By: Maria Williams

For Chris Cardillo, the path from actor to producer to award-winning director was nothing less than thrilling. Cardillo is known for his energetic tale-telling skills and fastidious approach to filmmaking, which recently caused a stir at the Manhattan Film Festival with Best Drama in the festival for his directorial premiere entitled Second Chance City. This debut signals Cardillo’s talents behind the camera are just as deserving of attention as his work in front.

From Actor to Director

Cardillo began his beginnings in the film industry on the stage as an actor, where his love for storytelling began. He recalls one of the earlier films he acted in, which was called The Grievance Group. Since then, he has branched out to co-write and star with Jersey Shore star JWoww in the feature The Mint. It wasn’t an unnatural transition into production, as he was contributing quite often on set to various aspects of filmmaking.

I’ve always been a bit of a showman,” Cardillo reflects. “As a kid, I would write and perform skits, and those moments were the foundation for what I do today. Over time, I wore multiple hats, and producing became a big part of my career.”

Having produced ten films, many of which he co-wrote, Cardillo felt ready to take on his next creative frontier: directing. When presented with the opportunity to work with the compelling independent script for Second Chance City, Cardillo knew his time had come. His goal was unequivocal: win film festival awards and be recognized as a new voice with a unique vision.

Challenges Behind the Camera

Of course, new endeavors often come with their own difficulties. “The biggest challenge on set is keeping everyone focused and engaged,” Cardillo explains. “With so many opinions and creative perspectives, it is about having a clear vision and communicating effectively to the team.”

On Second Chance City, Cardillo led a small cast and crew through a decidedly structured production environment. His sets have always been professional, and this production was no exception. “We consistently hear how professional our environment is,” Cardillo reports. “That’s because we pre-plan everything in advance so everyone knows what to expect.”

With this attitude and refusing to play “a game of chicken” with demanding actors or crew members, the filming process is bound to stay productive. If disagreements arise, Cardillo digs his heels in and ensures that the film’s integrity is left intact. It’s a no-nonsense attitude that extends to his emphasis on maintaining a respectful, distraction-free work environment, which he considers a key priority in the MeToo era.

Independent Filmmaking: A Different Look

Cardillo has proven his ability to pull his weight in several aspects of filmmaking and has given him a unique edge over other directors. Being a longtime producer taught him to oversee an entire production, with attention to detail, to ensure everything goes well. But the real ace up his sleeve is his commitment to making films that resonate emotionally with viewers.

“I always had a big imagination, and I just love creating a mood or concept that draws people in,” Cardillo says. He loves storytelling, which he views as the art of building an immersive experience. Second Chance City is an example of a heartfelt narrative, and its compelling performances draw an audience into a story haunting long after the credits roll.

Foreseeable Future

Winning Best Drama at the Manhattan Film Festival is a significant milestone in Cardillo’s career, but it’s just the beginning for him. “My goal has always been to collaborate with creative individuals and direct films I’m passionate about,” he says. With his sights set on working with established actors and actresses, Cardillo envisions a future where he can pick up the phone and have Hollywood’s finest take his projects seriously.

For now, Cardillo is enjoying the success of Second Chance City and planning his next move. As he continues to build his reputation as a director, there’s no doubt that the film world will be watching closely to see what this multi-talented filmmaker does next. With his impressive trajectory and unwavering dedication to his craft, Chris Cardillo is a name we’ll be hearing much more of in the years to come.

View the trailer for Second Chance City here or watch the entire film here. Follow Chris on Instagram and his website.

Published by: Holy Minoza