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 All American Rejects, in addition to over a dozen low-budget feature films.
His cinematography has been showcased at prestigious festivals, including Sundance, Ebertfest, AFI Fest, HollyShorts 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:
ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES: ORGANIC INTELLIGENCE (2025) Directed by David Ferino
Produced by Steve Peace, Costa Dillon, Michael Polis and Roger Mayer
Starring Myrna Velasco, Zachary Roozen, Noor Razooky, Dan Bakkedahl, Paul Bates and Vernee Watson
To Be Realeased in theaters late 2025 or early 2026. This reboot will be the 5th in of the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Franchise. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_of_the_Killer_Tomatoes
WARDCLIFFE (2024)
Directed by David Ferino, Produced by Roger M. Mayer
Starring Shane Coffey and Joel McKinnon Miller.
To be released by Anchor Bay in 2026.
https://deadline.com/video/wardcliffe-watch-trailer-new-thriller-film/
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.
“Buckets” (2008)
Directed by Nick Simon, Produced by Todd Serlin
Starring Bruce Cherry and Leon C. Carswell
Official Selection at AFI Fest.
MUSIC VIDEOS:
“GHOSTIN” By Aish Fukushima (2022)
Directed by Spence Warren
“EVER ON” by Tiger Kid (2021)
Directed by Oliver DeFilippo
“HALF CHANCE” by Liam Russell (2018)
Directed by Richard J Lewis
“To Love” by Drea.M (2015)
Directed By Spence Warren
“NI CUMPLES Y TE SIENTES SUPERMAN” By Ella Y El (2011)
Directed By Carlos Santillan