About

As a child, I loved building small theaters with anything I could find: boxes, fabric, and scraps. They were portals to magical worlds where my imagination could soar. I put on little shows, creating stories and characters for an imaginary audience.

I was fascinated by the school stage, with its secret mechanisms and the smell of wood and paint. I spent hours dreaming of big sets that could transport people to amazing worlds.

I also loved architecture and the idea of designing spaces that tell stories. An old picture of a house in a dictionary opened up a new world for me.

After technical school, I moved to Rome to study at the Academy of Fine Arts. I wanted to be an architect, but the magic of scenography—creating vibrant spaces that wow audiences—pulled me in. I met Gaetano Castelli, a famous set designer, who became my mentor. At twenty, I worked as an assistant painter on sets for the Moulin Rouge in Paris, an unforgettable experience.

In my last year, I won a competition for young set designers. Despite my talent, I doubted myself. After graduating, I worked in small theaters painting sets, until an internship at Rome’s Opera House opened new doors. But my passion for theater was short, because I was offered a job as an assistant set decorator on my first film, "Marcello Marcello." That opened a new world for me.

kept working in film, becoming an art director and production designer for international projects in Morocco, Greece, Switzerland, and Jordan.

Two moments stand out. In Morocco, I was working on a film by Barry Levinson. Curious, I went to the carpentry shop and, surprisingly, found him having lunch there. I was nervous but thrilled to share a meal with someone I admired.

Another unforgettable moment was on the set of "Six Underground" with Michael Bay. Suddenly, I was called onto set without warning. When they shouted "action," I felt my heart pounding—then I was asked to help with the scenery. I was scared, but that fear turned into excitement. I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

I know my strengths and weaknesses. Every step has taught me something, and I never push beyond my limits. Each experience has made my journey special. Looking ahead, I want to continue creating worlds—on stage and on screen—and tell stories that inspire others.

Romolo Pompa