Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Federica Alice Carlino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Federica Alice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is The Monster’s Club. It began as a screenplay and became a proof of concept short during my time at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Today, it’s in the pitch stage as a television series, and I’ve also adapted it into a novel that will be released in September.

The story is set between two timelines, 1999 and 2029. In 1999, three teenagers are bound by a friendship that shatters after a prank ends in tragedy, changing all of their lives forever. In the lead-up to that night, they will experience love, heartbreak, first times, shifting family dynamics, long buried secrets, and the kind of moments that shape who they become. In 2029, the two survivors are forced to confront the past when the truth about that night threatens to surface. It blends a coming of age mystery with themes of guilt, fractured friendships, and how a single moment can alter the course of a life.

It is a YA drama with plenty of comedy relief and relatable relationship dynamics, blending a coming of age mystery with themes of guilt, fractured friendships, and how a single moment can alter the course of a life.

While fictional, it holds pieces of my own emotional journey and my fascination with human relationships, especially the quiet, revealing moments that say more than words.

The proof of concept short exceeded my expectations, screening at festivals around the world and sparking interest from people who wanted to know more, including potential collaborators. Hearing so many say, “You need to direct this. I need to see it as a TV show. I need to know more about them,” was incredibly validating. That encouragement, along with how audiences connected it to their own memories, confirmed I was on the right path. The Monster’s Club has become more than a project, it’s a piece of me and in many ways, a piece of other people’s stories too.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Federica Alice Carlino, an Italian-born director, writer, and casting director with a deep passion for storytelling in all its forms. I studied cinema for three years in Milan before moving to Los Angeles to earn my BFA in directing at the New York Film Academy. Over the years, I have also trained at Met Film School and Pinewood Studios in London, not only to strengthen my directing skills but also to gain a better understanding of performance from the actor’s perspective. I believe every director and casting director should go through this process, as working with actors becomes much easier and building a strong connection with your talents is essential to achieve the best results on set.
I first stepped into the industry when I was young, working with Mediaset TV. Like many filmmakers, I began by producing short films with friends, and after high school, I decided it was time to formally study the craft.

Casting began as a necessity for my own projects, but when I started bringing my work to festivals, people began asking who my casting director was. This led me to work for other directors as well, and casting quickly became a role I truly love.

I also founded the Morgana Film Festival, an IMDb-certified online festival dedicated to championing independent filmmakers and giving them a global platform.

As a creative, I tell stories across multiple mediums including film, television, and audiobooks, as I also work in voice-over, alongside casting direction, festival curation, and now my upcoming book. My work focuses on crafting emotionally resonant stories with layered characters and relatable dynamics. I believe in telling stories that blend entertainment with meaning, the kind that leave audiences thinking about the characters long after the credits roll or the final page is turned.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect with actors in a way that brings out authentic, vulnerable performances. My background in both directing and casting allows me to shape projects from the ground up, ensuring a strong vision from the first draft to the final cut. I am most proud of the international recognition my work has received, and recently earned the title of most awarded IMDb director under 35, as well as the fact that my projects have resonated with people all over the world.

I want potential collaborators and audiences to know that I approach every project with authenticity and dedication. My goal is always to tell stories that make people feel seen, whether that is through an atmospheric YA drama like The Monster’s Club or through a small indie film that finds its audience in unexpected places.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is seeing how a personal story can inspire others to join the journey. The Monster’s Club began as a short, then became a book, and now I’m working toward making it a TV series. It’s very personal, filled with moments from my own life, and knowing that actors and crew are already interested in bringing it to the screen makes it even more special. With the book coming out on September 15th, it feels like the story is just beginning its next chapter.

I already have actors and crew ready to be part of this.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’d say I never gave up on my goals, even in dark times. I’ve had doubts, yes, but I never believed those doubts or difficulties were enough to make me step back. COVID was definitely one of the hardest periods for me, both personally and professionally. The industry came to a halt, projects were cancelled or postponed indefinitely, and the uncertainty made it difficult to see a clear path forward. On top of that, I experienced some of the biggest griefs of my life, multiple times in a short amount of time, and that kind of loss can make you feel incredibly unstable, as if the ground beneath you is constantly shifting.
Even in those moments, I refused to let the setbacks define my future. I focused on creating opportunities where I could, founding the Morgana Film Festival to support indie filmmakers during the shutdowns, and continuing to develop The Monster’s Club, first as a short and then as a book. I made sacrifices, both personally and financially, but I kept moving forward. Those experiences, as heavy as they were, became fuel rather than roadblocks. Stepping back or changing my path was never an option, because this work isn’t just my career, it’s my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/federica.alice.carlino
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/federica.alice.carlino/
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8960305/?ref_=hm_rvi_i_1
  PITCH VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxeai-r0i3U

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