The Book Signing

As a director, Bob Giraldi’s visual storytelling prowess has left an indelible mark on multiple mediums. In an industry where innovation is paramount, Giraldi set the tone for music videos during the early days of MTV. His most iconic creation, Michael Jackson’s Beat It, was a groundbreaking masterpiece that resonated with audiences worldwide. Giraldi’s ability to seamlessly blend music and narrative was further showcased in videos for artists like Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie and Pat Benatar.

Beyond music videos, Giraldi excelled in the realm of commercials, amassing a portfolio of over 4,000 advertisements. His award-winning campaigns for brands like McDonald’s, Pepsi-Cola, and Miller Lite showcased his talent for combining storytelling with advertising. In the advertising world, Giraldi’s name became synonymous with creativity and innovation.

Bob Giraldi's feature film, Dinner Rush with Danny Aiello, John Corbett, Sandra Bernhard and Summer Phoenix appeared on a number of 2001’s Top 10 Lists and was selected for the prestigious New Directors/New Films Series at MoMA. The film’s influence can be felt through the many narrative and factual food shows that populate the modern TV and media landscape.

Among its many accolades, Dinner Rush was listed by Roger Ebert as "One of the Best 100 Films in the Last 10 Years." As Giraldi notes, "…not every day a film is required viewing in the curriculum at the Culinary Institute of America."

Bob Giraldi’s passion for storytelling extends beyond the screen. For over three decades, he has been an integral part of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City. At SVA, Giraldi has shaped the minds of aspiring filmmakers, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. Today, he serves as the Chair of SVA’s MPS Film Directing department, where he continues to nurture the next generation of cinematic talent.