Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ Ere Kokkonen

Ere Kokkonen was a Finnish film director and screenwriter known for his prolific contributions to Finnish popular cinema, especially directing and writing numerous films in the iconic Uuno Turhapuro comedy series. The series, created in collaboration with comedian Spede Pasanen, became one of the most commercially successful franchises in Finnish film history, with Kokkonen helming fifteen installments between 1973 and 2004.

Kokkonen began his career in the 1960s, co-directing his first feature film “Millipilleri” in 1966 alongside Pasanen and Jukka Virtanen, and went on to work extensively in both film and television. Later in his career, he created and directed the Vääpeli Körmy military comedy series in the 1990s and directed film adaptations of novels by Arto Paasilinna, including “Hurmaava joukkoitsemurha” (2000) and “Kymmenen riivinrautaa” (2002). He also held the position of Director of Art Programs at YLE TV1 from 1991 to 1993.

Born in Savonlinna, Finland on July 7, 1938, Kokkonen passed away on October 16, 2008 in Helsinki, at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness. His work in light-hearted comedy left a lasting imprint on Finnish entertainment culture during the latter half of the 20th century.

Ere Kokkonen directed one Euro-western, “Speedy Gonzales, noin 7 veljeksen poika” (Speedy Gonzales) in 1970.

KOKKONEN Ere (aka Esko Laukka) (Erkki Olavi Kokkonen) [7/7/1938, Savonlinna, Finland – 10/16/2008, Helsinki, Finland] – producer, production manager, director, assistant director, cameraman, film editor, actor, married to director, writer, actress, singer Tarja-Tuulikki Tarsala [1937–2007] (1960-1970), married to actress, singer Titta Jokinen (Leena-Maija Titta Jokinen) [1951-     ] (1974-1978) father of Kiti Kokkonen (Kiti Karoliina Kokkonen) [1974-    ], married to producer, production manager, actress Anna-Maija Kokkonen (Anna-Maija Puonti) (1984-2008).

Speedy Gonzales – 1970

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Mario DeRosa

Mario DeRosa was an Italian screenwriter who was born in Rome on February 4, 1920. He was active in the Italian film industry during the 1960s and ‘70s as a director, production manager and producer. He also appeared as an actor in ten films between 1968 and 1990.

Born on February 4, 1920, in Rome, Italy, he began his career in film during the postwar era and contributed to various low-budget productions, often taking on both on-screen roles and key behind-the-scenes positions. He appeared as an actor in films spanning Spaghetti Westerns, erotic dramas, thrillers, and horror pictures, while also serving as production manager, writer, and producer on several projects. De Rosa's involvement in these films reflected the prolific output of Italian commercial cinema during that period, where he often handled multiple responsibilities on set. De Rosa continued working sporadically into the 1990s and died on May 6, 2006, in Rome.

During his career he also was a co-screenwriter on two films one of which was the Spaghetti western, “Anche per Django le carogne hanno un Prezzo” (Django’s Cut Rate Corpses) with Luigi Batzella and Gaetano Dell’Era in 1971. DeRosa was also a producer and production manager on 1971s “Quelle sporche anime dannate” (Paid in Blood).

DeROSA, Mario [2/4/1920, Rome, Lazio, Italy – 5/6/2006, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – producer, production manager, writer, actor.

Django’s Cut Rate Corpses – 1971 (co)

Paid in Blood – 1971 [producer, production manager]

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Godofredo Pacheco

Godofredo Pacheco was a Spanish cinematographer known for his work on films across horror, action, and drama genres during the 1960s and early 1970s. Born on October 18, 1919 in Madrid, Spain, he built a career as a director of photography, camera operator, and still photographer, contributing to both Spanish productions and international co-productions.

Pacheco's notable credits include the acclaimed Spanish horror film “La residencia” (The House That Screamed, 1969), directed by Narciso Ibáñez Serrador, as well as exploitation and action pictures such as “Santo vs. Doctor Death” (1973), “The Valdez Horses” (1973), and “Dracula Versus Frankenstein” (1970). His cinematography often supported genre films featuring prominent actors of the era, including Mexican luchador Santo. He died on May 3, 1974 in Madrid, Spain at the age of 55.

Godofredo Pacheco was a cinematographer on two Spaghetti westerns: “Valdez, il mezzosangue” (Chino) with Armando Nannuzzi and “Campa carogna… la taglia cresce” (Those Dirty Dogs) in 173.

PACHECO, Godofredo (aka Pacheco, Godfrey Pacheco, Godo Pacheco, Goffredo Pacheco, Gottfried Pacheco) [10/18/1919, Madrid, Madrid, Spain - 5/3/1974, Madrid, Madrid, Spain] – cinematographer, cameraman, son of photographer Juan Pacheco Vandel [1884-1935], brother of cinematographer, cameraman, actor Rafael Pacheco (Rafael Pacheco de Usa) [1921-    ], cinematographer, cameraman Mario Pacheco (Mario Pacheco de Usa) [1923-1971], uncle of photographer Mario Pacheco [1950-2010].

Chino – 1973 (co)

Those Dirty Dogs – 1973