Paolo Rotondo

Paolo Rotondo was born in Napoli, Italy from a proud Neapolitan father and an Irish Kiwi (New Zealand) mother. Paolo spent his first years in Italy moving to New Zealand when he was ten years old. He now lives in the Hawkes Bay with his partner Renee Mark and two young children.

Paolo is an accomplished artist working as a Film Director, Playwright and actor. He is a respected fixture working in Film, Theatre and Television industries for twenty years. His experience in filmmaking, ranges from acting, to producing, to writing and directing. In 2016 released his debut feature film "Orphans & Kingdoms" to great critical acclaim. As an actor Paolo is probably best known for his work on "Shortland Street" New Zealand's longest running serial drama. On this series he portrayed the unlucky in love CEO of the clinic 'Andrew Solomon'. Paolo's lead roles in feature films include the much loved Kiwi classic caper film "Stickmen". He made his debut as the serial killer 'Simon Cartwright' in the bold horror film "The Ugly' for which he won a 'Best actor award' at the Rome Fantafestival. Other television series Paolo has acted in include, 'Xena Warrior Princess', ' When we go to war', 'Riverworld', 'Young Hercules', 'The insider's guide to love' and 'Cancerman'. Paolo was nominated for 'TV Guide Best actor' on two occasions. In 2016 Paolo played Johnny Torrio, Al Capone's infamous mentor in the US Television series "Making of the Mob 2".

The Short films Paolo wrote and directed; 'The Freezer' and 'Dead Letters' were both supported by the New Zealand Film Commission, have received International acclaim and are studied in New Zealand High schools.

As a Playwright Paolo's has penned major Theatre shows including the highly successful 'Little Che' inspired by the 'Motorcycle Diaries' and 'Strange resting places' co-written with Rob Mokaraka and based on family stories of the Maori Battalion in Italy in WW2. 'Strange resting places' has received five star reviews and been performed for over nine years and been published by Playmarket.

As a TV Commercial Director Paolo is represented by Flying Fish films New Zealand. He directed the film Orphans and Kingdoms which was released for general exhibition in April 2016.

Museum and New Zealand Society of Authors Research grant.

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