivotal role in molding her identity, with her Italian American heritage serving as a constant source of inspiration and pride. As the sole child in her family, Toni's creative juices began to flow at a remarkably young age, seven to be exact, when she started recording her very own fictional talk show. This impressive feat was made all the more remarkable by the fact that she single-handedly voiced all seven characters, showcasing her impressive range and versatility.
As a result of her early foray into the world of entertainment, Toni went on to spend three decades honing her craft, accumulating a diverse range of credits across various mediums, including commercials, voice-overs, television, and film. Her impressive resume boasts a plethora of notable roles, including appearances on Law & Order SVU, The Blacklist, The Mysteries of Laura, Taxi Brooklyn, Blue Bloods, The Following, and Nurse Jackie, solidifying her position as a talented and accomplished actress, with her SAG/AFTRA membership serving as a testament to her dedication and professionalism.
For over three decades, Toni has been married to a restaurateur, a union that has provided her with a rich tapestry of experiences and a deep understanding of the culinary world. This remarkable individual is a true embodiment of the term "hyphenate," possessing a diverse range of creative talents that have been showcased across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.
With a passion for creative expression that burns bright, Toni has spent the past 30 years honing her skills and building a wealth of knowledge about the film and television business. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a unique set of skills that enable her to navigate the complex landscape of the entertainment industry with ease, making her a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Toni's "get it done" mentality is a testament to her unwavering dedication and perseverance, and it is this unrelenting drive that has allowed her to achieve so much in her career. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the industry, Toni is the ultimate problem-solver, always ready to tackle new challenges and overcome obstacles with aplomb.
Notable entrepreneur and filmmaker, she embarked on an innovative venture by establishing Shake The Tree Productions, a forward-thinking production company that prioritizes the development of character-driven projects. These projects feature original stories that celebrate ethnic diversity and champion inclusivity by employing a non-gender-specific approach to casting and crew hiring, ensuring equal pay for all team members.
As a steadfast advocate for the preservation of independent filmmaking, she remains committed to keeping the essence of this art form alive in the face of evolving market trends. To achieve this goal, Shake The Tree Productions leverages the latest advancements in new media and cutting-edge technology, thereby staying ahead of the curve and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Toni and Shake The Tree can proudly claim an impressive array of accolades, boasting an extensive list of achievements that includes over 75 film festival wins, numerous semi-finalist nods, honorable mentions, and official selections.
In addition to their impressive film festival credentials, the duo has also received widespread recognition for their entrepreneurial endeavors, having been honored as Norwalk's Local Business Person of the Year for an unprecedented five consecutive years.
Beyond their business achievements, Toni and Shake The Tree have also made significant strides in the television industry, having developed and produced a 15-part unscripted TV series, as well as three multi-award-winning TV pilots.
Their feature film credentials are equally impressive, with one completed project earning widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. In addition, the duo has delivered over 16 commercials, completed two shorts, and produced an award-winning music video.
Furthermore, Toni and Shake The Tree have also created multiple sizzles and trailers, showcasing their versatility and range as creatives.
Notable credits of the individual include the highly acclaimed and award-winning short film, "The Undesirables", which starred Jason Mewes, a talented actor known for his work in various projects.
Additionally, the individual was involved in the creation of "The Cottage Community Idea House", a five-part series that aired on the popular home renovation show, "This Old House".
The individual's work also includes the direction of the feature film, "A Brooklyn Miracle", which was directed by Shaun Piccinino, a seasoned filmmaker.
Furthermore, the individual was the creative force behind the multiple award-winning series, "Sober", which was helmed by veteran show-runner Mike Mariano.
In the realm of unscripted programming, the individual collaborated with Kevin Durkin, a renowned expert in restoration, on the series "History by Design", which aired on "Restoration Road".
The individual's impressive credits also include the direction of "Mooch", a film featuring an all-star ensemble cast, which was directed by sitcom legend Richard Kline.
Lastly, the individual hosted the unscripted series "Welcome to Italian America", which was hosted by Emmy-nominated actress Cara DiFalco.
Toni collaborates extensively with every individual comprising the dynamic ensemble that is Shake The Tree, fostering a seamless synergy between writers, directors, and editors to guarantee the ultimate pursuit of excellence in every project undertaken, thereby cementing the pathway to unparalleled success.
