Step into the Bold Yet Elegant Landscape of Louis Ponesse Jr.
Louis Ponesse Jr. is a young writer, director, and producer renowned for his electrifying approach to storytelling. A self-starter with a relentless drive to break new ground, Louis has seamlessly transitioned from gripping dramas to edgy dark comedies. His films don't just entertain—they push the envelope, celebrating the experimental and the unexpected. Each project is a deep dive into uncharted territory, filled with thought-provoking narratives and unforgettable characters. Louis is on a mission to not only entertain but also to educate and enlighten his audiences by revealing sides of themselves they never considered, wielding his art like a cinematic scalpel to cut through the mundane and reveal the extraordinary.
Louis Ponesse Jr. DEMO REEL 2020
Bio
Originally from New York, Louis Ponesse Jr. is a dynamic filmmaker celebrated for his audacious storytelling and cutting-edge direction. Kicking off his journey in Superior, Arizona, at just 16, Louis has carved out a career drenched in creativity and acclaim. His work on "Eurydice" at Mesa Community College earned him an AriZoni Award nomination and a scholarship to the Stage Craft Institute of Las Vegas. His debut film, "Hands," made waves as a semi-finalist at the Transparent Film Festival in New York, showcasing his knack for cinematic magic.
Graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in Filmmaking Practices in 2020, Louis went on to direct four short films that lit up festivals like the "South Film and Arts Academy Festival" and the "Night of Misfits Film Festival." His Hollywood stint includes work on major network shows like ABC's "Home Economics," "Blindspotting," and "Big Brother." Mentored by the talented Keith Powell from "30 Rock," Louis sharpened his skills and vision. Following his time on set, he joined Sovereign Talent Group, where he learned talent management under an established agency, assisting in working with icons such as Mr. T and Hulk Hogan.
Now, at 26, Louis has just wrapped the pilot for his new show "Gray World" and completed his fifth short film, "She Loves Me." As the Creative Director for Baskow Talent and The Las Vegas Speakers Bureau, under the wing of the influential Jaki Baskow, he continues to push the envelope. On the brink of becoming a producer for an upcoming feature film, he's also pursuing a Masters in Film and Media Studies at Arizona State University. With a wealth of experience and a relentless drive to continue growing, Louis Ponesse Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
Education
Masters of Applied Sciences - Film and Media Studies Arizona State University Graduated 2024 |
Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking Practices Arizona State University Graduated 2020 |
Louis Ponesse Jr.'s educational journey at Arizona State University has provided him with a comprehensive and pioneering experience in filmmaking. At ASU's Tempe campus, Louis gained a deep understanding of filmmaking through theoretical and practical approaches. He was part of the film program before it was officially named The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, witnessing and contributing to its evolution.
Body of work
Click on titles to see work
As a nervous fiancé clings to an old love tradition for guidance, he unknowingly steps into a lesson about control's slippery grip, destined to twist his future in unexpected ways.
Three quirky college roommates move to Los Angeles, hosting a chaotic house party to find a vital fourth roommate. Balancing on the brink of losing their home and dreams, they navigate a series of comedic misadventures in their quest for meaning amidst the confusing world of young adulthood.
In a world where C.R.E.A.M. reigns supreme, a fierce woman demands her overdue promotion from a ruthless pimp. He offers her the crown, but only if she can pass his deadly test.
A down-on-his-luck clown gets pulled over by a cop with half a brain cell who offers a solution: perform an impressive trick, or face jail.
A man gets ensnared by a psychotic family and forced into their twisted Sunday dinner, while two offbeat detectives bumble through the case. As blood-soaked secrets hilariously unravel, both the captive and the investigators uncover a dark, hidden truth, pushing them to confront their own demons and ultimately learn to accept themselves.
A woman confronts her past traumas, recounting events that shattered her trust, as she navigates the challenging path to healing and rediscovering faith in others.
Testimonials
Jaki Baskow
Founder of Baskow Talent & LVSB
“Louis Ponesse has been working for me for a little under a year.
He is the most excellent, loyal, Team player and hard-working young man that has ever worked for us.
Louis is creative, attentive to detail, and research everything. I highly recommend him for any position.
Louis is a rare breed and a find.”
Keith Powell
Actor, Director, and Producer
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Louis on various projects, including the ABC show Home Economics and a short film called Squish. In my work with him, I have found Louis to be a dedicated individual who stands out for his thirst for knowledge, incredible work ethic, and dependability. He consistently strives to achieve his dreams of becoming a writer and director. I have witnessed his dedication firsthand, and it is evident that he is always actively working towards his goals.”
Recio Young
Actor, Production Manager, Producer
“I have witnessed the exceptional contributions that Louis has made to our TV/Film community. Not only is he an excellent and hard-working employee, but he has dedicated himself to enriching the lives of other coworkers around him. Louis is truly special for his compassion and commitment to helping others and to seeing our projects through to completion.”
Leigh Keene
Talent Agent, Sovereign Talent Group
“Louis was able to rework and streamline many old processes in the daily functions of our talent agency. He is dependable and works in an efficient timely manner which is a critical attribute in any facet of the entertainment industry.
Accolades
A Night Of Misfit Films
Selected for CREAM (2021)
South Film and Arts Academy Festival
South Film and Arts Academy Festival
Selected for Typical (2019)
Selected for Hands (2019)
Transparent Film Festival
Semi-Finalist for Hands (2019)
Kennedy Center
of The Arts
Festival
Finalist for Scenic Design in Eurydice (2018)
Arizoni
awards
Semi-Finalist for Scenic Design in Eurydice (2018)
The Stagecraft
institute of
Las Vegas
Recipient of scholarship (2018)