So... Who we are?
JOHN KAPINE
KODO
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.
DARIO
RICCIO
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!
IGOR
DI PAOLO
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.
MICHELE
PELOSIO
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.
MICHELA
SETTE
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.
