Biography
Born in Monza, Italy in 1982, Francesco Carrozzini was raised in a highly creative environment and began capturing photos and making short films with friends during his early teens. In the summer of 1999, he moved to the United States to study film at the University of California, Los Angeles, before returning to Italy to pursue philosophy at the University of Milan.
In 2004, Carrozzini relocated to New York City to assist renowned photographers such as Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber. The following year, advertising agency McCann Erickson commissioned him to direct a commercial for the 51st Venice Biennale. In 2006, he traveled to Poland to document the life and creative process of the Polish Theater Wierszalin.
That same year, Carrozzini collaborated with The New York Times on "The New York Times Screen Tests," a series of intimate video interviews with entertainment icons like Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, and Marion Cotillard. This project, which he conceived and directed, earned a nomination at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
He then directed "1937," a psychological thriller short film shot in Suite #822 of New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel, which was featured in competition at the 65th Venice Film Festival.
Since then, Carrozzini has directed numerous commercials and campaigns for brands including Apple Music, Fiat 500, and Tommy Hilfiger, while continuing his editorial and luxury brand photography. His portraits, known for their storytelling depth, have featured figures such as Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, and Kanye West. Beginning in 2013, he also directed music videos for artists like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Lenny Kravitz.
In 2016, Carrozzini released his first feature-length documentary, "Franca: Chaos and Creation," which explores the life and legacy of his mother and their relationship. The film premiered on September 2, 2016, at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival to critical acclaim and was also screened at festivals in Los Angeles (AFI), Mumbai, Denver, Vancouver, and Palm Springs. In March 2017, it received the Nastro d'Argento award from the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists.
Francesco Carrozzini currently lives and works between New York and Los Angeles.
