Today we’d like to introduce you to Theo Francocci.
Hi Theo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I actually started my creative career on the technical side of storytelling — working in sound design and editing for films and TV. For years, I collaborated with directors and producers on international projects in Italy, the UK, and the U.S., learning how much the emotional impact of a story depends on rhythm, tone, and detail.
But I always had the itch to create stories of my own. That led me into writing and directing short films like “Nyctophobic” and “Wholeheartedly,” which went on to win awards and screen at festivals. Those projects gave me hands-on experience developing stories from concept through production, leading small creative teams, and shaping every element of the narrative — from script to final cut.
At the same time, I honed my script development skills through internships at companies like FilmNation and Stampede Ventures, where I wrote coverage on hundreds of submissions. That work sharpened my instincts for market trends, pacing, and what resonates with audiences.
Recently, I’ve been focusing on mobile-first and short-form storytelling, exploring the types of vertical projects that are currently popular in the industry. My first project as a showrunner was “The Life of a Corsair,” which I developed and produced for Santa Monica College. With my background in both the artistic and technical sides of production, along with my experience leading projects and adapting intellectual property across cultures, I am now prepared to take on a full showrunner role — developing original series and mentoring other writers to create powerful, emotionally engaging stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many creatives, I’ve had to navigate a lot of uncertainty. Early in my career, I was working almost exclusively in sound design and post-production, which was rewarding, but it wasn’t the full creative voice I wanted. Making the shift into writing and directing meant essentially starting over, building credibility from scratch.
Funding and producing indie short films was another hurdle. I often wore every hat at once — writer, director, editor, even composer — because resources were limited. It was exhausting at times, but it forced me to become resourceful and develop a holistic understanding of the storytelling process.
Breaking into the U.S. industry as someone with an international background also came with challenges. There were cultural differences, gatekeeping, and a learning curve in terms of what resonates with different audiences. But those experiences ultimately gave me a global perspective and a more profound sensitivity to adaptation, which I now see as one of my strengths.
The throughline in all those struggles is that they pushed me to be versatile, persistent, and creative under pressure — qualities that I carry with me into every project today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am fundamentally a storyteller who excels in short-form drama. I focus on creating emotionally intense narratives that rapidly captivate viewers, generate suspense, and make a deep, enduring impression, even within a few minutes of screen time.
I am best known for my award-winning short films, such as Nyctophobic and Wholeheartedly, where I took on multiple roles, including writer, director, producer, editor, and composer. These films gained recognition on the festival circuit, demonstrating that bold, well-crafted stories can quickly inspire and resonate deeply with audiences. Additionally, I played Pico the Pirate in “The Life of a Corsair,” a web series I created for Santa Monica College, designed for both vertical and horizontal viewing, while working in their Web and Social Media Department.
My strong development background, including writing coverage and notes on over a hundred submissions during internships at FilmNation, Stampede Ventures, and Heroes & Villains, sharpened my sense for what works in a story, emerging trends, and how to adapt existing IP for new audiences.
What distinguishes me is my combination of creative vision and technical skill. I can contribute to the writers’ room by developing story beats, while also having a deep understanding of directing, editing, sound design, and visual storytelling. This unique mix enables me to lead projects smoothly and work well with producers, editors, and other creatives.
Most importantly, I’ve charted my own path—often working with limited resources—yet I’ve produced work that connects with audiences and earns recognition. This experience shows me that with vision, persistence, and collaboration, even small projects can feel cinematic and leave a significant impact.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my most inspiring childhood memories is sitting with my family in Italy, watching films in the evening. We would often enjoy classic Italian cinema or dubbed Hollywood movies, and I remember feeling completely captivated, not just by the stories but also by the sounds, the cinematography, the rhythm, and how a film could evoke a shared emotion in the entire room.
I was the child who would rewind scenes again and again, eager to understand how the magic was created. That curiosity sparked my interest in music, sound design, and ultimately, filmmaking. Some of the films that influenced me include Disney classics like The Lion King and Hercules, musicals such as Mary Poppins, and epic blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
Reflecting on those nights, I see they were the spark that ignited my passion for storytelling, creating experiences that bring people together the way those films united my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theofrancocci.com
- Instagram: @theo_francocci
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-francocci/en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkerlSLaeIfAW9qnpVOmXRliKPYjax6Pz&si=qtL8mlgJI3Sdk0sE
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/mXtZNd1bqkdDDfO7Ya
Image Credits
Aika Taguchi
Olivia Wong
Lian Teo Rodriguez
Grace Rio Rothbart
