Filmmaker
USA - ITA
In 2018, I received my MFA in film from the Transmedia Department of the Visual and Performing Arts College at Syracuse University. Before starting my academic career in the US, I had completed my Bachelor degree in Italy at the University of Siena, in Art, Music, Theater and Cinema Studies where my thesis focused on Charlie Chaplin's film language.
I also graduated Cum Laude from the University of Siena where I received my Master’s Degree in Language of Entertainment and Multimedia. There, my thesis focused on Film language, specifically on David Lynch's filmmaking technique (construction of space and cinematic structure).
I first moved to the United States in 2014 to start my MFA in filmmaking, following the Total Filmmaking philosophy. During my first year of studying, I was fortunate to be a teaching assistant in Film Theory and Cinematography classes. I then had the opportunity to teach my own classes and advanced camera demos, mainly focusing on the “Canon C Series” cameras.
As an adjunct professor, I have been teaching classes that intermix theory with production. During the summers of 2016, 2017, and 2018, I had the opportunity to be involved in the “Italian Film Studies and Filmmaking in Bologna” a Syracuse University Film Summer Program. In 2017 I was assigned to assist the program director in planning and coordinating the courses, as well as providing teaching support by starting new interactive teaching platforms.
TEACHING DETAILS
Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts [vpa.syr.edu/faculty-donato-rossi]
FIL 121 – Filmmaking Workshop: Physical Aspects
Introduction and development of technical aspects and skills of filmmaking.
FIL 122 – Sound and Image (Starting in 2019 this class was replaced by FIL121 plus FIL124)
Understanding and approaching critical and practical challenges of working creatively with image and sound
FIL 124 – Filmmaking Workshop: Concepts
Introduction and development of aesthetic and critical concepts of filmmaking, sound, and image.
FIL 221 – Cinematic Modes of Production
Introduction to the various codes and forms that work at the mainstream and borders of cinematic production.
FIL 223 – Storytelling Production
Exploration of cinematic storytelling through the production of a short film.
FIL 228 – Film Scriptwriting
Introductory course to the elements of film scripting: dramatic fundamentals, screenplay format, narrative strategies, character creation,
and dialogue development.
FIL 322 – Topics in Film Production
Advanced exploration of cinematic modes, through the creation of a short film and critical evaluation of the process
FIL 521 – Cinematography
Cinematography is one aspect of filmmaking that puts together artistic and technical approaches.
The goal of this course is to introduce each student to the fundamentals of motion picture cinematography, exploring both technical knowledge and artistic application.
FIL 521 – Editing
An advanced course focusing on theory and practical aspects of film post-production (workflow, editing, color correction).
SUMMER PROGRAM: Italian Film Studies and Filmmaking in Bologna
Summer 2016/17/18
Attend the world’s most famous classic film festival, Cinema Ritrovato, while immersing yourself in all aspects of film.
This program is based on a total filmmaker/film studies approach in which you’ll study Italian film history, visual strategy,
preproduction planning, and production.
Syracuse University, College of Professional Studies
Orange Academy
Film Production: From Script to Set
This class will explore how to approach film production, starting from analyzing a script to the visual strategy for fiction.
The students will work on breaking down a script and creating a filming plan, designing camera movements and lighting set-up.
Summer College
Cinematography
Introduction to the fundamentals of motion picture cinematography, exploring both technical knowledge and artistic application.
summercollege.syr.edu/cinematography
LECTURES / WORKSHOPS
Syracuse University
Fall 2023
Film Program
Bolex – 16mm Film Workshops
Hands-on workshop covering the technical and artistic process of 16mm filmmaking.
Loading and filming with a Bolex H-16 Reflex camera.
School of Design
Preparation and Filming Techniques for Interviews.
Spring 2021
School of Art
Screening and lecture. representation of diversity, inclusion, and immigration in film.
School of Design
Film production workshop.
A workshop for Senior students at the Industrial Design Program.
Spring 2019
School of Design
Storytelling and Video/Sound Production
A workshop for Senior students at the Industrial Design Program.
Spring 2018
School of Art
From a film to a poster.
A lecture/workshop for a printmaking (non-major) class exploring the concepts of lighting, colors, and composition in filmmaking,
in order to design a film poster
Cleveland State University School of Film & Media Arts
Spring 2022
Intro to film lighting
Raritan Valley Community College, Digital Media/Film.
Spring 2018
Elements of Narrative Filmmaking
Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Spring 2021
FIL 221 (hybrid) - Instructor: Reid Davenport
Camera/sound hands-on demo, and post-production.
Fall 2020
FIL 222 (online) - Instructor: Reid Davenport
DaVinci Resolve: Color correction and grading
Fall 2018
TRM 153
Narrative filmmaking and short-film structure
Spring 2018
FIL 720 - Filmmaking: Graduate Project
Editing workflow in the digital era (RAW, 4K, 2K).
Post-production in the digital era
A lecture/workshop designed for junior-level Photo and Video students on the digital editing workflow.
Spring 2017 and Spring 2018
FIL 521 - Directing Actors (section)
Acting and performing: Jerzy Grotowski's influence in contemporary filmmaking.
DIT Training Workshop
Advanced concept of Digital Imaging Technician.
Spring 2018 and Fall 2016
FIL 521 - Cinematography (section)
Production demo: digital cameras and external recorders.
Fall 2017
Lighting and Camera demo
A demo section with the award-winning cinematographer Nicola Raggi (Junior level).
University of Siena
March 2014
Broadcasting of sports events
Writing, production, and post-production for format and Sports events for television And Web-TV.
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Professor Alex Mendez, Cinematography, Fall 2016 - Spring 2017.
Professor Vasilios Papaioannu, Film Theory/Auteur Cinema, Spring 2017.
Professor Cooper Battersby, Transmedia Colloquium Theory, Fall 2015 - Spring 2016.
