BIOGRAPHY
A queer sci-fi / fantasy / horror writer in television, film and new media, Mario began his career co-creating, writing and directing the Mark Cuban produced web series THE VAULT, which garnered millions of views and awards recognition.
He went on to co-write and co-directed the psychological thriller feature CIRCLE which was acquired by Netflix. The film went on to become a cult hit, frequently included on "Best of Indie Sci-Fi and Horror" lists to this day (Buzzfeed, Bloody Disgusting, Kotaku).
Next, he co-created the streaming anthology series DARK/WEB which was acquired by Amazon. He served as showrunner, producer, and series writer, as well as wrote and directed one of the anthology episodes. The show earned 7 Daytime Emmy nominations including Outstanding Digital Drama Series and Outstanding Directing Team.
Mario also co-wrote the social horror film MADRES for Blumhouse. That film debuted on Amazon as part of the WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE series and earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special.
On the filmmaking side, Mario recently completed work on the micro-short ghost story RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT and is currently in pre-production on new horror and sci-fi shorts shooting this year.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
DAYTIME EMMYS
Mario was nominated for 3 Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on DARK/WEB:
Outstanding Digital Drama Series
Outstanding Directing Team for a Digital Drama Series
Outstanding Main Title and Graphic Design for a Live Action Program
Alongside 4 additional nominations for DARK/WEB:
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
Outstanding Guest Performer in a Digital Drama Series - Rene Heger
Outstanding Guest Performer in a Digital Drama Series - Graham Sibley
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
Mario was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD for his work on Blumhouse’s MADRES:
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
HOLLYWEB FESTIVAL
Mario's series THE VAULT won BEST WEB SERIES at the HollyWeb Festival.
INDEPENDENT FILM QUARTERLY FESTIVAL
THE VAULT won the Audience Award at the Independent Film Quarterly Festival
MARSEILLES WEB FEST
The VAULT was also nominated for the Best Web Series Jury Award at the Marseilles Web Fest.