We were lucky to catch up with Graziano Molteni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Graziano, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m extremely happy with my job, largely because it started as a hobby and has evolved into a profession that supports me financially. It’s fulfilling, but unlike traditional employment, it doesn’t offer the same daily certainty or future security. At times, I find myself contemplating whether I’d prefer something more stable. Yet, when I reflect on the freedom it affords me, the opportunity to constantly meet new people, explore different places around the world, and, above all, engage in work that I’m passionate about—despite its challenges—I realize I wouldn ‘t trade it for anything else in the world!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I consider myself a filmmaker with various skills in both video and audio. My journey began at the age of 9 or 10 when I started drawing comics inspired by Japanese manga and Marvel superheroes while watching cartoons on TV. Over time, my interest shifted towards cinema and visual storytelling, leading me to watch up to 4 or 5 films a day as a teenager. Despite being self-taught, I immersed myself in learning by reading, studying on my own, and putting my knowledge into practice. I even experimented with making masks and special latex makeup inspired by films like Nightmare On Elm Street and Visitors, hosting Halloween and Carnival parties for nightclubs and friends.

However, my official career as a filmmaker began later, around the age of 30. After completing school and spending nearly 11 years working in a factory as a typographer, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own business that focused on graphic design and website development in the early 2000s. Concurrently, I pursued acting and film dubbing courses, fueling my passion for filmmaking.

However, I felt the need to expand my horizons, so I invested in a professional camera and began creating videos for companies. I collaborated with agencies, producing videos for prominent Italian clients and even traveling across Europe.

In parallel, I directed short films and music videos, earning national and international awards. Collaborations with American and Italian filmmakers eventually led me into international film production, where I’ve produced short films, science fiction, and horror films that have garnered significant attention from industry professionals and audiences alike.

My 11-year tenure in the factory greatly influenced my approach to work, providing valuable insights into the world of labor and enabling me to better understand the needs of clients and how to address them effectively within budget constraints.

In my work, precision is paramount. I strive for meticulous attention to detail while fostering a collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere. I focus on solutions rather than problems, aiming to deliver results that leave both clients and team members satisfied.

I pride myself on creating bespoke products tailored to each client’s specific communication, budget, timing, and feasibility requirements. My flexibility allows me to handle a diverse range of projects, from Instagram videos to corporate anniversary celebrations and elaborate music videos to elaborate science fiction films with special effects and 3D animations.

Above all, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my clients delighted with the end product. It’s akin to the applause of an audience after a successful theatrical performance for actors.”

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Yes. I believe that at the core of creativity, and indeed many of humanity’s greatest discoveries, lies a touch of madness and daring. Choosing creativity as a career is somewhat reckless, especially in Italy. It requires a willingness to take risks, to say ‘I try,’ or even ‘I do it,’ and dive headfirst into a project, an idea, or an experiment. Non-creative individuals tend to be more rational and risk-averse.

Of course, there are varying degrees of risk, and it’s essential to weigh the potential outcomes. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and failure occurs. But it’s also true that taking risks can lead to success. The key is to never be discouraged by failure; instead, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Thomas Edison failed 1000 times before inventing the light bulb, but what he said was: I didn’t fail, I just found 999 ways NOT to make a Light Bulb!

It’s the failures that truly shape us and propel us forward.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For you, what is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative?

Personally, what working as a creative gives me first and foremost is freedom. The freedom to decide about my time and what to do; which, mind you, doesn’t mean a lack of commitment, I rather mean that it’s a job that brings you great satisfaction and that other jobs don’t do, even if they’re dignified, of course!

Freedom!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.grazianomolteni.it
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grazianomoltenifilmmaker
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graziano.molteni/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grazianomolteni/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MolteniMedia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moltenimedia

Image Credits
All images are ©Molteni Media Productions, LLC