Today we’d like to introduce you to Guido Raimondo.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Varese, a small town in the northern Italy. When I was young, I suffered from a speech impediment, stuttering. Sometimes I stuttered so much I could not speak even to my own parents. Early on, I had to find a more effective method of communication.
I discovered the power of images. A simple drawing or a picture allowed me to express myself more than hundred sentences could have. The visual world became my mother tongue. I explored photography and eventually filmmaking. Early on, I understood that my job should be the one of a cinematographer. I started shooting at a very young age, moved to Paris for three years the most amazing place to learn about cinema. That’s where I met some great collaborators that I still work with.
Together we discovered movies, experiment with film language, made mistakes and enjoyed every second of it. Three years ago I decided to move to Los Angeles and attend the American Film Institute Conservatory where I learned things I didn’t suspect existed and studied with young talented artists from all over the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have to be honest, I have been extremely lucky in my path. I knew what I wanted to do since a very young age which allowed me to focus all my energy in becoming a cinematographer.
Most people in this industry have it way harder than me. Even if we are trying to create a more inclusive business there are still a lot of unfair decisions and misconceptions that exclude women from film sets especially in the camera department.
It’s a very competitive business, it’s hard to be consistently good, there are so many amazing DPs out there. I am in the early stage of my career and I want every new project to top the previous one and it’s easy to be too hard on yourself when that doesn’t happen.
It’s also hard to balance the amount of work with personal life but I am lucky to have a girlfriend who is also a DP, it’s so nice to be able to share both your life and career with someone you love and you constantly learn and push each other.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am cinematographer or director of photography, most people don’t know what this job is. I take care of the lighting, the camera and overall the visual language of the film in collaboration with the director. I am interested in human physiology, in our irrationality, in our flowed side. I strive for authenticity even in the most unreal looking films. I just need a good performance in a good room and I am happy. I try not to be slave on equipment and listen to my instincts. We are in charge of the most influential art form in the world and we have a responsibly to tell important stories.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am following the post-production of my AFI thesis and I am going to shoot a short film in Egypt with an old friend in few weeks, it all takes place at night in the streets of Cairo, I am very excited for that! As a freelance I am always looking for work, right now I am prepping a commercial and a music video on s16mm a format I am going to explore for the first time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guidoraimondo.com
- Email: guidoraimondofilm@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidoraimondo/
Image Credit:
BTS photo by Mathieu Seguin
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