YNOT – Sal Sodano, cinematographer, sound engineer and co-founder of the video-on-demand website MidnightVideos.com, died Tuesday of complications from lung cancer and emphysema. He was 72.Sodano began his career in adult entertainment during the “Golden Age of Porn” and was involved in the production of dozens of XXX classics, including the 1982 BDSM cult favorite The Taming of Rebecca (for which he led the cinematograhy under the name Pierre Nablique) and the 1972 documentary Personals. He also worked in mainstream Hollywood, serving as the sound editor for the 1989 horror film The Vineyard.
With his son Sal Sodano Jr., Sodano founded Midnight Videos LLC in order to propel his vision and technical and industry knowledge into the future. The company’s VOD website went live in 2008.
“Sal was an innovator in the industry and saw the digital revolution coming long before many others,” Midnight Videos Sales and Accounts Director Tory LaBarbera said.
Sodano is survived by his sons Sal Jr., Leonard, Tony and Daniel and a daughter, Jamie.
A memorial service is being planned. For details, contact LaBarbera at (718) 858-8864.
