About
Inspired by the filmmaking achievements of Hollywood heavyweights Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Robert Zemeckis, and Steven Soderbergh, JOSEPH PROCOPIO started making films at the age of 8 on a Sony handicam purchased by his parents and began using basic editing software to imitate shots from his favorite movies.
His first film, Nine Times Eight (2004), which he directed at the age of 9, was screened in festivals around the world after debuting at the 2004 Toronto Sprockets International and Rhode Island Film Festivals. Joseph became the youngest director invited to the prestigious Palm Springs Shorts Film Festival, which was soon followed by a Canadian Embassy-sponsored screening in Washington D.C., and subsequent European debuts at Raindance UK, the CIFEJ Kids4Kids festival in Italy, and Little Big Shots in Australia to name a few.
Even before hitting a double-digit age, he had already decided upon a life in the entertainment industry. Having watched “E.T.” at the age of 6, Joseph innately understood director Steven Spielberg’s vision for story and how music enhances the film experience. He studied the “Making of” DVD extra with as much enthusiasm as the film itself, and by sharing his personal directing experiences and work ethics on tape, Spielberg unwittingly became Joseph’s inspiration and virtual mentor, setting in motion a filmmaking career that has already resulted in numerous international awards and accolades for the now 20-year old writer/director.
Over the past 10 years, Joseph was exposed to every aspect of the filmmaking process, thanks to the support and encouragement of his family who participated as willing production assistants. His mom and sisters have acted in his films and assisted with lighting and set decorating chores. Joseph has acted, written, edited and produced but it is as director that Joseph finds the greatest strength.
His father, Frank Procopio, achieved modest success in the Canadian film and TV industry in the 80’s and 90’s. With his guidance and advice, Joseph is now emerging as an accomplished filmmaker with a body of work that encompasses a wide range of human emotions and narratives.
The 14 films he directed and produced to date have caught the attention of established filmmakers and international media.
In 2011, Maclean’s magazine named Joseph as one of Canada’s “Top 10 under 25”.
Procopio currently has 4 feature films in development.
Joseph Procopio’s Films have been screened at:
Toronto Sprockets International Film Festival
Rhode Island Film Festival
Chicago Children’s Film Festival
Palm Springs International Short Film Festival
San Francisco International Film Festival
Marin County Film Festival
Austin Film Festival
Nashville Film Festival
Newport Beach Film Festival
Little Big Shots Australia
Phoenix Film Festival
Taiwan International Film Festival
ShowCommotion England
Danville Film Festival
International Family Film Festival
National Screen Institute of Canada
Reel Film Festival
New Orleans Film Festival
Victoria Film Festival
Raindance UK
San Diego Children’s Film Festival
Toronto Student Film Festival
Washington D.C. World Film Festival
Cleveland Film Festival
Seattle Film Festival
East Lansing Festival
VideoTivoli Finland
Cijej Kids4Kids – Italy
Cijej Kids4Kids – Cyprus
Barrie Film Festival
Tower Of Youth
Interlochen Future of Cinema Festival
Los Angeles Sports Film Festival
Mendocino Film Festival
YoungCuts Montreal Film Festival