Arrigo Reuss’ career journey reflects the importance of perseverance, creativity, and adaptability in a constantly evolving industry. With a background far from directing - studying theology in Australia - Arrigo’s path into directing was anything but linear, but it was fueled by a deep passion for storytelling.
Arrigo’s career began in music, composing for short films, theater productions, and commercials. However, it wasn’t long before he created his first film in London, despite having no prior experience in directing. In a humorous twist, he hired his first Director of Photography (DP) after zoning out during a technical explanation about a camera he was supposed to buy, instead offering him a beer to do the job.
This laid-back, adaptive approach marked the beginning of Arrigo’s career, leading him to Berlin, where he interned with music video directors and started creating music videos for friends. His love for storytelling and absurd humor began to emerge as he built a body of work rooted in visually driven, character-focused comedy.
A central theme in Arrigo’s work is the exploration of the absurdity in mundane life. Whether it’s a car exploding with newspapers or emotionless expressions from characters, his films often highlight the strange and humorous aspects of human existence. His inspiration comes from personal experiences, including the challenges of balancing fatherhood, work, and life’s everyday stresses - humor found in moments of chaos, like realizing you’re on a video call covered in baby puke.
Arrigo finds beauty in life’s struggles, believing that the drama of everyday life offers a rich source of storytelling. He balances this with a love for visually striking, often surreal elements that emphasize the absurdity of it all.
One of Arrigo’s most memorable directing experiences took place during a music video shoot in Morocco. What started as a simple project for a hip-hop producer turned into an adventure filled with unexpected challenges. From paying too much for ice cream to ending up in a Moroccan prison for filming without a permit, the entire shoot was a series of mishaps. Despite the chaos, Arrigo reflects on the experience with humor, noting that it taught him valuable lessons about resilience and adaptation in filmmaking.
Arrigo is cautiously optimistic about the future of the film industry, particularly in light of emerging technologies like AI. While the rapid advancement of AI in content creation both excites and terrifies him, he believes it will push creatives to evolve. He draws parallels to the digital revolution, which democratized filmmaking and made it more accessible. AI, he feels, has the potential to transform the industry in unpredictable ways, but he remains hopeful that creativity and human experience will always be at the heart of storytelling.
Arrigo also reflects on the cyclical nature of art forms, drawing an analogy to the resurgence of film photography. As the digital world advances, people often return to traditional methods like film, seeking the authenticity and focus it provides. He envisions that this dynamic will play out in the film industry as well, with AI enhancing creativity rather than replacing it.
Arrigo’s journey from theology student to film director is a testament to the power of following your passions and embracing the unknown. His unique perspective on life, humor, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking is a reminder that creativity thrives in the face of uncertainty. Whether it’s filming in remote locations or navigating the rise of AI, Arrigo’s career is defined by adaptability, a love for storytelling, and an unwavering belief in the absurd beauty of everyday life.
As we look toward the future of film, Arrigo encourages creatives to embrace change, find humor in life’s challenges, and continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
