German newspapers described Valerio Esposito’s first American film, Calico Skies, starring Tom Sizemore, Vincent Pastore, and Charlotte De Bruyne, as “reminiscent of David Lynch” (DeMorgen), while Rheinpfalz noted that “the director’s touch and writing recall Clint Eastwood.”

On the TV show Entertainers, Tom Sizemore described Valerio Esposito as “the best young writer and director I have ever worked with.”

After earning a degree in Literature and Philosophy in Rome, he continued his studies at the prestigious University of Southern California (USC), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Film and Television Production.

Before making his directorial debut, he spent over five years in Los Angeles working at Netflix USA as an In-House producer, contributing to numerous American and international productions. During this time, he also collaborated directly with co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings and COO Ted Sarandos.

His latest film, Double Soul, shot between Rome and Dubai, stars Academy Award winners F. Murray Abraham and Danny Glover, alongside Paz Vega, Julian Sands, and Italian actors Marco Bocci, Marianna Fontana, and Angela Fontana.

He has worked extensively as an assistant director and second unit director in both Hollywood and Italian cinema, collaborating with actors such as Christopher Lloyd, William Shatner, Jean Smart, Dolph Lundgren, Vinnie Jones, Billy Zane, and Robert Davi.

A longtime friend and collaborator of Fausto Brizzi, he has worked as 1st Assistant Director on his productions and directed second unit on his last five films. On Dove osano le cicogne (2025), starring Angelo Pintus and Beatrice Arnera, he personally conceived, produced, and directed the entire opening title sequence, as well as the action scenes shot in Italy and Spain.

He also worked as assistant director on Notte prima degli esami and La mia banda suona il pop (2019), starring Christian De Sica and Diego Abatantuono.

He currently lives and works between Los Angeles, New York, and Rome.

His debut feature, Calico Skies, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 65th Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival.

Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Valerio Esposito was granted honorary  U.S. citizenship in 2021 in recognition of his artistic achievements.