Pat Russo is a seasoned cinematographer with a passion for visual storytelling across feature films, documentaries, and music videos. He earned his degree from Columbia College in 2005 before further honing his craft at the American Film Institute, where he graduated in 2008. At AFI, he studied under renowned cinematographers Stephen Lighthill, ASC, Bob Primes, ASC, and Bill Dill, ASC, and participated in workshops with industry legends such as Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC, Allen Daviau, ASC, John Toll, ASC, and Bill Fraker, ASC, BSC.

With experience as a Cinematographer, Camera Operator, and Chief Lighting Technician (Gaffer) Pat has built a diverse portfolio of work. He served as a camera operator on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “Ghost Mine” (Syfy Network), and CHROMESKULL 2: LAID TO REST. As a Chief Lighting Technician, he has contributed to “Playing House” (ABC), second unit for “Grace and Frankie”, and music videos for John Fogerty, Gary Clark Jr., and Lucky Boys Confusion, in addition to over a dozen low-budget feature films.

His cinematography has been showcased at prestigious festivals, including Sundance, Ebertfest, AFI Fest, and the Toronto Black Film Festival. Dedicated to the art of filmmaking, he continues to bring compelling visuals to the screen with a keen eye for light, composition, and storytelling. He is also extremely humble, quite in fact he won an award for his humility.

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FEATURES:

WARDCLIFFE

Directed by David Ferino, Produced by Roger M. Mayer

Starring Shane Coffey and Joel McKinnon Miller.

VINCENT: A LIFE IN COLOR (2010)

Directed and Produced by Jennifer Burns

Official selection of Ebertfest, “One of the best documentaries of 2010” - Roger Ebert. Won Best Documentary at Kansas Int’l Film Fest, and at Bend Film Fest. The Film’s theatrical release was at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

SHORT FILMS:

Directed by Shaka King, Produced by Roger M. Mayer

Starring LaKeith Stanfield, Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Official Selection at Sundance Film Festival. Shaka King was also the director of JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

VOLLEY (2022)

Directed by Oliver DeFilippo, Produced by Andy Wehrspann

Starring Camrus Johnson and Martin Berishaj

Official Selection at 14 Film Festivals including HollyShorts Film Fest, Toronto Black Film Fest, and Sedona Int’l Film Fest. Won Best Short at BHP ScreenDatNight Short Film Competition and Best Screenplay at Playhouse West Film Fest.

“Baking Is Hard” (2020)

Directed by Spence Warren, Produced by Roger Mayer and Lisa Hansel

Semi Finalist for Best Comedy Short at Austin International Film Fest. Official Selection at Wild Sound Feedback Film Fest, Roma Short Film Fest and Tokyo International Film Fest.