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Reel
Immerse yourself in a fast-paced journey through some of my most meaningful work in video editing, film production, and color grading. This reel reflects my perspective as a freelance filmmaker, blending visual storytelling, aesthetics, and rhythm.
From cinematic trailers and heartfelt documentaries to branded content and travel films, every frame is crafted to connect with audiences and communicate clear, impactful messages.
Whether you’re launching a product, telling your brand’s story, or elevating editorial content, I bring a cinematic style and a human touch to every project.
This isn’t just a reel, it’s a statement of how I see the world through the lens.
Explore my creative video portfolio and discover how compelling visuals can bring your story to life.
Spec Ad
One Ride Away is a spec ad that explores the intimate link between urban mobility and personal aspiration. Set in the heart of a fast-paced city like New York, it follows a diverse range of people, strangers to each other, yet connected by one shared truth: they’re all chasing something that matters.
Through immersive visuals and rhythmic editing, we witness their silent rituals: a deep breath, a glance at the clock, a determined stride. We may not know their names or destinations, but we feel their momentum.
In this journey, CityFlow, a fictional public transport app, becomes the quiet enabler. With smart notifications and an intuitive interface, it helps them navigate the city smoothly, stay on time, and be exactly where they need to be, so they can focus on what truly moves them.
This project blends emotive storytelling with a sleek tech narrative, crafted to evoke not just functionality, but possibility.
Music Documentary
The Spirit of Camden is the pilot episode of How Does It Sound? — a music documentary series that explores the emotional link between independent artists, grassroots venues, and the cities that shape them.
Guided by the idea that “Every city demands its own soundtrack,” this episode dives into London’s indie folk scene, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of Camden Town through intimate performances and local voices.
I had the pleasure of working on this film as both editor and colorist, shaping the story remotely during the pandemic and helping define its visual tone and narrative rhythm.
The full episode is available to stream for free on ArtBrowser.tv, a curated arts & culture platform. https://artbrowser.tv/programs/the-spirit-of-camden?categoryId=74613
Produced by Seven/Eight Studio – London – www.seveneightstudio.com
Director: Carlo Polisano
D.o.P.: Benjamin Leggett
First A.D.: Andrea Pasqua
Camera Operators: Virginia Malavasi, Holly Xue
Editor and Colorist: Michelangelo Torres
Sound Design and Editing: Sean Copson, Mathilde Koechlin
Website: https://www.howdoesitsound.live
Curious about the editing process? I wrote about it: https://michelangelo-torres.medium.com/how-i-edited-a-documentary-during-a-pandemic-remotely-9694c3f2494
Brand Film
Step into the world of sonic craftsmanship with Listen, Imagine, Create, a branded one-minute documentary that explores the emotional and technical depth of sound design.
Inspired by the One Minute Wonder format, the film offers more than just a trailer: it’s a cinematic portrait of Tim Alicino, a South Africa-based Italian sound engineer known for his precision, passion, and deep understanding of audio as an art form.
Through minimal visuals and immersive editing, this short piece captures the invisible magic that brings stories to life sound.
🎬 A compact, powerful glimpse into the world of audio production, crafted to inspire creatives and clients alike.
Cinema
For the launch of ‘Henry’, a gritty crime/noir film by director Alessandro Piva, I crafted a series of promotional edits that helped build tension and anticipation ahead of its theatrical release.
As co-editor of the official trailer and creator of several video teasers, I worked to capture the film’s raw atmosphere and sharp narrative through tight editing and strong visual rhythm. The result? A trailer that pulled audiences into the world of Henry and set the tone for a successful premiere.
Cast: Carolina Crescentini, Claudio Gioè, Alfonso Santagata, Paolo Sassanelli, Dino Abbrescia, Michele Riondino, Vito Facciolla, Eriq Ebouaney, David Coco, Max Mazzotta.
Editing: Final Cut Pro 7
Role: Trailer/Teaser Editor
Website: www.piva.it
Short Documentary Series
In my role as editor for It Starts With a Sketch, a captivating docu-series produced by Fairholme Films in London, I had the privilege of helping shape a thought-provoking exploration of the creative process behind British architecture.
The series features insightful conversations with renowned architects, exploring how simple sketches evolve into architectural masterpieces. Through expert editing, I crafted a rhythm that brought their stories to life, seamlessly blending personal anecdotes, design techniques, and visual storytelling to showcase how sketches are transformed into awe-inspiring buildings.
Edited using DaVinci Resolve, this project leveraged Blackmagic Cloud for seamless remote collaboration, allowing us to work in real-time across geographical distances, a testament to the power of modern technology in creative collaboration.
Link to watch it: https://watch.shelter.stream/it-starts-with-a-sketch
Short Documentary
In the midst of the 2022 Christmas holidays, I had the opportunity to revisit and re-edit one of my most meaningful projects: A Day with a Pole Dancer (director’s cut). This documentary takes an intimate look at Valentina Venditti, a talented pole dance instructor, and her deep connection to the art form.
Shot at Pole House, a renowned pole dance school in Turin (now closed), the mini-doc explores powerful themes such as self-esteem, passion, community, and self-determination. Through heartfelt interviews and intimate moments with Valentina, we explore the transformative power of pole dance and its lasting impact on both her life and the community.
In this re-edit, I used Final Cut Pro’s “voice isolation” tool to recover previously unused interview footage, ensuring that the story was told authentically and with a fresh perspective. The soundtrack was also adapted to offer a more engaging and authentic experience, reflecting the essence of what Pole House meant to Valentina and all its members.
This project is a tribute to the legacy of Pole House and the resilient community that continues to thrive, despite the challenges life may bring.
Awards:
2024 – ‘Best Documentary’ at Black & White Film Festival Toronto
2024 – ‘Best Documentary’ – Super Short Category at Alternative Film Festival Toronto
Film festival selections:
Lift-Off Global Network Sessions
Stockholm City Film Festival
Valencia Indie Film Festival
Short Documentary
One Day with a Tattoo Artist is a short documentary about Simona Ercole, a passionate and skilled Italian tattoo artist whose creativity and dedication shine through in every piece of work she creates. This personal project was an opportunity to immerse myself in my favorite genre of filmmaking, giving a deep and human insight into Simona’s world.
Through intimate storytelling and candid moments, the documentary captures her process, passion, and the special connection she shares with her art.
This project also allowed me to experiment with the craft of documentary filmmaking, creating something I’m truly proud of. For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this project, check out my blog post One Day With a Tattoo Artist: My First Short Documentary
Simona’s web page: it-it.facebook.com/smountattoofan
Featured on Vogue Italy and Condé Nast Live Italy
Official selections:
Who I Am
I’m a self-shooting filmmaker, video editor, and colorist based in Puglia, Italy, with a deep love for storytelling and vintage lenses. I craft visual narratives that move, whether it’s a short documentary, a brand film, or a quick teaser with a heartbeat.
From the first frame to the final grade, I follow the entire process: camera in hand, editing timeline open, and eyes always on the emotion behind the story. I also blend in 2D motion design when it helps the message land just right.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a range of clients, from global names like Lenovo, Pond5, and Impact Hub to independent creatives and startups. Some of my work has even landed on Condé Nast Live and Vogue Italy, but what matters most is the impact each story creates.
I believe that great videos don’t need to be massive productions, just honest ones, built with care and intention. I specialize in creative video production, with a focus on storytelling, and I always bring an artistic touch with my vintage lenses.
I’m based in Puglia, Italy, but I’m always ready to collaborate with creatives worldwide whether you’re in a bustling city or working remotely.
Whether you’re an individual, a brand, part of a creative team or agency, or a creatives’ collective needing an extra hand, I’d love to help shape stories that resonate and stand out.
Feel free to explore my work. If it speaks to you, let’s chat!
What I Can Do For You
I offer professional filmmaking services tailored to your needs. From captivating short documentaries to compelling brand films, I specialize in filming, video editing, and color grading. Let’s bring your vision to life with visually stunning and engaging content.
I capture stunning visuals using a range of cameras, from mirrorless to high-end cinema models, ensuring perfect quality for every project. I’m passionate about vintage lenses, incorporating gems like Contax Zeiss lenses for a unique, timeless aesthetic. For specific needs, I can rent camera models from brands like Sony, Arri, and Panasonic.
I’ve been editing since 2009, starting with Final Cut Pro 7 before transitioning to Final Cut Pro X in 2012. I’m also proficient in Adobe Premiere and have extensive experience editing full projects using DaVinci Resolve, where I handle everything from cutting footage to working with timelines and final edits. I’m flexible and open to working with any software that fits the project’s needs.
Color grading is where I transform footage into cinematic art. Using DaVinci Resolve, I craft unique looks tailored to each project. I also replicate the authenticity of film stock with plugins like Filmconvert, adding depth and character with a vintage touch.
I specialize in finding captivating stories, whether it’s for a documentary or brand film. With a broad “storytelling database,” I uncover unique ideas across various themes. Let me help you discover the perfect story for your project, or I’ll work with your existing concept to bring it to life.
Expertise and Proficiencies
Contact me for Professional Inquiries
Let’s spark creative connections!
I’m always expanding my network of talented individuals and businesses who share a passion for storytelling and visual arts. Whether you’re a creative director, producer, art director, brand seeking fresh perspectives, or individual with a captivating idea, I’m eager to connect and explore potential collaborations.
Together, we can push the boundaries of creativity and bring innovative ideas to life.