Began his motion-picture career as an intern, scouting locations for independent films

Staged a one-act play at the Village Gate that was the genesis of "Kiss Me Guido"

Worked as a location manager for directors like Paul Mazursky, Irwin Winkler, Hal Hartley, and Nick Gomez

After working on "A Bronx Tale" for a year, director Robert De Niro had Vitale shoot the opening for the film (first 37 seconds); film released in 1993

Feature screenwriting and directing debut with "Kiss Me Guido"

Was supervising producer, series creator and writer of the short-lived CBS sitcom "Some of My Best Friends", adapted from "Kiss Me Guido"