Next person biography:
Toni is a proud Italian American with a strong family heritage, having grown up in Rhode Island. She has been cultivating her imagination since age 7, entertaining her family by recording a fictional talk show and voicing all seven characters. This SAG/AFTRA actress has a 30-year career in commercials, voice-overs, TV, and film, with credits including Law & Order SVU, The Blacklist, and Nasty Baby with Kristen Wiig.
Married to a restaurateur for over 30 years, Toni is a hyphenate with a creative presence in many aspects of the entertainment industry. She has extensive knowledge of the film and television business and is passionate about creating character-driven projects with original stories and ethnic diversity.
Toni founded Shake The Tree Productions to adapt to today's market trends and utilize new media and cutting-edge technology. The company is dedicated to encouraging change, demanding equality, embracing diversity, and striving for excellence through storytelling.
Toni and Shake The Tree have won over 75 film festival awards, including 5 consecutive years of Norwalk's Local Business Person of the Year. They have also completed 3 multi-award-winning TV pilots, 1 feature film, and 16 commercials. Toni works with her team to ensure high-quality results for the success of all projects.
Toni has many projects in development, including collaborative partnerships with APL Films, Koan Films, Resonant Blue Media, and Crimson Red Visuals. She is also working on several TV projects, including the true biopic Fallen Princess and the crime thriller No Alternative.
Toni gives back to her community by volunteering and donating to organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Rebound Hounds, and The Cancer Research Institute. She also offers internship and mentorship programs for aspiring filmmakers, college students, and recent grads, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
