Biography

P.J. Pesce

Jump to

Born and raised in Miami, Florida. After completing an undergraduate degree majoring in both English Literature and Architecture at Columbia University, he entered the Graduate Film School and studied directing under Martin Scorsese (from whom he received honors) and Brian De Palma (from whom he received an "F"). Has worked as a musician, a film editor, a studio recording engineer, a film instructor at Columbia, UCLA, and USC, a groom at Calder Racetrack, and a plasterer. (He funded his thesis student film plastering renovated brownstones in Brooklyn.) He studied editing with Ralph Rosenblum, and acting with Brad Dourif. He was named Best Independent Director of the Year at the Hamptons International Film Festival for his critically acclaimed film The Desperate Trail (1994), which he wrote and directed. Received a Special Grand Jury Award for his short film The Afterlife of Grandpa (1989) at the Houston International Film Festival, and Young Filmmaker of the Year from the Edinburgh Film Festival. He is the recipient of Grey Advertising's Student Filmmaker Award and a Presidential Fellowship from Columbia University's School of the Arts.
- IMDb mini biography by: anonymous

Is a Canadian, European Union, and US citizen, holding an Italian passport.
Has studied the Israeli martial art Krav Maga for twelve years. Is an active motorcyclist and horseman, having grown up at the racetrack. In addition, is an accomplished amateur magician and member of the Magic Castle who often includes magic as an element in his films.
Has studied Krav Maga for ten years; an avid motorcyclist and horse-rider.
Has studied quick draw and cowboy shooting with legendary gun handler Thell Reed for 15 years.
Was featured in Billy Frolick's book 'What I Really Want To Do Is Direct', along with other filmmakers Marco Williams, Liz Cane, John Keitel, John McIntyre and Bernard Joffa.

Suggest an edit or add missing content