Gryphon Pictures

Willo Hausman

 Director Statement

From local plays to off-Broadway, from low-end film ventures to high-end studio productions, I have worked in the office, backstage, on location and on set in a variety of departments including casting, camera, accounting, art, props, publicity, teaching, producing and directing. All aspects of the entertainment world are interesting to me, culminating in a well-rounded, respectful team-player. With both parents in the business, growing up on movie sets and in theaters, wearing numerous hats, I carry a collaborative and ‘can-do’ attitude alongside a positive, confident, comfortable leadership quality. I am versatile, though my main creative bent leans towards dark comedy and conversational, intense, surreal, macabre, wise, beautiful, sensual, ironic tones.

I've directed a variety of films and many stage works: including a well-received and elaborate theatrical production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which combined cinema, an original score, Victorian Steampunk costumes and an exquisite gothic-hued set. I've helmed an innovative stage version of DRACULA and more recently, a successful version of Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF.

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August 2021 was an outstanding outdoor production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, the launchpad for her new theater company, THE TIVOLI PLAYERS. Followed by THE LOVE PLAY, ten vignettes from local playwrights, all revolving around matters of the heart.  Most recently, in Autumn 2023, THE HAUNTED TAVERN came to life at the illustrious Byrdcliffe Theater in Woodstock NY, with varied tales of death and monsters. In the wings is an original version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND set to open in summer of 2025, Elmer Rice’s STREET SCENE, THE GLASS MENAGERIE and a play based on the intriguing life of Willo's mother, actress Diane Varsi.

In active development is a sitcom series, THE VIBE, a comedic show set in an occult shop. And two feature films: CLARE, a murder mystery revolving around a clan of modern-day witches living in the midst of a bustling metropolis and AMONG THE WONDERFUL, a vintage tale about the adventures of a giantess and a taxidermist who work at Barnum’s American Museum circa NYC 1842.  Bubbling on back burners is an Edward Gorey based film, a Buster Keaton bio-movie and a documentary about mental illness

Gryphon Pictures supports other creatives in their journey towards bringing positive and pro-active dreams to tangible life.  Please feel free to reach out with ideas and projects for possible collaboration.