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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.
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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!
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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.
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Meet Serena Maltagliati, the brilliant mind and creative force behind the captivating story of Luna Dolph. A recent graduate with a degree in Languages from the University of Salento, Serena possesses a remarkable talent for storytelling and a profound command of French, Spanish, and English.
Serena’s imaginative prowess is the foundation of Luna Dolph’s saga, having conceived the entire initial storyline that has captured the hearts and imaginations of our audience. Despite being a recent graduate, her exceptional writing skills and creative vision have set a high standard for our narrative projects.
At the usual neXt, Serena channels her linguistic expertise and storytelling flair into crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with our audience. Her ability to weave intricate plots and develop rich, engaging characters makes each project she touches an unforgettable experience. Serena’s contributions ensure that the world of Luna Dolph is not only visually stunning but also richly textured with powerful, emotive storytelling.
Serena Maltagliati is not just a writer; she is a storyteller who breathes life into words, transforming our projects into immersive journeys that captivate and inspire.
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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.
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Say hello to Michela Sette, the 3D sculpting maestro and generalist wizard who brings the virtual world of Luna Dolph to mesmerizing life in The Lost Echo. 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.
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Meet Edoardo Guarnieri, our 3D Production Manager at the usual neXt, whose eye for the digitally sublime transforms every project into a spectacle. With over five years of industry experience across various esteemed 3D studios in Italy, Edoardo has honed his craft in the intricate realms of creative motion design and architectural visualization. A graduate of NABA in Milan, with advanced training in VFX and VideoMapping, his academic credentials are as impressive as his professional undertakings.
Currently steering the 3D technical direction of our immersive experiences, Edoardo previously orchestrated the visual marvel that was the “Journey over a million Footpath” at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023. His technical prowess also shone brightly on the streets of Milan, where he crafted dynamic lighting and textures for a 3D billboard campaign for Maserati. Not stopping at commercial projects, he has dipped his toes into the avant-garde waters of NFTs and digital art exhibitions, leaving an indelible mark on the Milan Art Week.
At the usual neXt, Edoardo employs his diverse skill set—spanning from 3DS Max to Unreal Engine—to create 3D narratives that are not only visually engaging but also technologically pioneering. Whether it’s developing interactive systems for the SARAVÁ project or pioneering digital sculptures, his creative solutions and problem-solving skills make each project an adventure in innovation.
Edoardo isn’t just a 3D wizard; he’s an architect of virtual worlds, crafting experiences that bridge the gap between imagination and reality, and ensuring our projects not only dazzle the eyes but also captivate the soul.
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Meet Ruwan Sampath, the dynamic multimedia artist at the usual neXt, whose versatile expertise brings groundbreaking digital experiences to life.
Based in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Ruwan is a master of 3D design, Unreal Engine development, video production, and AI-driven visuals. His multidisciplinary skills – spanning game mechanics, level design, cinematic rendering, and VFX – make him an essential force behind our immersive projects.
With a diploma in multimedia and ongoing studies in software engineering, Ruwan seamlessly blends artistic vision with technical prowess. He has contributed to a
wide range of ambitious international projects, including VR museum experiences, metaverse environments, and interactive AI applications. From crafting pixel-streamed virtual worlds like “Rehydr8” for 88 Ideas in California to developing high-fidelity level designs for Outer Aspect IP in New Zealand, Ruwan consistently delivers innovation that captivates and engages.
At the usual neXt, Ruwan spearheads Unreal Engine environments, AI-driven video and photo production, and contributes to the VFX magic of our immersive films.
His ability to harness cutting-edge tools like Blender, HoudiniFX, and ComfyUI ensures that each project is visually stunning, technologically advanced, and
profoundly immersive.
Ruwan isn’t just a multimedia artist; he’s a digital architect who transforms ideas into extraordinary virtual realities. Whether building captivating game environments
or pushing the boundaries of AI-powered visuals, his work enriches the storytelling and experiential quality at the core of the usual neXt.
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Meet Salvatore D’Angelo, the mad genius behind an innovative board game project and a 3D Animation & Unreal Engine specialist at the usual neXt. His digital journey kicked off at just 15, dabbling in 2D game development with Construct 2, until he stumbled upon the wonders of 3D gaming—a discovery that changed everything. A true digital Renaissance artist, Salvatore juggles storytelling magic and technical wizardry, crafting immersive experiences that fuse traditional gaming with next-level technology.
His latest brainchild? An ambitious board game that laughs in the face of tabletop conventions. Think supernatural adventures meets augmented reality, where players shape their own destinies in a world teetering between Earth and mystical realms. Salvatore’s knack for blending classic storytelling with interactive mechanics makes every playthrough a unique, ever-evolving journey.
Beyond board games, his deep understanding of human nature shines through his uncannily realistic 3D animations. Whether he’s bringing characters to life in Unity VR or fine-tuning game mechanics, his work nails that sweet spot between technical precision and artistic flair.
Always ahead of the curve, Salvatore also wields AI like a storytelling sorcerer, refining narratives and polishing visuals to perfection. With skills spanning 3D animation, game development, and interactive storytelling, he’s a powerhouse in any project that craves both innovation and creativity. At the usual neXt, he keeps rewriting the rules of digital storytelling, making sure every experience isn’t just fun. But unforgettable.
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