Mladen Matula

Mladen Matula Director of Photography
Born in Austria, Mladen grew up in Zagreb Croatia. At the age of four he was chosen as the lead actor in a Croatian television series. Mladen was the youngest member inducted into ZKM - the famous theater group in Zagreb. Thirteen years, and a lot of fun, later his true passion was born during the filming of a TV series - observing the work of the show’s director of photography.
Admitted to the "Center for Culture and the Arts" Department for film and TV in Zagreb, Mladen graduated with honors. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Arts (Department of Cinematography) - one of only five candidates admitted that year. At the end of his second year Mladen began assisting, and observing, the two most influential DoP’s of his country - Tom Pinter and Zivko Zalar.
In 1989 Mladen completed his studies and moved to Milan, Italy. He continued his work as a focus puller until 1995, when he started working exclusively as a DoP.
Since that time Mladen has shot some 200 TV commercials, gaining experience filming in the studio, on location, from helicopters and on water and with thousands of extras. He is equally comfortable using both film and digital, in all formats. He has adapted to a varied range of styles - from sweeping cinematography, to hand-held immediacy. He is no stranger to complex and difficult projects - once successfully completing the shoot despite filming through a hurricane.
Mladen worked in Italy, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Monte Negro, Albania, Romania, USA, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Germany, Kenya,Tanzania, United Emirates, Egypt.
With his passion for his craft, and an unflappable, balanced attitude, Mladen brings a European sensibility to each new project.
Mladen holds dual nationality - Italian and Croatian. He speaks: English, Italian, Croatian/Serbian and use of German.
Partial list of work:
TVC’s:
Ariel, Gambrinus Beer, Olidata, BSA, Cadburys Chocolate, Banco Sotto
Mayor, Parmalat, Banco di Sardegna, Santal, Ich Nusa beer, Safari Lager Beer, Sextant, NLB, Petrom, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Rexona, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Mc Donalds, Onitsuka Tiger, Civil Defence, MTV, Lee, Breil, Enervit, Oxy, Banco San Paolo, Hyppo, Panini, VIP, Standard Chartered Bank, Donna & Mamma, Konsum, Mobitel, Tele2, Idea, Croatia Insurance, Pik, Medinait, Tomato, THT, ZABA, T-COM, Hardee’s etc.
Music videos:
Piero Pelù, Elio E Le Storie Tese, Bersani, Neffa, 99Posse.
Feature Films:
Turtles With The Bake Of Axe, Chemical Hunger, Strange Rings, Saddam, Blind Maze, Looking For Who? (Theatrical version and 5 episodes for TV)
Awards :
"Media Star" Best TVC (at national level) and Best TVC for the Region of The Islands Of The South”
“Agora” Best technical execution
“Best Independent Music Video Of The Year “
“Cresta Award” NY
“Key Award” NY
“Grand Prix” NY
“Golden Dolly”
“Grand Prix” Annecy
“Grand Prix” Torino Horror Film Festival
“Grand Prix” Houston International Film Festival
“Best Film” Magna Grecia Film Festival