Raymond Mongelli III

Raymond G. Mongelli III is a Cinematographer, Director, Producer, Maker and Tinkerer who, as a young creative mind, was inspired by some of the greatest magicians in history like Houdini, Blackstone, Copperfield and Penn & Teller. His love of entertainment through the use of illusion sparked a passion that continues building to this day and that magic of art and technology combine to create his drive and passion. Ray was fortunate to have the opportunity to graduate from the selective, Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts and completed their Media Arts Program. There he learned production techniques using both analog and early digital equipment for film, video, audio and photography as well as traditional fine arts studies. With this early and diverse mix of experiences and education, Ray found his true passion, storytelling, through the MAGIC of Filmmaking. With his studies in tow, Ray found his signature style of telling stories and creating an emotional impact, sometimes using nontraditional methods. Often hailed as a "Mad Scientist" for his unapologetic use of raw materials and technology in unique and functional ways to create a specific and sought after artistic perfection. "The filmmaking process literally takes all of the art forms and technology I've always loved and combines them in such a complete way." As an avid and respected UAV pilot, Ray has designed, built and captured compelling imagery with some of his automated motion control and remote controlled creations. Many of these machines have found their way onto the sets of several independent film projects. Though a true artist and individual in his style, Ray is no stranger to traditional entertainment venues working behind the scenes and on the stage at many venues including Star Lake Amphitheater, The Benedum Center, City of Pittsburgh, Salute to Liberty Celebration, Don Brockett Productions, Mild High Studios and USA Network as a National Music Video Grand Prize Winner! In recent years Ray has been quite busy and productive. He was nominated along with Co-Director Chris Niespodzianski for Best Director at HorrorHound 2015 for the feature film, "The Other Side". He continues building his resume behind the camera as a cinematographer, Director of Photography and/or Steadicam Operator on multiple Pittsburgh produced feature film projects and keeps his tools sharpened with work on creative feature films, shorts, music videos, podcasts and online series concepts within the region.