ADAM SANTELLI

Director of Photography

Adam Santelli was born in the suburbs of Ohio and received a BFA from Ohio State University. After moving to California, he quickly found work in the burgeoning world of music videos, a perfect fit for an avid music fan. Santelli has lensed hundreds of music videos, working with high-profile acts like Snoop Dogg, Marilyn Manson, Selena Gomez, Ludacris and The Ramones. The experimental format of music videos allowed Santelli to explore a wide variety of styles, formats, and themes in his cinematography. His prolific work in music video and commercials has garnered numerous accolades, including nods in the Emmys, the MTV Music Video Awards, and the MVPA Awards.

Santelli’s work in narrative includes the feature film adaptation of the novel UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC, the action series CHOP SHOP directed by Elliott Lester, and the hugely successful DESCENDANTS 3, directed by award-winning filmmaker Kenny Ortega. Santelli’s documentary work includes RESILIENCE, a climate change film supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, and RUNAWAY, an installation part of the Historic Hudson Valley preservation.

In support of his firmly held beliefs in the power of imagery and storytelling, Santelli founded The Billboard Creative, a non-profit arts organization which brings large-format art from emerging and established artists to billboards across Los Angeles. They proudly opened their ninth iteration of installations in Feb 2022. Santelli remains an active still photographer, with his large format photographs displayed in galleries and exhibitions worldwide. WPA | Worldwide Production Agency 144 N. Robertson Boulevard | Second Floor | West Hollywood | 90048 ph: 310.659.9965