Tony Merzetti grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick. After obtaining an MBA degree from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, he settled in Fredericton and joined the New Brunswick Filmmaker’s Co-op. He has been the organization’s Executive Director since 1986. Under his management, the organization has grown in terms of membership, production activity and financial stability.
During his tenure, the organization has established partnership with various educational institutions including the NB College of Craft and Design and the University of New Brunswick. He currently serves as program advisor for the UNB Film Certificate Program and has taught film production courses on campus since 1999.
He has been active on the community level sitting on various boards. He is treasurer of the Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund. Over the years, he has served on various committees and boards: Fredericton Arts Alliance (VP), Atlantic Film Festival, Atlantic Independent Media, NB Film steering committee, Fredericton Cultural Policy group, and Andy Scott’s Culture committee. He has served on arts juries for the Canada Council, NB Arts Board and NB Film.
Besides directing his own projects, he has acted as cinematographer on over 35 projects. He has been recognized for his cinematography on the drama Reading Tom Sawyer with a Moonsnail Award from the Atlantic Film Festival and subsequently received Excellence in Cinematography Awards from the Silver Wave Film Festival for the films: A Dream of Life and Francis Sherman. He has worked on over 100 film and video projects since 1983.
A tireless supporter of the cinematic arts and a mentor to the emerging talent in the province, Tony has shepherded numerous emerging filmmakers through the process of filmmaking.