Let me tell you about Roberto Schettini, born in 1962, a life dedicated to Cinema and, for many of us, the very essence of a certain type of Cinema.
His first steps on the set, as an assistant cameraman, saw him collaborate with giants such as Franco Zeffirelli and Ennio Guarnieri in La Traviata. Then there were the experiences with Blasco Giurato, Marco Ferreri, Memmo Vincioni, and again with Luciano Tovoli and Giuseppe Pinelli in Sogni e bisogni. Roberto lived every set with passion and dedication.
After having accumulated invaluable experience in the field, he began working in the family rentals, Cineluce and Cinenoleggio. And in the early 90s, he founded Panalight, marking a new chapter in his career.
But what made Roberto truly unique were not only his technical skills, but also his extraordinary human qualities. Always extremely generous, he was a friend to everyone. His passing leaves an unfillable void, but the memory of his smile remains indelible.
I still remember the first time I met “Robertino” at Panalight. Matrix had just come out and he greeted me with a long leather coat, just like Neo, and a big smile. He moved between my requests like Neo avoided Mr. Smith’s bullets, with the same elegance and agility.
Entering Panalight without Roberto will be a different experience. Despite the frenetic activity typical of any other service, something will be missing: his energy and his smile, capable of filling every corner of the rooms.
For all of us at Collettivo Chiaroscuro, Roberto, with his charisma and his generosity, will remain.
Thanks to Carlo Loreti (Panalight) for helping us reconstruct his path.
