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 (BuzzfeedBloody 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.