Matthew F. Leonetti

Matthew Frank Leonetti A.S.C. (born July 31, 1941) is an American cinematographer.

Background Leonetti was born in Los Angeles, California.

His younger brother, John R. Leonetti, is also a prolific cinematographer and occasional film director.

Their father Frank was a filmmaker and cinematographer, who served as a gaffer and lighting technician on low-budget films like The Violent Years, Frankenstein's Daughter, and Beyond the Time Barrier. Though the film came and went with little fanfare, it did gain a minor cult following years later after being featured at an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Leonetti spent much of the 1970s shooting TV films directed by Jameson.

Leonetti later shot the Poltergeist, where he was responsible for creating many of the film's iconic images. This proved to be his big break, and in the following years he quickly became one of the most prolific and accomplished DPs in the film industry, shooting a large number of iconic films of the 80s.

Leonetti served as DP on his brother's directorial debut, Mortal Kombat Annihilation.

In 2000s, Leonetti shot a string of blockbusters, from thrillers to action, as well as comedy films.

Filmography Film

Short film Year Title Director Notes 2000 Bear to the Right Matthew F. Leonetti Jr.2013 The PitchPeter FarrellySegments of Movie 43 Truth or Dare

Television TV movies

TV series Year Title Director Notes 1975 Bronk Richard Donner Episode "Pilot" 1976 Jigsaw John Allen ReisnerReza BadiyiCharles S. Dubin 3 episodes 1978 The American Girls Lee Philips Episode "The Phoenix Connection" 1982 Tucker's Witch Peter H. Hunt Episode "The Good Witch of Laurel Canyon" 1983 Lottery! Lee Philips Episode "Being a Winner" 1984 Jessie Richard Michaels Episode "Pilot" 2008 Unhitched The Farrelly Brothers Episode "Pilot"