John Berardo

Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, John always had an immense drive and ability to expand his creative boundaries. Before starting his MFA in Film and Television Production at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, John received a BA from UCLA in Theater directing and play writing with a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. In 2013 John wrote and directed a short horror film, "Dembanger", for the USC Media Institute for Social Change. The short received positive reviews and later became the inspiration for his first feature film "Initiation." In 2014 he directed "iLA" for Armani's Films of City Frames, premiering at TIFF. The same year, John directed the public service announcement "Post and Text Responsibly" for CBS2-KCAL9, receiving a Los Angeles Emmy nomination. In 2020, his feature debut, "Initiation," was selected to premiere at SXSW and Sitges, theatrically released domestically and worldwide in 2021 by XYZ Films, Saban Films and Lionsgate Entertainment.