Born in Luzzana, Italy. A former journalist, he began publishing short stories and novels in the early 1930s and wrote his first screenplay in 1935. In the 1940s he emerged as a key figure of Italian neorealism with his theoretical writings and screenplays for some of the most important productions of the movement, notably the films of Vittorio De Sica. A highly prolific writer, he collaborated on scores of scripts for major Italian films, and his influence is still felt in the Italian cinema.  Nominated for Writing (Original Screenplay) 1947: SCIUSCIÀ (w. Sergio Amidei, Adolfo Franci & C. G. Viola)  Nominated for Writing (Screenplay) 1949: LADRI DI BICICLETTE  Nominated for Writing (Motion Picture Story) 1956: UMBERTO D. 3 nominations