He possesses a unique perspective stemming from his past experience as a professional surfer and climber. His background has significantly enriched his skills as a director of photography, particularly in adaptability and boldness. Surfing and climbing require flexibility and quick decision-making, and Schlatter’s experience in these extreme sports has honed his ability to adapt to changing conditions on set and embrace creative risks. He does not hesitate to experiment with unconventional framing, angles, or creative lighting, embracing imperfections and convinced that grainy textures, lens flares, or defects can add authenticity to the narrative. His goal is to capture beauty in unexpected places, enhancing storytelling through visual art.
Highlighted Filmography:
- Perfect Match (2023): Directed by Florian Gallenberg, available on Amazon (Bravado Media). Set in the 1990s, the cinematography combines elements of romance and comedy with a modern aesthetic, balancing natural and artificial lighting to create atmosphere. Sunlit, well-lit scenes contrast with darker, more intimate moments.
- Four to Dinner (2021): Directed by Alessandro Maria Federici, available on Netflix (Bartleby). The cinematography adds depth and atmosphere to the story set in contemporary Rome.
- Summertime 3 (2021): Collaboration with Francesco Lagi and Marta Savina, continues the successful Summertime series on Netflix (Cattleya). A sun-kissed romance set against the picturesque backdrop of a postcard-perfect Italy. The cinematography captures the freshness of first loves in every frame.
- Torn – Strappati (2015): A docu-film by Alessandro Gassman on the effects of war on art in Syria, awarded the Special Prize “Cinema del Reale” by the Nastri d’Argento of the National Union of Italian Film Journalists.
- Le leggi del desiderio (2014): Directed by Silvio Muccino; the cinematography emphasizes emotions.
- Razza bastarda (2012): Directed by Alessandro Gassman, a gripping dramatic thriller shot in striking and raw black-and-white. The cinematography amplifies emotions, highlighting the clash of ideologies and the characters’ vulnerabilities. The use of deep shadows and extreme close-ups heightens the suspense.
