Biographie
L. Philippe Casseus is a first-generation Haitian-American born into a culturally rich family in Brooklyn, New York. He was introduced to the arts early, descending from musician Frantz Casseus, who toured worldwide with renowned Spanish classical guitarist Andres Segovia. Legend has it that Segovia called Casseus the father of the Calypso music genre.
Philippe’s mother, Joestte Casseus, was a career clerical worker before fulfilling her dream of becoming a special needs children’s teacher later in life. His estranged father, Roland Menuau, is a novelist, social issues speaker, writer, and Haitian activist. Music and singing were constants in the Casseus household, and by high school, Philippe had become the frontman for several rock bands, writing his own music and touring locally. It was also during high school that he developed a passion for acting, participating in school productions such as WEST SIDE STORY and GREASE. In college, he focused on a career in entertainment, studying writing at Manhattan City College and lighting techniques at the Center for Media Arts in New York.
Starting his career working as a Key Grip on music videos, commercials, and independent films, Philippe soon secured a role as a music video director (under the name CASSEUS) at Partizan Entertainment, Michel Gondry’s company. He then moved on to writing and directing short films. He later joined family members to help establish the foundation of the HOLLYSHORTS FILMFESTIVAL, serving as a hands-on contributor and submissions judge. Now in its fifteenth year, HSFF is one of the few Academy Award-qualifying short film programs. Philippe remains active as a submissions judge and contributor.
His major breakthrough came when his action screenplay FREELANCERS was produced, starring Robert De Niro, Forest Whitaker, and Curtis "50" Jackson. Philippe is currently based in Los Angeles, where he continues to write, produce, and direct.
