We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Francesco Malandrino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Francesco below.

Francesco, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

The inception of our creative services business, particularly our unique approach as a DP Duo, began in Napoli, Italy, where I first met Maria Perlifonova. We were both working as camera operators on a low-budget independent feature film. Despite our young age and limited experience, that project was a significant learning experience for both of us. It was there that we discovered a shared vision and complementary skills.

Fast forward two years to November 2017, we reunited in Rome to shoot our first short film as a DP Duo. The project, although yielding results that were merely acceptable, revealed the immense potential of our collaboration. We realized that working together as two DPs not only enhanced our creativity but also brought a unique dynamic to our work. This initial project ignited our passion and solidified our decision to continue this partnership.

We believed in the logic and synergy of our collaboration. By combining our strengths and perspectives, we could push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Our commitment and perseverance have since paid off, as evidenced by the numerous successful projects we’ve undertaken, including short films, music videos, commercials, and two feature films available on Amazon Prime Video

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Francesco Malandrino, a Cinematographer from Napoli, Italy, now based in Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL since 2018. My passion for visual storytelling began in Italy, and I have since become a member of the Society of Camera Operators (SOC).
I work as a DP Duo with Maria Perlifonova, bringing a unique approach to our projects by combining our creative visions. We produce short films, music videos, commercials, and feature films, including two on Amazon Prime Video. One of our most notable projects is “High School Reunion,” an introduction video for Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s 2023 music tour. This project was a significant milestone for us, providing the opportunity to collaborate with some of Hollywood’s most talented crews. Working with Jeremy Menias, the stunt coordinator known for his work on “John Wick 4” and “Captain America: Civil War,” was an incredible experience. Jeremy’s expertise and creative input significantly elevated the quality and excitement of the project.
I’m proud of our growth and success, consistently delivering exceptional work and pushing the boundaries of our craft. Potential clients and fans can expect innovative and visually stunning projects from us. We’re passionate about our work and aim to inspire through our films and videos.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue improving as a Cinematographer and explore new opportunities, especially in Italy. I want our work to resonate globally, showcasing the power of collaboration and creativity in visual storytelling.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a reputation in cinematography has been a journey of dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
Working as a DP Duo with Maria Perlifonova has been crucial. Our partnership brings diverse perspectives and creative synergies, enabling us to deliver high-quality, standout work. Our involvement in high-profile projects, such as the introduction video for Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s 2023 music tour “High School Reunion,” significantly boosted our visibility, same if I thinking to the two feature films that we shoot avaiable on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video
Staying updated with the latest technologies and techniques has kept our approach cutting-edge. Our passion for the craft and strong client relationships based on trust and reliability have led to numerous successful projects and positive referrals.
These elements combined have helped us build a solid reputation, establishing us as innovative and reliable cinematographers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to bring stories to life and evoke emotions through visual storytelling. The satisfaction of seeing a project evolve from a concept to a finished piece, and witnessing the impact it has on audiences, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s about capturing moments and crafting narratives that resonate with people on a deep level.
This creative journey isn’t limited to my work alone. For example two of my best friends based in Italy (Sergio Zaccone & Pasquale Picoolo) just run a YouTube channel called “Zack & Pack,” where they discuss movies and share their unique perspectives. Their approach to creating content parallels my own in many ways. They are passionate about their craft, and their dedication to exploring different aspects of film is evident in every video they produce. Watching their channel grow and seeing the community they’ve built around their shared love for cinema is inspiring.
This response highlights your personal experiences while drawing a parallel to your friends’ creative endeavors, emphasizing the shared rewards of artistic expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marioski.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francesco_films_13/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kekko.malandrino
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescomala/