Meet Dino Sardella | Filmmaker, Writer, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dino Sardella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dino, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking calculated risks is essential for personal and professional growth. Throughout my life and career, I have embraced opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone, enabling me to learn, adapt, and develop new skills. For example, relocating for a job or taking on challenging projects has often led to significant career advancements and personal satisfaction. I view risks as opportunities to grow and innovate, always assessing potential outcomes and preparing thoroughly to mitigate any downsides. This approach has allowed me to build resilience, confidence, and a proactive mindset in both my personal and professional life.

I also believe that taking personal risks and facing challenges outside of work has been crucial in shaping my approach to risk-taking. For instance, learning new sports and discovering new “passions” not only broadened my horizons but also taught me perseverance and adaptability. These experiences have reinforced the importance of stepping into the unknown and tackling new challenges head-on. They have also helped me develop a balanced perspective on risk, recognizing that while there is always potential for failure, there is also great potential for reward and growth.

By continually pushing myself to explore new activities and interests, I have cultivated a mindset that embraces change and seeks out opportunities for continuous improvement.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m thrilled to share more about my art and the journey that has brought me to where I am today. My work is characterized by a blend of old and new, and my inspiration comes from the most diverse directions (films, newspaper articles, history books, science, Japanese Anime, music etc.) I strive to infuse each piece with a sense of depth and emotion, aiming to create a connection between what I do and the viewer. This pursuit of emotional resonance is something I am particularly proud of and excited about.

The path to where I am today has been anything but easy. It has involved countless hours of reading, writing, observing, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. One of the most significant challenges has been staying true to my vision while also navigating the demands and expectations of the entertainment industry. To overcome this, I have learned to balance my creative instincts with a strategic approach to my career, always seeking to grow and evolve without losing sight of my core values and artistic identity.

Throughout this journey, I have learned several valuable lessons. Patience and perseverance are crucial. I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding myself with a supportive community of fellow artists, mentors, and supporters who inspire and uplift me. Their feedback and encouragement have been invaluable in pushing me to improve and take bold risks in my work.

What I want the world to know about my story is that it is rooted in a deep passion for art and a commitment to authentic self-expression. My work is not just about creating visually appealing pieces but about telling stories and evoking emotions that resonate with people on a personal level. I believe that art has the power to inspire, heal, and connect, and I strive to create pieces that achieve these goals. oh, and also, I want to entertain in a healthy way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On their first day, we would start with a brunch at République, known for its stunning architecture and mouth-watering pastries. Afterward, we head to Santa Monica Pier and Beach for a leisurely stroll on the iconic pier, a ride on the Ferris wheel, and some relaxation on the beach. As evening approaches, we dine at The Ivy, a charming garden patio restaurant that’s a celebrity hotspot, before ending the night with cocktails at The Bungalow, a beachside bar with a cozy, laid-back vibe.

The next day is all about Hollywood and Griffith Park. We kick off with a hearty breakfast at The Griddle Café, famous for its enormous pancakes. Then, we explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. In the afternoon, we head to Griffith Park for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory, where we can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. For dinner, we visit Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in the city, and finish the day with cocktails and bowling at The Spare Room, a vintage-inspired bar inside the Roosevelt Hotel.

Day three is dedicated to Downtown LA. We begin with breakfast at Eggslut in Grand Central Market, followed by a visit to The Broad Museum to see its impressive contemporary art collection. Lunch is back at Grand Central Market, exploring the diverse food stalls. In the evening, we dine at Perch, a rooftop bistro with breathtaking city views, and then head to The Varnish, a hidden speakeasy inside Cole’s, for some craft cocktails.

The fourth day is all about the Arts District and Echo Park. We start with breakfast at Urth Caffé, enjoying organic coffee and breakfast in the trendy Arts District. The rest of the morning is spent wandering through the district, visiting galleries, murals, and shops. In the afternoon, we head to Echo Park Lake to rent a pedal boat and explore the picturesque surroundings. Dinner is at Bestia, a popular, industrial-chic Italian restaurant, and we end the night with drinks at The Golden Gopher, a historic bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

On the fifth day, we explore Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Breakfast is at The Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel, a luxurious spot to start the day. We then stroll through Rodeo Drive, indulging in some high-end retail therapy. Lunch is at Joan’s on Third, a gourmet marketplace and café offering delicious sandwiches and salads. For dinner, we head to Gracias Madre for organic, plant-based Mexican cuisine in a beautiful setting, and then experience the lively atmosphere at The Abbey, one of the most famous bars in West Hollywood.

Day six takes us to Malibu and Venice Beach. We begin with a farm-to-table breakfast at Malibu Farm on the Malibu Pier, enjoying stunning ocean views. The afternoon is spent soaking up the eclectic atmosphere of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, watching street performers, and browsing local shops. Lunch is at Gjelina, a popular Venice hotspot known for its creative dishes. For dinner, we indulge in high-end Japanese cuisine at Nobu Malibu, with breathtaking oceanfront views. The night ends with drinks at High Rooftop Lounge, offering a panoramic view of Venice Beach.

On the final day, we have a farewell breakfast at The Original Pantry Café, a historic diner serving hearty breakfast classics. We then spend the afternoon at The Getty Center, exploring its art, architecture, and gardens. For our final dinner, we return to Bestia if we haven’t visited it yet, or choose another beloved LA restaurant. The trip concludes with a farewell drink at The Rooftop by JG, enjoying spectacular views of the city.

This itinerary combines iconic landmarks, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife to create unforgettable memories. I’m sure my best friend would love to come back.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d love to give a shoutout to a few key influences that have played a significant role in my journey. First and foremost, my family has been a constant source of support and encouragement. Their unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and take on new challenges.

Additionally, I owe a great deal of gratitude to my mentors throughout my career. (Martha De Laurentiis, Julia Verdin, AW Tony Scott to name a few) Their guidance and wisdom have been invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of the industry and grow both personally and professionally. Specifically, I’d like to recognize my time at Smart Entertainment, that has been instrumental in my development.

I also want to highlight the impact of certain organizations and communities. UCLA, for example, provided me with opportunities to learn, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The knowledge and experiences gained from being a part of such an International Family have been crucial to my success.

Lastly, I must mention the inspiration and insights I’ve gained from various books. One book that stands out is What a Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe. The way characters and situations are described have profoundly influenced my approach to storytelling and therefore shaped my way of working.

To all these incredible sources of support, mentorship, and inspiration, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Their contributions have been pivotal in making me who I am today.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinosardella

Image Credits
Phots by: Alice Esposito