Born and raised in New York, Mr. Castaldo began a professional career in the casino business working 10 years in Atlantic City and Las Vegas as a croupier. Mr. Castaldo then relocated to Los Angeles where he resides to pursue his passion of telling stories. Mr. Castaldo is a multi-award-winning independent producer well versed in all areas; development, talent, pre-pro, production, post, festivals, and sales/distribution with his company Destiny Pictures. Mr. Castaldo produced the mystery thriller Dose Of Reality. The film stars Fairuza Balk, Rick Ravanello and Ryan Merriman. DOSE had its world premiere at the prestigious Cinequest Film Festival and is now on DVD and VOD platforms as well as playing internationally. Mr. Castaldo produced the inspirational documentary My Run - narrated by Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton. My Run screened in 535 movie theaters nationwide. The film received 10-best documentary awards including; the Audience Award for its world premiere in Austin, Outstanding Achievement In Documentary at the Newport Beach Film Festival, and Grand Jury Prize Best Documentary at the Las Vegas Film Festival to name a few. Mr. Castaldo was the co-executive producer of the thriller Psych 9 in association with IPC International (Hostel, The Pink Panther). The film had its theatrical premiere opening in the UK - Lions Gate released the film domestically. The film stars Sara Foster, Cary Elwes, and Michael Biehn. Mr. Castaldo produced The Perfect Tenant a twisted story of passion and revenge directed by Doug Campbell, starring Linda Purl and Maxwell Caulfield (premiered on HBO and Lifetime) and The Perfect Nanny a domestic thriller in the vein of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle directed by Rob Malenfant, starring Bruce Boxlitener and Tracy Nelson (premiered on USA network/ a 1.1 million licensing fee sale). Both of these "perfect" films are original stories developed by Mr. Castaldo. In addition, Mr. Castaldo had been a judge for five years for The Academy Of Motion Pictures' prestigious Nicholl Fellowship in screenwriting. Mr. Castaldo has worked as a development executive for three years with American New Wave Films. Mr. Castaldo has also spoken on panels for UCLA advanced screenwriting, Sherwood Oaks film school, and ScreenwritingU. 2023 development and pre-production include the powerful drama "For Allison" with two-times Oscar-nominated director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Breaker Morant, Tender Mercies) to direct and The Black List Recommended screenplay "Rage Against The Night".
