Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Perri.
Hi Tony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a boy, I’ve always been interested in film production and creating visual experiences. As kids, my brother and I put on stage shows in the garage for the neighbors to watch… This evolved into a love for production of all kinds, but my career began being in front of the camera as a TV news anchor, reporter and producer. After working for several TV stations, I was fortunate enough to land a job working for Roy Disney and Michael Eisner and the Walt Disney Company. At Disney I produced hundreds of live and taped TV special, commercials, promotions, and satellite news releases. Our team at the Walt Disney Company was one of the first companies in the world to have an “in-house” broadcast news division where we created video footage and interviews with celebrities for free use by TV stations, networks and entertainment shows across the country. A highlight of my time at Disney was spending two weeks in Russia with Roy Disney, where we showed the Russian people classic Disney films that had never been seen before in Russia. This was the first Disney-Russia Film Festival.
After Disney, I started my own production company, Surf’s Up Studios and retained Disney. My client list grew quickly and included Paramount Pictures, FOX Studios, Major League Baseball, and Warner Bros. About 12 years ago, I moved Surf’s Up Studios to Coronado where I am now. My company is under contract with the City of Coronado to produce the City Manager’s Weekly Update for Coronado TV along with many other productions for the community. We also produce independent films. My first was the movie Serotonin Rising starring the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra and Dr. Larry Dossey. The movie is about scientific research from the NIH, which revealed that doing kind acts for others makes you healthier and happier. My second film is School of Thought, which stars David Lynch, Donovan and Dr. John Hagelin. There are special appearances by Paul McCartney, Ringo Star and Mike Love. The movie is about how meditation in schools is alleviating stress and violence. My latest movie is Daydream Hotel which won Best Comedy at the 50th Annual Houston Worldfest two years ago. The movie was filmed on Coronado, at the Glorietta Bay Inn and the Hotel Del Coronado.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The major struggles were breaking into the TV news business and working from one small TV station to another. It’s a very competitive market but what drew me in was that I love inspiring others through my films and TV productions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am so blessed that I make a living doing what I love to do. I have taught filmmaking at the University of Colorado and at the Coronado School of the Arts, and it gives me great joy to teach and watch others reach their full potential. As a director, I get the chance to help young actors grow, and it is so rewarding to see them reach new heights. I love making music videos and have helped a few young singers at the beginning of their careers.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most is knowing I am doing what I love while serving others through teaching and good work ethics.
Contact Info:
- Email: tonyperri@icloud.com
- Website: surfsupstudios.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoBeachCompany/
- Youtube: YouTube.com/surfsupstudios
Image Credits
Tony Perri
