Today we’re excited to be connecting with Francesco Malandrino again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Francesco, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Thank you for having me again—it’s great to reconnect! For those who might not know me, I’m Francesco Malandrino, a Cinematographer originally from Napoli, Italy, now based in Los Angeles and Italy as well. I specialize in visual storytelling for feature and short films, music videos, and commercials.
What sets me apart is my commitment to a collaborative process—I work closely with directors, producers, and crews to ensure every project resonates with authenticity and artistic vision. I’m also part of a dynamic cinematography duo with my partner, Maria Perlifonova, which adds a unique layer of synergy to our projects.
Highlights of my career include awards for Best Cinematography at prestigious festivals like the European Cinematography Awards and collaborations on projects that push creative boundaries, such as the intro video for Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s 2023 tour. My goal has always been to create visuals that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impact.
Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
Thank you—it’s been a transformative time since we last connected! One of the biggest changes has been navigating the massive shift in the industry following the 2023 strike. It was a challenging period that brought productions to a halt but also highlighted the resilience and unity of creatives in fighting for fair treatment
Since our last conversation, I’ve worked on some incredible projects, including the intro video for Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s 2023 tour also I worked for more international names such Randy Jackson, the Italian Artist “Zucchero” and Larry Karaszewski
Looking ahead, I’m excited about diving into more creatively challenging projects and embracing the evolving landscape of our industry with optimism and adaptability. Each chapter continues to teach me something new, and I’m grateful to contribute to this ever-evolving art form.
Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.
- Favorite Movie: The Hunt (2012) Dogville (2003) The Neon Demon (2016)
- Favorite Book: Alfred Hitchcock – A Definitive Study by Francois Truffaut|Helen G. Scott
- Favorite TV Show: Twin Peaks
- Favorite Band or Artist: Chemical Brothers
Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Life is full of tough choices, and I’ve learned to approach them by balancing passion with practicality. I always ask, “Does this align with my values and vision?” Recently, after seven incredible years in the U.S., I’ve felt a strong pull to spend more time in Italy, my home country.
While the U.S. gave me amazing opportunities to grow as a Cinematographer and collaborate on high-profile projects, Italy’s artistic heritage and unique storytelling traditions resonate deeply with me. I want to explore opportunities there, bringing the skills and perspective I’ve gained in the U.S. to create work that feels personal and connected to my roots.
For me, tough decisions are about growth and staying true to who I am. Reconnecting with Italy feels like a natural next step in my journey, blending the best of both worlds to create meaningful art.
