Biography
Andrew Fognani was born in Denver, Colorado. After receiving a degree in finance with accounting from the University of South Carolina, he set out to L.A. to pursue a career in acting.
It was in Los Angeles where Fognani discovered another aspiration and wanted to train to become a mixed martial artist. He spent time in Thailand studying the art of Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu and went on to win a gold medal at the 2007 Southeast Asian Grappling Games in Bangkok while there. After suffering some injuries and undergoing surgeries, he came to the conclusion that his adventure pursuing fighting came to an end. He continues to train for the sheer pleasure.
Wanting a strong foundation for the business, Fognani studied acting at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, The Meisner Center, The Will Wallace Acting Company, Joseph Pearlman, LA On Camera, and Amy Lyndon.
During his studies Fognani decided to combine his business acumen with his artistic side to produce, as well as act, and started the production company Unfiltered Productions. This sparked the making of Reign, the story of an American soldier (Fognani as Delano) who is forever changed by an encounter with an Iraqi woman who survives a deadly skirmish. The film, written and directed by Kimberly Jentzen, was shot with Academy Award® nominated Cinematographer, Jack N. Green (Unforgiven, Bridges of Madison County, Girl, Interrupted) and Academy Award® winning Sound Mixer, David MacMillan (Twilight, Knocked Up, Speed). Produced by Unfiltered Productions and First Tooth Productions, Reign made the festival circuit winning Best Short and Audience Choice Awards at the New York International Independent Film Festival (NYIIFF), and the Louisville International Festival of Film (LIFF) among others.
Fognani continued to hone his craft working on various short films and other projects. He then co-produced and played the role of Billy in the feature "Red Wing," directed by his good friend and colleague Will Wallace, Executive Produced by Terrence Malick and Ed Pressman, starring Bill Paxton, Luke Perry, Frances Fisher, Joel Carter, and Glenn Powell.
He is working on a number of different projects and being the foodie that he is, he continues to expand his filmmaking skills and knowledge by creating two food travel shows. The shows have pushed him to work in areas of the filmmaking process that he never had to before.
Fognani's passions have led him around the world, where he is constantly humbled by the diversity life has to offer. A love for family, friends, food, the outdoors, fitness, music, thrill seeking and much more allow him to live life fully, while enjoying the journey. He is eager to learn and experience more.
