We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Guido Arcella a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Guido, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?
Remote work has been a transformative experience for our company, especially following the pandemic. We have embraced the flexibility and adaptability that come with a digital academy model, allowing us to connect and collaborate effectively from various locations.
At Arcella Sound, our music and sound production studio for film and video games, we have successfully operated remotely with our dedicated team. Utilizing online collaboration tools has enabled us to maintain high productivity levels while fostering creativity and innovation.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of efficient communication and project management, which we’ve integrated into our workflow. This transition not only allowed us to continue delivering quality work but also attracted a diverse range of talent from different locations across Latin America. Overall, remote work has proven to be a valuable asset, enabling us to thrive in an increasingly digital 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’m Guido Arcella, an Argentine composer with a passion for creating original music for films and video games. My musical journey began at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where I studied Composition and Violin Performance. During my time there, I collaborated extensively with the video game and film programs, developing a strong student portfolio that ultimately led me to Berklee College of Music.
At Berklee, I earned a master’s degree in Music for Film, Television, and Video Games, further expanding my creative horizons. A pivotal moment in my career was receiving a scholarship to continue my studies at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain, where I honed my skills under the mentorship of esteemed composers. One of my career highlights was recording an original piece at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, collaborating with the London Session Orchestra — an experience that solidified my commitment to composing music that resonates on a profound level.
Currently, I serve as the audio director and lead composer at Arcella Sound, a renowned studio based in Mérida, Mexico. With over 50 projects under my belt, we specialize in creating immersive musical experiences that transport listeners to new worlds and enrich the overall audiovisual narrative. Our work spans various genres and formats, from films to video games, and I pride myself on delivering compositions that not only meet but exceed the artistic visions of my clients.
What sets me apart in this competitive industry is my holistic approach to storytelling through music. I understand that a well-crafted score can elevate a film or game by enhancing its emotional impact and narrative depth. My ability to collaborate closely with filmmakers and game developers allows me to create tailored soundscapes that solve the specific challenges they face in conveying their stories.
I have been fortunate to receive recognition in various international competitions and festivals, including the California Independent Film Festival and the Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Notable projects include producing the score for the film “Skelly,” starring Brian Cox, and collaborating with Sony Pictures on the soundtrack for “The Karate Kid: Street Rumble.” In 2023, my original music for the “NFL Orígenes” campaign was honored by Digiday as the best Spanish-language video marketing campaign, further validating my commitment to quality and innovation in my work.
In addition to my compositional work, I have a passion for education and mentorship. I have distinguished myself as a workshop leader and panelist at international events like the Guadalajara International Film Festival 2024, sharing my insights on platforms such as LATINXINGAMING and IMCINE. My educational initiatives extend across several countries, including Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and Spain, where I aim to inspire the next generation of musicians in the film and video game industries.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me is my unwavering dedication to my craft. I approach each project with enthusiasm and a deep commitment to storytelling through music. My goal is to create pieces that resonate emotionally, enhance the visual narrative, and leave a lasting impact on audiences. Whether you’re a filmmaker, game developer, or content creator, I look forward to collaborating and bringing your vision to life through music that speaks to the heart.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments in my journey that illustrates resilience occurred during my time as a college student. As a violin player in our student orchestra, I realized that to excel in the music industry, I needed to build a strong portfolio. While my MIDI skills were improving through hands-on practice, I pushed myself further by seeking opportunities to record with a real orchestra.
I collaborated closely with my classmates from the orchestra and those studying film and video game production. Together, we formed a supportive network, leveraging our resources to simulate a professional recording environment at a student level. One memorable instance was when we secured an empty concert hall on a Sunday morning. It was the perfect setting to record, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement and creativity.
We worked tirelessly, capturing the essence of each piece while simultaneously enhancing our skills and learning from one another. This not only enriched my portfolio but also fostered a sense of community among us, encouraging collaboration that would lay the groundwork for future projects.
Years later, the music school recognized the value of these experiences and is now opening a new minor to provide students with similar opportunities. This journey of turning challenges into opportunities taught me the importance of adaptability and collaboration, which continues to be integral to our work at Arcella Sound. It was about simulating a very professional recording experience with the resources available and carrying that spirit into my career as I transitioned to paid projects, always fostering collaboration and creativity.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I graduated from Berklee, I experienced what I now refer to as the “bubble effect.” I had been surrounded by incredible talent and opportunities, and I naively believed that once I left, clients would simply come to me because of my degree and skills. However, that belief quickly proved to be a huge mistake.
As I entered the industry, I faced the harsh reality that talent alone isn’t enough. I had to unlearn the notion that success would come without effort. I realized that to truly live from my passion, I needed to develop business acumen and negotiation skills. This meant understanding how to market myself effectively, build relationships, and advocate for the value of my work.
Over the years, I immersed myself in learning about the industry landscape, networking, and honing my communication skills. I began to see the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. This shift not only helped me secure projects but also empowered me to shape my own career path. Now, at Arcella Sound, we emphasize these skills within our team, ensuring that we’re not just creating great music, but also building a sustainable business around our passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arcellasound.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcellasound
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-arcella-406a7b69/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcellasound
Image Credits
All Studio Images by – Jorge Velazco