As a child, Joe Greco knew just what he wanted to be when he grew up.  With his small magic kit in hand, Greco had aspirations of becoming a magician.  He idolized David Copperfield and excitedly went to every one of his concerts whenever the famous illusionist came to town.  Magic was a key part of Greco’s childhood, and his passion for it continued to remain for many years to come.  Greco never did deter from his dream.  He did, in fact, become a magician… just minus the top hat and white bunny.

Today, Greco is a talented filmmaker.  And while there is no white smoke or magic wands in his career, Greco is indeed creating illusions for audiences all across the nation.  “A magician and filmmaker are actually two very similar professions.  Both require the willing suspension of disbelief on the part of the audience,” says Greco.  He goes on to describe that still images are projected at 24 frames a second, resulting in the perception of movement.  “Film is an illusion,” explains the director.

Greco says that as a young boy he didn’t just admire Copperfield for his magic, but for his ability to convey a story with each performance.  “He could weave a narrative around the trick,” recalls Greco.  The filmmaker says that is what he tried to do with his own magic shows in school.  “Every performance got a little bigger and I eventually levitated a girl on stage in high school.”  It was during this time that a good friend of Greco’s introduced him to a Steven Spielberg film, Empire of the Sun.  “I always loved movies, but when I saw that film, everything changed,” confides Greco.

The gifted writer-director was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida; a small town wedged between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.  And as Greco calls it, “the ‘other’ Hollywood.”  Greco’s childhood was for the most part fairly traditional.  He grew up in a blue collar, middle class family with two very loving parents.  However, Greco admits that despite the happy times, things weren’t always easy.  “Life wasn’t perfect.  I grew up watching a parent battle mental illness.”  Greco overcame his challenges and went on to follow his dreams.  With a great love for magic and a creative passion, Greco set out for film school.  He was accepted at Florida State University, where he was fully able to express his artistic talents.  “As a filmmaker you never stop learning.  But when you are a film student, you can fail safely.  Try things.  Learn what works and what doesn’t.  In fact, I encourage all film students to fail.  Fail bravely.  See what the medium is capable of, and find your own voice,” advises Greco.

Greco’s first film, a short documentary titled, The Ghost of Drury Lane, was directed while he was in London. Greco took part in a study abroad college program during the time.  The award winning short is about the ghosts that allegedly haunt the backstage corridors of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Covent Garden, as told by the octogenarian manager George Hoare.  Sadly, Hoare has since passed away, but the Drury Lane legends continue on.  According to Lane employees, Hoare’s ghost roams the darkened corridors late into the night.

After graduating from Florida State University, Greco took on an assistant job for a certain someone in Los Angeles.  That certain someone turned out to be Mr. James Cameron.  “I often tell people that working for Jim was my ‘grad school,’” states Greco proudly.  Fresh out of college, Greco began helping Cameron on the set of one of the largest blockbusters of all time, Titanic.  Watching him {Cameron} work was a gift.  I learned a lot from my experience,” fondly recalls Greco.  “He was a great mentor and he was the one who signed my application to join the Directors Guild of America.”

Cameron wasn’t Greco’s only great mentor; he was blessed with quite a few over the years.  Bruce Beresford, director of the films Driving Miss Daisy and Tender Mercies, was always a dear friend to Greco and offered him much insight on the art of filmmaking.  George Hickenlooper also held a very special place in Greco’s heart.  Hickenlooper recently passed away and Greco says he misses him greatly.  “His new and last film, Casino Jack, just opened and Kevin Spacey was nominated for a Golden Globe.  George would be so proud,” expresses Greco.  In addition to their own great films, Beresford and Hickenlooper acted as executive producers to Greco’s film, Canvas.

In 2006, Canvas was released starring such honorable actors as Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, Emmy Award winner Joe Pantoliano, and Devon Gearhart.  The film was inspired by Greco’s childhood and the influences his parents made on his life during his youth.  Canvas embraces the reality of living with a schizophrenic parent.  Pantoliano stars as a Florida construction worker struggling to make ends meet and facing the trials of being a father and husband in a family where mental illness reigns.  Greco reflects much on his own personal strifes of dealing with a mentally unstable parent, but also uses happy nostalgia to inspire the making of this film.  Canvas reflects a time in Greco’s childhood that was fondly remembered.  Greco’s father encouraged the love of sailing with him when he was a boy.  A cherished memory that the film beautifully captures.  When it comes to inspiration, Greco explains that every script has its own type of motivation.  “Ultimately, everything I do begins with an emotion; a feeling.  I write from that feeling and try to communicate that feeling to the audience.”  Canvas went on to win Best Feature Film in the Alice in the City sidebar of the Rome Film Festival after winning several Audience Awards at U.S. film festivals, including the prestigious Sarasota Film Festival.  Canvas was also invited to Roger Ebert’s Film Festival just outside of Chicago where it received a much coveted “Thumbs Up” Award.  “It was something I will never forget,”  remembers Greco.  Canvas has been the recipient of many honorable awards and has earned much praise and recognition over the last few years.  It was released by Screen Media Films, Universal Studios Home Entertainment released it onto DVD, and it has since appeared on Showtime.

Greco, in addition to his work in film, has directed music videos, including “Take Me Home,” from the widely popular HBO series, True Blood, and also “Hope is a Thing” for singer/songwriter Lisbeth Scott (Munich, Avatar).  Greco has had the distinct pleasure of working alongside the two time Academy Award winning cinematographer, Haskell Wexler.  Greco also has produced web content for the Walt Disney Company.

Currently, the filmmaker is busy working on several projects.  One is a road trip drama entitled, Miracle Mile, while the other is a light hearted film that the whole family can enjoy.  Firecrackers, which is still in development, is a feel good story about how a talented jump rope team got its start.  The Firecrackers have wowed and amazed audiences across the nation from stadiums and the Macy’s Day Parade to a presidental inauguration and television appearances.  Firecrackers is being described as “The Blind Side meets The Bad News Bears” kind of film.  Greco and a production team attended the University of Kentucky and Sycamore High School last year to film the team during a few of their halftime shows.

There is no doubt that Greco is the highly creative mind behind many smart and well made films and videos, but what about the actors that help make the magic come alive.  Over the years as a filmmaker, Greco has worked with many greats such as Harrison Ford, Matthew Modine and Cloris Leachman, just to name a few.  When asked if he had an actor in particular he’d like to work with one day in a film, Greco had a hard time narrowing down his list.  “There are so many wonderful actors working today,” states the director.  “But I would love to work with Robert DeNiro.  He’s an American treasure. I also think Anthony Hopkins is brilliant.  He could read the phone book aloud and I’d be captivated.”  In the film industry, there are quite a few brilliant artists as far as Greco is concerned.  “Anyone who is able to get a movie made or have a piece of art produced, I admire,” expresses Greco.  “I love the work of Chris Nolan.  He is always breaking new ground.  And, of course, James Cameron.  I think Avatar is a wonderful film that has so much relevance to the plight of our own planet.”

Behind every great career, there are the pros and the cons; the high and the low moments that define us.  For Greco, the hardest part of filmmaking is the search for financing.  “Just ask any filmmaker,” confides the director.  “You are asking people to believe in something that doesn’t exist yet; an idea.  Fortunately, there are plenty of people who still believe in dreams and want to see them come true.”

And as far as regrets?  “I see that everything that happens, even the ‘mistakes,’ are opportunities for growth and understanding.  With that said, I do have a few wishes.  I wish I could have met Jim Henson before he died.  I love the Muppets and the original Muppet Show was brilliant,” Greco states.

On the flipside, working as a filmmaker can be quite an entertaining experience.  Greco says he loves to be able to collaborate on set with the actors and crew.  “Everyone who works on a movie contributes something and it is my job as the director to bring out the best in everyone, ” explains Greco.  “Actors are so much fun to work with.  Watching a gifted actor work is a thrill.”

Being a filmmaker also means lots of traveling and not just within the United States.  To be able to visit other countries around the world is a privilege many of us don’t get to experience.  “I love Italy; Rome is my favorite city.  I also enjoy visiting London, Shanghai and New Zealand,” confides the director.

The movie industry definitely has both its perks and its challenges, and getting started as a filmmaker can be daunting.  Greco had a handful of wise mentors to help guide him along his journey and make transitioning into the industry, smooth.  He learned much from these great men and cherished each and every one of his experiences with them.  But for some film students who are just starting out, mentors are few and advice doesn’t come easy.  According to Greco, a successful filmmaker must learn to follow their own path as honestly as possible.  Greco says he has seen too many young filmmakers trying to be other people and their work is then devoid of authentic meaning.  “There is nothing wrong with aspiring to be successful, but ultimately being true to yourself and honoring your own voice is more important, ” counsels Greco.  I must say, this is well-stated advice for all aspiring filmmakers, in addition to all the rest of us out there needing some words of wisdom in life.

Greco is a true talent; his filmmaking is masterfully done.  He has worked hard in the field and will continue to amaze audiences  with his gift of creativity for many years to come.  “I want to continue doing what I love to do, and inspire people with my work,” responds the filmmaker.  After all, Greco is indeed a magician, living out his childhood dream and making people fall in love with his craft.  Only a few individuals  in this world possess such an ability, and Greco is most definitely one of them.

For more information on Joe Greco and his filmmaking career, please visit www.canvasmotionpictures.com.