A Turtle in Times Square

  • Director

    Daniel Florio

  • Country, Year, Length

    United States, 2024, 22:27

  • Category

    Narrative Short

  • Format

    Digital

  • Festival Year

    2025

Synopsis

Fired from yet another ice cream store, Toby faces pressure from his fed-up girlfriend who demands he find a stable career to contribute to rent. Toby interprets this as a chance to realize his secret dream career: to become a Times Square mascot!!

Film Screening & Ticket Information

When & Where to See this Film!

BLOC: Queens Corner: 6 Films straight outta the borough, no transfer needed.

KAS Zukor Theatre
3:30pm Sunday, November 9th

Films in this Bloc:

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Film Information

From the Director

Director Statement

“A Turtle in Times Square” is a heartfelt comedy celebrating the dreamer in all of us. Fired from yet another ice cream store, Toby faces an ultimatum from his girlfriend: find a stable job or risk their relationship. Instead, Toby pursues his secret dream of becoming a Times Square mascot.

This film explores the trials and triumphs of chasing unconventional dreams against societal pressures. Times Square, with its vibrant energy, is the perfect backdrop for Toby’s transformation. Through humor and heart, we highlight the joy and absurdity of following one’s passions.

Creating this film allowed us to delve into themes of identity, ambition, and staying true to oneself. I hope audiences find humor, hope, and inspiration in Toby’s journey.

Director Biography

Daniel Florio is a screenwriter, actor, and director based in Astoria, New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Rider University, has studied and performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC, and honed his filmmaking skills in Tuscany, Italy with Alto Studios. Daniel’s early career included work as a Production Assistant on major studio films like “Men in Black 3,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and “Noah.” He then advanced to an Associate Producer role at Conde Nast Entertainment, where he contributed to branded videos for “GQ,” “Golf Digest,” “Vanity Fair,” and “The New Yorker.”

Daniel’s notable projects include the award-winning short film “KAREN” (Best Horror, L.I. International Film Expo, 2019; Actress of the Year, Austin Revolution F.F., 2019), as well as “In for Business” (short film, fiction), “Enchantment Park: in 3D & 4D!!” (Off-Broadway play), “Monitored” (short film, fiction), and “Stakeout” (episodic, fiction). His work has been featured at various film festivals, including the San Antonio Film Festival, Austin Revolution Film Festival, Coney Island Film Festival, Channel 101 NY, Astoria Film Festival, and L.I. International Expo.

Credits

    • Daniel Florio
      Director
      KAREN, The Improviser, SWIPED
    • Daniel Florio
      Writer
      KAREN, The Improviser, SWIPED
    • Chris Sciacco
      Producer
      Best in the City, The Improviser, SWIPED
    • Daniel Florio
      Producer
      The Improviser, SWIPED, Best in the City
    • Johnny Gaffney
      Key Cast
      “Toby”
      Nicole, SWIPED
    • Haley Copes
      Key Cast
      “Kimberly”
      D4
    • Meeko Gatusso
      Key Cast
      “Tito”
      Euphoria, House of Dolls
    • Dominic Leonelli
      Key Cast
      “Times Square Flash”
    • Artie Brennan
      Key Cast
      “Off-Brand ELF”
      Monitored, The Improviser, In For Business
    • Ray Robinson
      Key Cast
      “”Showtime!” Dancer”
      Kill Tony
    • Chris Sciacco
      Director of Photography
      The Improviser, Best in the City
    • Chris Sciacco
      Editor
      The Improviser, SWIPED, Best in the City
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