Dario Riccio
Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder
Say hello to Dario Riccio, the cinematic wizard and co-founder of the
usual neXt, where he waves his wand as the Operational Director. Dario
isn't just a media mogul; he's a storyteller at heart, blending a rich
heritage from the legendary halls of Cinecittà with a knack for
cutting-edge multimedia content. His career is a blockbuster hit,
featuring strategic alliances with major broadcasters and the launch of
a trailblazing webTV venture, all leading up to the grand premiere of
his own production company.
A true enthusiast of life's authentic moments, Dario is a maestro of
mixing technology with a touch of humanity. Under his leadership, the
usual neXt isn't just a workplace; it's a dynamic studio where
creativity meets technology, and everyone is part of the cast. With a
director's eye for detail and a producer's passion for big ideas, Dario
ensures that every project not only tells a story but also resonates
deeply with its audience. In the world of Dario, every day is an opening
night, and technology is the star of the show!
John Kapine Kodo
President & Co-founder
Head of External Relations
Meet John Kapine Kodo, the globe-trotting co-founder of the usual neXt
and our charismatic Head of External Relations. With a resume that reads
more like an adventure novel, John's journey from international
diplomacy to the world of innovative multimedia is nothing short of
epic. Fluent in three languages (yes, French is one of them!), John is
our in-house expert on all things international, be it law, culture, or
the art of negotiation.
Before helping to launch the usual neXt, John served as a liaison
officer for the Republic of Chad, where he wasn't just a diplomat, but a
bridge builder between nations and cultures. He also moonlighted as a
consultant for international cooperation at the Italian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs—talk about wearing multiple hats!
With two master's degrees under his belt, including one in Diplomatic
Studies, John brings a touch of elegance and a whole lot of strategy to
our team. Whether he's striking partnerships or charming us with tales
from his diplomatic days, John is the living proof that when you mix
serious international credentials with a passion for multimedia, magic
happens.
Contact
[email protected]
Michela Sette
Creative Director
Say hello to Michela Sette, the 3D sculpting maestro and generalist
wizard who brings the virtual world of Luna Dolph to mesmerizing life in
*L'Eco Perduto*. Michela's impressive career trajectory spans from the
adrenaline-pumping world of video game development to the grand stages
of cinema. She's made her mark in the gaming industry with major studios
like Milestone, where she played a key role in designing wildly popular
games like Ride, Supercross, and SBK, showcasing her versatility and
deep technical expertise.
In the realm of film, Michela has worked with Proxima to conjure
high-level visual effects for movies such as War and Elf Me, blending
reality and fantasy with breathtaking finesse. At the usual neXt,
Michela's unique ability to sculpt and animate 3D environments ensures
that every frame of Luna Dolph's journey is not only visually stunning
but also technically impeccable. Whether it's crafting intricate models
or breathing life into fantastical settings, Michela's work is a
cornerstone of our visual storytelling, making each project a visual
feast that transcends the ordinary.
Contact
[email protected]
Igor Di Paolo
Chief Information Officer
Meet Igor Di Paolo, the tech whiz and mastermind behind high-performance
software solutions at the cutting edge of low-latency and real-time
systems, with a keen eye on the evolving world of 5G technologies. His
career has spanned several international arenas, from Italy to the
futuristic labs of Oculus Tech in the United Arab Emirates and the
advanced research facilities at KTH in Stockholm, Sweden. There, he
delved deep into network security protocols and the pioneering frontiers
of telecommunications.
At Mobileum/Niometrics, Igor tackled complex technical challenges
associated with 3G/4G/5G protocols, crafting innovative solutions that
significantly enhanced telecom network efficiencies. His expertise isn't
just limited to telecommunications; he's also adept at developing tools
for network data analysis and designing wireless sensor systems.
Armed with a master's degree in Computer Engineering from the University
of L'Aquila, where he specialized in wireless communication protocols,
Igor combines a robust theoretical foundation with rich, practical
experience. His innovative approach to telecom solutions and his
extensive international exposure make him a standout IT professional,
driving technological advances and setting new benchmarks in the
industry.
Contact
[email protected]
Edoardo Guarnieri
Head of 3D Production
Meet Edoardo Guarnieri, our 3D Production Manager at the usual neXt,
whose eye for the digitally sublime transforms every project into a
spectacle. With over five years of industry experience across various
esteemed 3D studios in Italy, Edoardo has honed his craft in the
intricate realms of creative motion design and architectural
visualization. A graduate of NABA in Milan, with advanced training in
VFX and VideoMapping, his academic credentials are as impressive as his
professional undertakings.
Currently steering the 3D technical direction of our immersive
experiences, Edoardo previously orchestrated the visual marvel that was
the "Journey over a million Footpath" at the Venice Architecture
Biennale 2023. His technical prowess also shone brightly on the streets
of Milan, where he crafted dynamic lighting and textures for a 3D
billboard campaign for Maserati. Not stopping at commercial projects, he
has dipped his toes into the avant-garde waters of NFTs and digital art
exhibitions, leaving an indelible mark on the Milan Art Week.
At the usual neXt, Edoardo employs his diverse skill set—spanning from
3DS Max to Unreal Engine—to create 3D narratives that are not only
visually engaging but also technologically pioneering. Whether it's
developing interactive systems for the SARAVÁ project or pioneering
digital sculptures, his creative solutions and problem-solving skills
make each project an adventure in innovation.
Edoardo isn't just a 3D wizard; he's an architect of virtual worlds,
crafting experiences that bridge the gap between imagination and
reality, and ensuring our projects not only dazzle the eyes but also
captivate the soul.
Contact
[email protected]
Michele Pelosio
Head of Cinematography
Director of "The Lost Echo"
Meet Michele Pelosio, the maestro behind the camera at the usual neXt,
and the director bringing Luna Dolph's saga, The Lost Echo, to life.
Michele is not just a director; he's a creative pioneer who founded
Emmepi, a production powerhouse known for crafting visually captivating
multimedia content and commercials for top-tier national and
international brands.
Michele's artistic journey is adorned with accolades from acclaimed film
festivals where his shorts and documentaries have won hearts and awards
alike. His deep roots in the film industry include a decade-long
collaboration with the Giffoni Film Festival and prestigious
partnerships with entities like Cinecittà Luce, 01 Distribution, Rai
Cinema, and I Wonder Pictures.
At the usual neXt, Michele applies his cinematic expertise to transform
every frame into a compelling narrative. His knack for storytelling not
only captivates audiences but also enriches the cinematic tapestry of
our projects, making each viewing experience not just seen, but felt.
Whether it's crafting the perfect shot or piecing together powerful
narratives, Michele ensures that every project he touches turns into
cinematic gold.
Contact
[email protected]
Serena Maltagliati
Narrative Designer
Meet Serena Maltagliati, the brilliant mind and creative force behind
the captivating story of Luna Dolph. A recent graduate with a degree in
Languages from the University of Salento, Serena possesses a remarkable
talent for storytelling and a profound command of French, Spanish, and
English.
Serena's imaginative prowess is the foundation of Luna Dolph's saga,
having conceived the entire initial storyline that has captured the
hearts and imaginations of our audience. Despite being a recent
graduate, her exceptional writing skills and creative vision have set a
high standard for our narrative projects.
At the usual neXt, Serena channels her linguistic expertise and
storytelling flair into crafting compelling narratives that resonate
deeply with our audience. Her ability to weave intricate plots and
develop rich, engaging characters makes each project she touches an
unforgettable experience. Serena's contributions ensure that the world
of Luna Dolph is not only visually stunning but also richly textured
with powerful, emotive storytelling.
Serena Maltagliati is not just a writer; she is a storyteller who
breathes life into words, transforming our projects into immersive
journeys that captivate and inspire.
Contact
[email protected]
Ruwan Sampath
Unreal Developer, AI Specialist & 3D Artist
Meet Ruwan Sampath, the dynamic multimedia artist at the usual neXt,
whose versatile expertise brings groundbreaking digital experiences to
life. Based in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Ruwan is a master of 3D design, Unreal
Engine development, video production, and AI-driven visuals. His
multidisciplinary skills—spanning game mechanics, level design,
cinematic rendering, and VFX—make him an essential force behind our
immersive projects.
With a diploma in multimedia and ongoing studies in software
engineering, Ruwan seamlessly blends artistic vision with technical
prowess. He has contributed to a wide range of ambitious international
projects, including VR museum experiences, metaverse environments, and
interactive AI applications. From crafting pixel streamed virtual worlds
like "Rehydr8" for 88 Ideas in California to developing high-fidelity
level designs for Outer Aspect IP in New Zealand, Ruwan consistently
delivers innovation that captivates and engages.
At the usual neXt, Ruwan spearheads Unreal Engine environments,
AI-driven video and photo production, and contributes to the VFX magic
of our immersive films. His ability to harness cutting-edge tools like
Blender, HoudiniFX, and ComfyUI ensures that each project is visually
stunning, technologically advanced, and profoundly immersive.
Ruwan isn't just a multimedia artist; he's a digital architect who
transforms ideas into extraordinary virtual realities. Whether building
captivating game environments or pushing the boundaries of AI-powered
visuals, his work enriches the storytelling and experiential quality at
the core of the usual neXt.
Contact
[email protected]
Udara Sampath
Full-Stack Developer
Meet Udara Sampath, the digital architect behind the scenes at the usual
neXt, whose code brings our virtual realms to vibrant life. This Sri
Lankan tech virtuoso isn't just an engineer – he's a multidimensional
creator who seamlessly blends art and technology to craft immersive
experiences that transcend the ordinary. With a background spanning from
hyper-realistic VR environments to AI-driven innovations, Udara's
journey reads like a global tech adventure, having left his digital
fingerprints on projects from Copenhagen to Auckland.
At the usual neXt, Udara orchestrates the intricate ecosystem of our
community platform, transforming complex technical challenges into
elegant solutions that connect our young actors across digital and
physical spaces. His expertise in 3D modeling, animation, and game
development isn't just technical prowess – it's the foundation for
creating spaces where Luna Dolph and our community of Gen Z performers
can explore, create, and collaborate without technological barriers.
What truly sets Udara apart is his unique ability to bridge multiple
technological realms – from crafting responsive web applications to
programming autonomous robots, he approaches each challenge with the
precision of a scientist and the vision of an artist. When he's not
weaving code or sculpting virtual environments, you might find him
building IoT systems, competing in e-sports, or applying his karate
skills – a testament to his belief that the best technological solutions
emerge from a life lived fully across both digital and physical worlds.
Mariachiara Montebello
Head of Communications & Marketing
Meet Mariachiara Montebello, the communication virtuoso and marketing
mastermind who transforms creative dreams into viral realities at the
usual neXt. With a career that reads like a backstage pass to the
coolest corners of the entertainment industry, Mariachiara brings a
unique blend of music industry savvy and Gen Z fluency that makes her
our secret weapon for connecting with young actors and content creators.
As the founder of Good Guys, her own artist management agency, she's
been the driving force behind countless creative careers, understanding
firsthand the challenges and dreams that fuel our target audience. Her
experience coordinating Team World's My Idol Camps and her Master's in
Musical Communication give her an insider's perspective on what makes
young talent tick, from the audition room to the social media spotlight.
What sets Mariachiara apart is her rare ability to bridge traditional
artist development with the hyper-connected world of digital natives.
Whether she's crafting festival campaigns or building authentic
connections between artists and their audiences, she brings the same
energy that helped launch music careers to our mission of empowering
young actors and content creators.
At the usual neXt, Mariachiara ensures that every communication strategy
resonates with authenticity – because she knows that in a world of
infinite scroll, only genuine connections create lasting impact. With
her leading our communications, we're not just reaching our audience –
we're creating a movement where Luna Dolph and every member of our
community can turn their creative ambitions into career-defining
opportunities.
Contact
[email protected]
David Lombardozzi
Head of Experiential Glamping
Meet David Lombardozzi, the guardian of authentic nature experiences and
the architect of our unforgettable experiential glamping adventures.
With over three decades of experience in the world of beekeeping, David
is not just a nature expert, but a true ambassador of sustainability and
authentic outdoor living.
His passion for the natural world is rooted in his academic training in
apiculture and sericulture at the University of Bari, where he acquired
deep scientific knowledge of ecosystems and biodiversity. As the owner
of Apicoltura Biologica Il Dolce Alveare, David has transformed his
expertise into a business that celebrates natural rhythms and
sustainable production, values he brings to every project.
His extensive experience in managing natural spaces and eco-sustainable
hospitality has made him a master in the art of creating authentic
connections between people and the environment. David possesses
encyclopedic knowledge of organic farming techniques and responsible
tourism principles, skills he uses to design glamping experiences that
are not only relaxing, but also educational and transformative.
At the usual neXt, David orchestrates every detail of our glamping
events, ensuring that everyone can live an experience that nourishes
both creativity and soul. His ability to balance modern comfort with
natural authenticity creates the perfect environment for networking,
personal growth, and rediscovering the value of genuine human
relationships.
David is not just an event organizer; he's a facilitator of
transformative experiences, a bridge between the digital world of our
young talents and the millennial wisdom of nature.
Contact
[email protected]
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