Craig Campobasso

**Biography of Craig Campobasso**

California native Craig Campobasso began his journey in the film industry immediately after high school, dedicating four years to working behind the scenes on the iconic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s *Dune*, under the mentorship of producer duo Dino and Raffaella De Laurentiis, as well as director David Lynch. His career took off as he served as a casting associate on Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed series *Amazing Stories*, which paved the way for his role as casting director for the beloved holiday film *Prancer*, featuring Sam Elliott.

With over 30 years of casting experience, Craig earned an Emmy nomination for his work on David E. Kelley’s *Picket Fences* and has also made a mark as an acting coach in Los Angeles. His creative aspirations extend to writing, where he aims to craft thought-provoking narratives that challenge audiences' perceptions of existence while adhering to Hollywood’s entertainment ethos.

Craig's directorial debut came with the short film *Stranger at the Pentagon*, inspired by Dr. Frank E. Stranges' UFO literature. The film garnered significant acclaim, winning Best Sci-Fi Film at the Burbank International Film Festival in September 2014, where it sold out all 275 seats, and a Remi Award for Best Sci-Fi Short at the Worldfest Houston International Film Festival in 2015.

A sought-after speaker, Craig has shared his insights on platforms like Coast to Coast AM and The History Channel’s *Ancient Aliens*, further cementing his position in the realms of film and speculative thought.