He’s the Fellini of frugality.
A film whiz at Manhattan’s Art and Design High School grabbed the first place prize in a national high school video competition on the subject of saving money.
Each year, the American Bankers Association offers a $5,000 jackpot to the short film that best illustrates the importance of thriftiness.
Leo Cross, 18, a senior from Manhattan, stole the show — and the check — with a slick 30-second spot showing a friend mindlessly frittering away funds online until there was nothing left.
“I wanted to make something relatable,” Cross, who represented Ridgewood Savings Bank in the competition, told The Post. “I didn’t want to tell people what to do, I wanted to show them.”
The native of Peru said that he first developed an interest in filmmaking through his cinephile father.
After his parents separated, Cross said his dad sought to strengthen their bond through frequent trips to movie houses.
Leo Cross won the competition and the $5,000 prize with a 30-second film about saving money. Matthew McDermott for NY Post“It was a way for us to connect,” he said. “And it changed everything. I knew back then what I wanted to do with my life.”
When he saw how deeply passionate his son had became about film, Leo’s dad agreed to move with him to New York to afford him more opportunities.
“He left everything behind for me,” he said. “He didn’t have a job here. It was difficult.”
Despite having relocated to the city just two years ago for high school, Cross has flourished. He had already won several smaller video competitions before his high profile triumph last month.
Leo Cross wanted to show how easy it is to overspend with one-click online purchases. Leo CrossCross said he only had a few weeks to conceptualize and execute the winning submission.
He credited teacher Hanan Harchol with encouraging him to participate in the competition and for providing guidance and suggestions along the way.
Cross said he was keenly aware how easy it is for his generation to squander money — especially with the painless press of a button online.
“We just spend money almost without even knowing it,” he said. “I’ve done it myself. I wanted to show that in the project.”
Leo Cross first developed an interest in filmmaking through his cinephile father and plans to pursue filmmaking in college. Matthew McDermott for NY PostThe budding lensman, who often collaborates with classmates on his Youtube channel, will attend SUNY Purchase next year on a full film scholarship.
As for the $5,000 check, Cross said he plans to adhere to the video’s message.
“It won’t get wasted,” he said, acknowledging the temptation of new film equipment. “It will go to college expenses. I’m going to follow my own advice.”
