Andrew Fognani

Andrew Fognani was born in Denver, Colorado. After receiving a degree in finance and accounting from the University of South Carolina, Fognani decided to pursue his lifelong dream to become an actor.It was in Los Angeles where Fognani discovered another aspiration and became a Mixed Martial Artist. He moved to Thailand to study the art of "Muay Thai" and went on to win a gold medal at the 2007 Southeast Asian Grappling Games in Bangkok. After suffering injuries and undergoing major surgeries, his adventure as a fighter came to an abrupt end. He continues to train for the sheer pleasure and to prepare for roles. Shortly thereafter, his mother had to have brain surgery, so Fognani returned to Denver to help with her rehabilitation. It was a humbling two years. Wanting a strong foundation for the business, Fognani studied acting at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, The Meisner Center, The Will Wallace Acting Company, Joseph Pearlman, LA On Camera, and Amy Lyndon. He landed his first feature role starring as Mark Madoff in Madoff: Made Off With America, the story of Bernie Madoff; the man who pulled off the largest Ponzi scheme in American history. The film thrust him into the proverbial "fire" while acting across from one of today's most intense actors, Tom Sizemore.Fognani then decided to combine his business acumen with his artistic talent to produce, as well as act, and started the production company Unfiltered Productions, LLC. This sparked the making of Reign, the story of an American soldier (Fognani as Delano) who is forever changed by an encounter with an Iraqi woman who survives a deadly skirmish. The film, written and directed by Kimberly Jentzen, was shot with Academy Award® nominated Cinematographer, Jack N. Green (Unforgiven, Bridges of Madison County, Girl, Interrupted) and Academy Award® winning Sound Mixer, David MacMillan (Twilight, Knocked Up, Speed). Produced by Unfiltered Productions and First Tooth Productions, Reign made the festival circuit winning Best Short and Audience Choice Awards at the New York International Independent Film Festival (NYIIFF), and the Louisville International Festival of Film (LIFF) among others.Fognani continued to hone his craft working on various short films. He then co-produced and played the role of Billy in the feature "Red Wing," directed by his close friend and colleague Will Wallace, Executive Produced by Terrence Malick and Ed Pressman, starring Bill Paxton, Luke Perry, Frances Fisher, Joel Carter, and Glenn Powell. The film was picked up by On Demand, and is being distributed through Walmart.He is co-writing, producing and starring in the next two projects from Unfiltered Productions and has been researching and writing in the blind community for the past two years for one of the scripts. The film concentrates on the realities of the blind, showing struggles they face and obstacles that must be overcome in their daily life. The project is looking to begin production in early 2015. He also just landed one of the lead roles in the Foretoken Collection trilogy directed by award winning filmmaker Yvette Edery. The projects begin filming summer 2014. He has begun research, and training for the demanding roles. He not only wants to make films entertaining and financially successful for investors, but also to help those in need and to help create change through such a powerful medium.Fognani's passions have led him around the world, where he is constantly humbled by the diversity life has to offer. A love for family, friends, the outdoors, fitness, food, music, thrill seeking and much more allow him to live life fully, while enjoying the journey. His path to filmmaking was not the typical journey, but he is here and eager to learn more. Show less «