Upcoming Projects
Joey, a talented but overworked designer, lives his life chained to deadlines—professional and personal—always promising himself “next time” he’ll slow down. But when he is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the clock begins to tick louder than ever. Convinced he has only months left, Joey clings to the one thing that keeps him fighting: the belief that his girlfriend is carrying their child. The thought of never meeting his son or daughter becomes both his greatest heartbreak and his only source of hope.
As Joey races against his body’s decline, he discovers truths more devastating than his diagnosis. His girlfriend’s pregnancy may not be real. Friends he trusted retreat under the weight of his mortality. The world he thought would pause for him continues to move forward, indifferent to his suffering. Against the cruel backdrop of betrayal and isolation, Joey unexpectedly survives longer than doctors predicted—long enough to confront the wreckage left by false promises and fragile loyalties.
What follows is not a story about dying, but about living with the unbearable knowledge of an ending that never seems to come. Joey learns that self-love, not borrowed affection or illusions of legacy, is the only way to reclaim his fleeting time. Each day becomes an act of defiance: not against death, but against the lie that he was ever unworthy of life in the first place.
Raw, intimate, and unflinching, this is a story about what it means to love yourself when time runs out, and what happens when you outlive both your own expectations and the truths you once clung to.
Our upcoming feature film is currently in the early stages of preproduction. We will be conducting a full audition process prior to the new year to assemble a dynamic and passionate cast. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and continue through the spring. This project marks an ambitious and emotionally powerful journey, and we look forward to collaborating with talented artists both in front of and behind the camera as we bring this story to life.
Upcoming events
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Transcending Pictures Film Mixer & WTHE Wrap Party
10.11 6:00-10:00PM
Transcending Film & Arts Mixer open to the community. Perfect networking event as we celebrate the completion of the Where the High Ends Production. This event will have finger food, music, and video presentations. There will also be big film announcements for future local productions and events.
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Meet Charles @ NYC Indie Horror Book Fair
11.22 12:00-5:00PM
Brooklyn Attic Books has been working diligently at serving the online horror community, and working hard to bring people together for bookish events. For the first time, we are thrilled to kick off the NYC Indie Horror Book Fair!!
This event is an open invitation to indie authors who don’t always get a seat at the big table, who rarely shine in the NYC spotlights, and work hard to keep horror fresh, weird, and indie. We want you and your haunting tales, chilling zines, grossed out art, and whatever spooky fucked up shit you write!
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Auditions for Terminal
12.13 11:00AM-5:00PM
Auditions for Transcending Pictures next feature film Terminal. This film is an intense drama focusing in mortality and the challenges people face when preparing for the end of their life.
Location of Audition & Roles will be announced soon.
Where the High Ends filmed from April - August, 2025. The film is currently in post production and is set to release mid 2026.
Savior:2025 Event/Arts Mixer - January 10th, 2025
New Adult Fantasy Released October 5th, 2024
456 Page Epic Dark Fantasy inspired by the work of George R.R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie, and Tolkien. If you like dragons, battles, family drama, political moves, and mystery you will love REIGN.
In the dead of night, the royal family of Mermac’s kingdom is ruthlessly attacked and scattered across the treacherous land of Commodus. Desperate to reunite, each family member embarks on a perilous journey, only to be drawn deeper into a web of chaos and deceit. As long-buried secrets begin to surface, alliances are shattered, and the line between love and vengeance blurs. Some seek the comfort of their lost kin, while others are driven by darker, more sinister motives. In a kingdom where nothing is as it seems, will the royal family find their way back to each other—or will the truth tear them apart forever?
Reign was my creative answer to Metamorphosis: The Art Antidote Odyssey my memoir. I felt after writing a memoir from personal experiences it was only right that my next book be something entirely fiction from my wild imagination. Creating a world from scratch, with unique customs, geography, creatures, religions, and philosophies was extremely challenging. I cannot wait for you guys to check this one out!
Charles
CIFF OPENING SPEECH AND FOOTAGE
Speech was given by Charles Marinaro and Anthony Gagliardo at the opening ceremony of The Catskill International Film Festival, October 20th, 2023. The footage was mixed in with the previous 5 seasons of the event.
If you are a driven actor/actress or filmmaker I would love to work and collaborate with you. For over the past ten years I have worked with hundreds of people that ranged from novice to professional skill levels to create award winning film productions throughout the Hudson Valley, Catskills and World beyond.
If you have a good idea and want to be a part of something larger than yourself join the Catskill International Film Festivals planning committee where we give a spotlight to independent filmmakers to create a truly culturally enriching experience. Some of the memories created at the Catskill International Film Festival are once in a lifetime.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Peace & Love,
Charles Marinaro
We Won BEST FEATURE FILM at The Grove Film Festival
We Won BEST FEATURE FILM at The Grove Film Festival
NOMINATED for BEST ACTOR Charles Marinaro
NOMINATED for BEST ACTOR Charles Marinaro
Grove Film Festival in Jersey City, NJ
Grove Film Festival in Jersey City, NJ
Transcending Pictures/Marinaro Films is thrilled to announce casting for Where the High Ends (Originally Titled: God of Influence), an emotionally charged drama that delves into the devastating impact of addiction and the lasting consequences of choices made in moments of desperation.
Set against the evocative landscapes of the Sullivan County Catskills and the Hudson Valley, this powerful narrative examines the intricate interplay of guilt, loyalty, and the human quest for redemption.
We are seeking talented actors and crew members to bring this compelling story to life.
Key Roles Available (Many others):
Main Cast
Jason Collins (Male, 30s-40s):
A deeply flawed yet introspective man torn between guilt and hope as he grapples with the fallout of his past choices.
Ash/"Cat Timmins" (Female, late 20s-30s):
Jason’s former lover turned accomplice, Ash emerges as a strong-willed survivor who seeks atonement for her past through a new identity and career.
Kyle (Male, late 20s-30s):
The manipulative and volatile leader of the group’s criminal exploits, driven by recklessness and inner vulnerability.
Supporting Cast
Officer McKensey (Male, 40s-60s):
A principled officer balancing empathy with duty, serving as a moral anchor in Jason’s turbulent journey.
Emma (Female, 20s-30s):
Jason’s former fiancée, a poignant presence in flashbacks and photos representing the life he left behind.
Mark Collins (Male, 30s-40s):
Jason’s estranged brother who offers a path to reconciliation and healing.
Sean (Male, 20s):
A kind-hearted grocery store clerk whose tragic death becomes a symbol of Jason’s guilt.
Sherman Herz (Male, 60s):
A Vietnam veteran whose murder deepens the story’s moral stakes.
Jason’s Mother (Female, 50s-60s):
A devoted parent whose unwavering love influences Jason’s emotional journey.
Jason’s Father (Male, 50s-60s):
A stoic figure battling cancer, mirroring Jason’s fight for redemption.
How to Apply:
Submit a headshot, resume, and an audition of your choice to marinarofilms@gmail.com by January 7th. Both online and in-person auditions will be announced shortly.
Crew Opportunities:
Transcending Pictures/Marinaro Films is also scouting for key crew members, including Sound, Director of Photography, Gaffers, PAs, and more.
For additional questions, please reach out to marinarofilms@gmail.com.
Join us in crafting a story that shines a light on resilience, redemption, and the human spirit. We look forward to your submissions!
Auditions for Transcending Pictures Next Feature Film To Be Announced Soon
GET READY FOR THE NEXT CATSKILL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
GET READY FOR THE NEXT CATSKILL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The next Catskill International Film Festival will be announced in the upcoming weeks. An evolving event that thousands across the globe have participated in. If you are interested in being a part of our planning committee please email us at catskillfilmfest@gmail.com.