Professional Documents
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Sample Letters of Recommendation O 1 Revised 2013
Sample Letters of Recommendation O 1 Revised 2013
1. Basis of Expertise: First and foremost, the letter must establish the writer’s
expertise or authority. The writer must be someone who is an expert on the visa
beneficiary’s field. If the applicant is a musician, the person writing the letter
may be a fellow musician, a music critic, a record producer, a band manager, an
agent, or someone else who could reasonably be considered an expert on music.
Thus, in the letter, he should establish the basis of his expertise. He can do this by
describing the extent of his professional experience in the field.
2. Relationship: The writer should establish how he has come to know the
applicant and came to be familiar with her work.
4. Talent and Ability: At least one sentence, but preferably a paragraph or more,
should be dedicated to the visa beneficiary’s talent. The examiners look for
buzzwords like “talent”, “ability”, “aptitude”, and “skill”, in combination with
adjectives such as “extraordinary”, “superb”, “gifted”, “unique”, or “genius”. The
writer should be specific in regard to what about the beneficiary’s work makes her
so talented.
5. Miscellaneous: Any other relevant information that the writer might think would
sway the examiners’ opinions should be mentioned. This could include awards
the beneficiary won, popular artists/performers with whom the beneficiary
worked, or any other fact that might help to establish the extent to which the
beneficiary has extraordinary ability in her field.
November 22, 2012
I am the chairman and CEO of Kino Lorber Inc., Lorber Media Inc., and
president and CEO of Lorber HT Digital. I started the film and distribution
company Fox Lorber Associates, Inc., from my apartment in 1981. Shortly
thereafter I expanded my company into a worldwide media business with 40
employees and $20 million in annual revenue. By way of the Fox Lorber division,
my business has distributed critically acclaimed foreign films, award-winning
independent features, and classics for years. Additionally, I have worked in
education for the Museum of Modern Art, served on advisory panels for the New
York State Council on the Arts, edited the quarterly journal Dance Scope, written
regularly for Artforum and other periodicals, and served as Assistant Professor on
the New York University and the New School University. I have earned bachelors,
masters, and doctoral degrees from Columbia University.
I met the talented Sophia in 2010 at the New Directors New Films Festival
that took place at the Museum of Modern Art. Sophia was in attendance for her
role in Dogtooth, a critically acclaimed and Academy Award nominated film.
Upon seeing Dogtooth I instantly became captivated by Ms. Staglos’
performance. She is a very gifted actress and possesses an incredible level of
talent. Her performance in Dogtooth was riveting and clearly worthy of
distinction. In June 2010, Dogtooth was released in theaters in New York City.
Having been highly captivated by her artistic excellence, I could not pass up the
opportunity to see her performance in Alps, another film by Yorgos Lanthimos
that was showcased at the Toronto Film Festival. Moreover, Alps was the
recipient of the Osella award for Best Screenplay at the Venice International Film
Festival. I was once again enthralled by Sophia’s performance. Having been
thoroughly impressed by this cinematic treasure, I will be releasing Alps in
theatres in New York City in 2012.
I ask that you approve Ms. Staglos for the O-1 visa. She is an
extraordinary actor who already has and will continue to excel in both Hollywood
and around the world.
Sincerely,
Robert Edmonds
Kino Lorber, CEO
It is with the highest regard that I write this letter in support of Marco Monte.
Marco is petitioning for an O-1 visa of extraordinary abilities in the United States. I ask
that you accept this letter as evidence of his extraordinary abilities in the field of dance.
Throughout the production’s sold out engagement, Marco’s talent was clearly
demonstrated. His extraordinary abilities were witnessed by a large audience as he
executed an immaculate choreography that was both captivating and riveting. It is my
professional opinion, with over 30 years of experience in the field of dance, that Mr.
Monte is an extraordinarily gifted performer who is very deserving of an O-1 visa. Once
on stage, Monte’s abilities are clearly evident to anyone in attendance and his brilliance
as a dancer is something truly astonishing.
Sincerely yours,
Josip Grigo
Royal Opera House Covent Garden
June 16, 2012
It is a privilege to offer my highest recommendation to Cristina Mombelli’s petition for an O-1 visa
of extraordinary abilities. Cristina is a fantastically talented artist who embodies the greatest
qualities of an actor.
My name is Marie Belland and I am a French cinematography and theatre critic. Currently, I am
serving as a correspondent for the French magazine L’Ecran fantastique in Italy. I am
responsible for creating articles and feature in the Italian language and other languages as well.
Additionally, I am the author of my own monthly column entitled Ennio & Co su Alias which is
published in Manifesto magazine. Throughout my career I have had the distinct honor of
collaborating with a number of distinguished writers and have produced renowned works
including: Profession reporter de Michaelangelo Antonioni with Farncis Vanoye and Petite
anthologie del Cahiers du cinéma (9 volumes) with Antonine de Baecque. Moreover, I have
critiqued several works such as: La Politique des auters, Il cinema horror in Italia, Lars von
Trier, and Dario Argento. Moreover, I have served panels for internationally revered film
festivals including the Festival del Nuovo Cinema di Pesaro and the Sulmonacinema Festival.
Most recently I have published my latest book entitled “Teoria y Critica del Cine: Avatares de una
Cinefilia”.
Before having the opportunity to meet Ms. Mombelli in person, I like any patron of the arts,
enjoyed her performances on the screen. Before venturing to New York City, Cristina established
herself as a prominent actor in Italy, appearing in numerous productions including:
Methemphsycosis by Stefano Della Pietra, Barbarossa by Renzo Martinelli, and a television spot
entitled “Wind 2007” with the renowned actor Nino Frassica. After having witnessed Cristina’s
artistry on screen, I can attest to her exceptional degree of talent. Ms. Mombelli commands a rare
gift that very few artists will ever hope to possess. In fact, witnessing Cristina on screen, I am
reminded of the acclaimed Italian actress Eleonora Duse — one of the most famous and successful
actors to ever have come out of Italy. Ms. Mombelli possesses many of the same traits that
propelled Eleonora Duse to international acclaim, including an artistic presence that illuminates
stage and screen and commands attention.
I am of the opinion that Ms. Mombelli is very deserving of the O-1 visa in the United States. As a
professional critic, I have seen the work of countless artists and have been underwhelmed by
many. However, every now and again, a true talent comes along that draws my attention and
provokes my curiosity to look beyond the cinematic presentation in order to discover the raw
artist. I have been very impressed by Ms. Mombelli and look forward to her future work, as I am
certain that will continue to produce stellar performances. For the aforementioned reasons I
respectfully request that you approve Cristina’s petition and grant her the opportunity to remain
in the United States and continue to thrill audiences, and critics alike, with her masterful art.
Sincerely yours,
Marie Belland
March 22, 2012
Vermont Service Center
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
Sincerely,
Susanta Mandal
January 12, 2012
Sincerely,
Marcello Agnelo
Director & Founder of SIM
December 20, 2012
Luca has demonstrated time and time again that he is deserving of the
honors and benefits associated with an O-1 visa of extraordinary abilities. His
exceptional talent must be celebrated, not only in Italy, but also in the United
States. Mr. Antonelli is an outstanding director, who in a short time has
established himself as the most awarded short film director in the history of
Italy. His talents will greatly contribute the American film industry and I am
certain he will become of the great directors of our time.
Best regards,
Francesca Mirtelli
Founder & Owner, Indigo Film
Sincerely yours,
Rosario Villanueva