Alessandro Sapienza

"Alex"

Director of Photography
Also credited as:
Second unit DOP
Alex Sapienza shooting film on set location.jpg

About me

Abu Dhabi DOP Alex Sapienza is a highly accomplished Director of Photography and Cinematographer with over 25 years of experience working across the global filmmaking and broadcast industry. Based in Abu Dhabi and available throughout the UAE, GCC and wider MENA region, Alex is also regularly commissioned for international productions worldwide. His long-standing career reflects a deep technical knowledge combined with a refined visual sensibility that consistently elevates every project he undertakes.

As a seasoned Abu Dhabi DOP, Alex has worked across an exceptionally broad range of genres, including feature-length documentaries, wildlife and nature programming, true crime, television drama, commercials, and factual and lifestyle television. This versatility allows him to adapt his cinematography style to suit both creative storytelling and commercial objectives, whether working on intimate character-driven narratives or large-scale broadcast productions.

Alex’s work is recognised for its distinctive visual strength, cinematic composition and attention to detail. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with internationally renowned talent and artists such as Martin Sheen, Mel Gibson, Colin Farrell, U2, Bob Geldof and Coldplay, reflecting his ability to operate at the highest professional level within demanding production environments. Directors and producers value his calm leadership on set, creative problem-solving skills and collaborative approach to storytelling.

Technically, Alex offers comprehensive camera and lighting solutions tailored to productions of all scales and budgets. Available camera packages include industry-standard systems such as the Sony Venice, Sony FX6 and Sony FX3, alongside DJI Ronin camera stabilisers for dynamic movement and precision control. His lens collection features a wide range of cinema glass, including premium Anamorphic 2X and spherical lenses, allowing for flexible visual aesthetics.

Lighting equipment includes advanced film lighting solutions such as the Aputure 1200D Pro, Aputure 600D Pro, Aputure Storm 400X, Aputure 60X, Aputure Storm 80, as well as Light-panels and ARRI Tungsten units. A full camera and equipment rental list is available upon request.

With decades of international experience, technical excellence and a refined cinematic eye, Abu Dhabi DOP Alex Sapienza remains a trusted choice for producers seeking world-class cinematography across the region and beyond.
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Gender
Male
Nationality (birth)
Italy
Nationality (passport)
Italian
Visa Status
My own Company & Visa
Company
IceCube Films FZ LLC
Personal Car
Yes
Driving Licence(s)
Car

My Equipment

Sony Venice 6K FF Camera with HFR, ANAMORPHIC, FF License

Sony FX6 4K Camera

Sony FX3 4K Camera

SPHERICAL FF LENSES

PL mount FF Sigma Cinema Lens 85mm f 1.5

PL mount FF Sigma Cinema Lens 50mm f 1.5

PL mount FF Sigma Cinema Lens 35mm f 1.5

PL mount FF Sigma Cinema Lens 24mm f 1.5

PL mount FF DZO Film Cinema Lens 16mm f 2.8

PL mount FF GL Optics rehoused Canon Zoom 70 200mm f 2.8

PL mount FF Canon 400mm f 2.8

ANAMORPHIC 2X S35 LENSES

PL mount S35 DZO 2X Anamorphic 28mm f 2.1 Blue flare

PL mount S35 DZO 2X Anamorphic 40mm f 2.1 Blue flare

PL mount S35 DZO 2X Anamorphic 75mm f 2.1 Blue flare

PL mount S35 DZO 2X Anamorphic 100mm f 2.4 Blue flare

Sony E Mount Sigma Art 50mm f 1.4

Sony E Mount Sigma Art 85mm f 1.4

Sony E Mount Sigma Art 24/70mm f 2.8

Sony E Mount Sigma Art 70/200mm f 2.8

GRIP

Satchler Tripod V20 Plus Sony VCT Plate
EasyRig Vario 5 with Stabil arm and CinemaFlex vest

1 X Tango Dolly Slider 6 Ft

LIGHTING

2 X Intellytech 160 Light Cloth RGB

2 X Amaran F21C RGB flexi mat 2X1

2 X Amaran T2c tube RGB light

1 X Aputure Storm 400x

1 X Aputure 600D Pro
1 X Aputure 1200D Pro
1 X Aputure Storm 80 X
2 X Aputure 60 X
2 X Aputure MC
3 X Arri 800W Open face Tungsten
3 X Arri 300W Fresnel Tungsten
1 X Mini Brute 9 Lights 5.2 K Tungsten

MONITORING TX-RX

1 X Blackmagic 12G 7” Monitor SDI HDMI

1 X Blackmagic 3G 7” Monitor SDI HDMI

1 X SmallHD Focus Oled 5”

1 X Blackmagic 5” Monitor 3G SDI HDMI

1 X Vaxis Storm 1000 TX RX

1 X Vaxis Atom 5 SDI TX RX

Gimbal Stabilizer

DJI Ronin RS3 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer for FX6 and FX3 camera systems

 

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Crew Images