Albert Magnoli

Albert Magnoli, born on May 21, 1952, graduated from the Film School at the University of Southern California. While there he completed ten student films, culminating with his Thesis Film project Jazz in 1979, which he wrote, produced, edited, and directed. Focusing on the lives of three Los Angeles jazz musicians, "Jazz" went on to win 15 filmmaking awards in USA and abroad, including a Student Academy Award. The 23-minute film is listed in the 1983 edition of "The Encyclopedia Britannica" as the most honored student film made in USA in the last twenty years.

After graduation, Magnoli was asked to edit the MGM film Reckless, which was being directed by his former USC classmate, James Foley. While editing the film, rock star Prince and his manager, Bob Cavallo, came looking for a director to helm Prince's feature film debut. Foley passed on the project, but suggested Magnoli. Prince and Cavallo screened "Jazz" and offered the project to him. Magnoli went to Prince's hometown, Minneapolis, and sequestered himself in a hotel room for four weeks. There he researched and wrote the script for Purple Rain.

As director, writer and editor, Magnoli delivered "Purple Rain" to the movie theaters eleven months later. The Hollywood Reporter described "Purple Rain" as "sensational and highly visual -- an accomplished and sophisticated example of storytelling." Released by Warner Bros. in 900 movie theaters, "Purple Rain" topped the box office in its first weekend, knocking Ghostbusters from the #1 position. To date, "Purple Rain" has grossed over $125 million worldwide.