We are honored to welcome Frankie Caradonna, a renowned film director, multimedia artist, and creative director, to our jury for the 2025 US International Awards. As co-founder of Comastudio UK and The Curators Milan, and a visionary represented by Great Guns Films UK, Frankie has built a remarkable career blending storytelling, art, and cutting-edge technology. In this exclusive interview, Frankie shares insights into his creative journey, the projects that have shaped his career, and what he values most in award-winning work.
We are thrilled to have you on the jury for the 2025 US International Awards. Please tell us more about your work background and your everyday work life.
Thank you for inviting me to serve on the jury for the 2025 US International Awards. I'm honored to be part of such a prestigious event. In my current role, I work as a film writer/director and multidisciplinary creative director, blending storytelling, design, and cutting-edge technology to craft stories and immersive experiences. From my involvement in commercial projects with global brands like Lamborghini and Aston Martin to founding The Curators Milan, an art movement focused on conservation through art and science, my work is diverse and deeply rooted in blending emotion with innovation. Whether it's film direction, photography, or creating AI-powered installations, I strive to push creative boundaries. My daily work revolves around collaboration, leadership, and translating visions into impactful projects. I thrive in environments where I can lead creative teams in a highly collaborative way, work with clients, and bring unique narratives to life through mediums like filmmaking, AR, holograms, AI films, and cinematic storytelling.
In your multifaceted career, what part of your job do you find the most inspiring and enjoyable?
What I enjoy most about my job is the ability to fuse art and design with technology and storytelling to create something that resonates emotionally with people, often working at the intersection of humanity and nature. It's this ability to evoke genuine feelings and drive conversation through innovation that keeps me passionate about my work.
What projects have you done so far? Are there projects that stand out for you personally?
I've had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects across different mediums, blending art, design, and technology to create immersive and emotional experiences. Some of the most notable ones include branded campaigns, experiential installations, and AI-powered films. One project that stands out to me personally is "Rewild - Diatoms in the Multiverse," an experiential art installation. This project was particularly special because it combined 3D, holograms, sculpture, and windows to create an immersive experience with a powerful message on climate emergency. The work evoked the spirit of magic realism, fusing 19th-century holographic techniques with modern technology to conjure the "ghost" of diatoms - a striking metaphor for environmental consciousness. This was a passion project that allowed me to blend my love for nature, technology, and art, making it deeply meaningful to me.
What was the most challenging project you worked on so far?
One of the most challenging projects I worked on was the branded film campaign for San Marzano Wines, titled "The Pursuit of Beauty," which was shot in Vietnam. This project, featuring MasterChef Australia's Luke Nguyen, stood out due to its complexity on multiple fronts. Shooting in Vietnam presented unique logistical and environmental challenges. Coordinating the production across different locations, managing local crews, and ensuring smooth communication between international teams required meticulous planning. The cultural nuances of filming in Vietnam also meant adapting creatively to local aesthetics while preserving the essence of the brand's Italian heritage along with my cinematic language. Additionally, the unpredictable weather added an extra layer of difficulty, making it crucial to stay flexible while maintaining the film's visual and narrative integrity. What made this project especially demanding was the need to seamlessly blend cinematic storytelling with the beauty of Vietnam's landscapes, all while capturing the authenticity and emotion of the San Marzano brand. Despite the hurdles, the project was incredibly rewarding, and it earned recognition, winning Creativepool Annual Bronze in 2020 and other awards.
What are you currently working on? And what else is planned for the upcoming time?
I am currently very busy with several ongoing projects, each pushing creative and technological boundaries in its own way. I'm in the final stages of editing a long-form music film for the iconic Italian band Casino Royale, which has been an incredible journey blending music and cinematic storytelling. At the same time, I'm deeply involved in the financing process for an international feature film and a coming-of-age TV series, both of which have exciting international potential. Beyond that, I'm also working on an augmented reality project for a major museum, which is set to bring history to life in an innovative way. On top of all this, I'm preparing for the shoot of a short film in Milan, which I'm very excited about. Last, but not least, I'm attached to "The Ghost Train," a feature film project with ABI Live Entertainment and the first central studio of the Midlands, which we are planning to shoot early next year. There are a few other projects in the pipeline, but I can't reveal too much about those just yet. It's a very dynamic period for me, and I'm looking forward to sharing more soon.
What does an award represent to you?
An award, to me, is like a spotlight - it shines on the work and says, "Hey, this stood out." In our society, it's recognition, validation, and sometimes a reminder that all those sleepless nights and creative battles were worth it. Awards are important because they acknowledge the effort and vision behind a project, but honestly, the real sense of accomplishment comes the moment you put your signature on the film. Once it's out there, it's done. You've given it life, and that's when the real satisfaction should kick in. I believe what truly matters is feedback from the people you trust—those who understand your craft and can offer insights to help you grow. Awards are amazing, but at the end of the day, it's the process, the growth, and the shared experience with your team that counts. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
In your opinion, what makes a "good" corporate video? Alas, what are you looking for in a winning entry?
For me, a "good" corporate video is all about storytelling. I'm always looking for a compelling narrative that not only conveys the brand's purpose, pillars, and mission but does so in a way that feels original and engaging. It's about finding that extraordinary and unexpected perspective, something that makes the audience stop and pay attention, whether it's through creative visuals, a unique tone, or an unexpected angle. What I look for in a winning entry is a piece of content that not only grabs attention but also holds it - something that excites and inspires. Authenticity is key, and so is a sense of innovation and beauty. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating a video that feels fresh, emotionally resonant, and true to the brand's essence. Ultimately, it's a blend of creativity, clear messaging, and a little bit of magic that makes a corporate video stand out.
