MARYANN CASTRONOVO is an award-winning writer and director whose work lives at the intersection of lived experience and her natural gift for storytelling across multiple mediums.
Maryann’s roots in storytelling began as a bicoastal story editor in New York City and Los Angeles, which led to her role as Director of Development for iconic director Penny Marshall and her production company, Parkway Productions. Collaborating with Penny in the medium of film - interpreting stories through the lens of humor, heart, and empathy - was foundational to the evolution of Maryann’s writing and directing work.
After her film executive years with Penny, Maryann became the mother of two boys and launched her writing career with the popular weekly column Raising Mommy. During the column’s prolific eight-year run in various California outlets, including The Culver City News, The Blue Pacific News, and The Pasadena Star, she was awarded over 15 journalism awards for her exploration of what it means to grow up while navigating parenthood and marriage at every stage of life.
With her children entering high school, Maryann returned to the feature film medium with her coming-of-age story that inspired the feature film Embattled. She is also the co-producer of the film, which was released by IFC.
Currently, Maryann is working across three storytelling verticals: her original feature film script Just for a Day is in development with producer Autumn Bailey; her play is being workshopped in San Diego for its upcoming world premiere; and her essays and feature writing appear in both digital and print publications.
Maryann is based in San Diego and Los Angeles with her Sicilian husband, Anthony, and their dog daughter,
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