Franco Parente

Born and raised in Miami, Florida of Cuban descent, Franco has worked as an assistant director on countless television commercials, music videos and narrative films, for the US, Hispanic and European markets since 1997. In 2005, Franco produced his first short film with writer/director and long time friend Mara Farina, Psychobabble, winning the Best Comedic Short award at the Made in Miami Film Festival and touring festivals around the country. In 2006 he wrote, co-produced and directed his first two short films Irish Luck and Gas. Irish Luck taking the runner-up award for the Entertainment Incubator and premiering at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Gas won the Best Acting award for the 48HR Film Project while making it's festival premiere at the Miami Short Film Festival. In 2008 he wrote, produced and directed Casper & Kitty. An HD Short that won the Grand Prize at this Entertainment Incubator and was an official selection at Hollyshorts, Palm Springs Shortfest, HBO New York International Latino Film Festival and was awarded the best Florida film award at the Jacksonville Film Festival and Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Casper & Kitty has been licensed for broadcast by CANAL + in France and is in the process of being developed into a television series. Between short films, Franco has directed various television commercials and industrials for clients such as Burger King, Coca-Cola, Toyota and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as well as music videos for Sony Latin & independent recording artists.