We were lucky to catch up with Marcello De Francisci recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marcello, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Working on Michael Mann’s most recent film ‘Ferrari’ starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Marcello has composed-produced music for an array of motion picture soundtrack scores including Michael Mann’s latest ninety million dollar film ‘Ferrari’ starring Adam Drive and Penelope Cruz. He also composed the piece ‘Drums of Victory’ for Alexander Payne’s five-time Academy Award-nominated film ‘Nebraska’, Natalie Portman’s first Western genre film ‘Jane Got A Gun’ co-starring Ewan McGregor, and Joe Edgerton, in addition, acclaimed feature documentary ‘Samsara’, the sequel to ‘Baraka’. Marcello joined forces with world-renowned singer Lisa Gerrard (‘Dead Can Dance’ band member & Golden Globe winner for co-composing the score to ‘Gladiator’ alongside Hans Zimmer) and both co-wrote the music for numerous film projects, in addition, worked on two-solo albums titled ‘Departum’, and its successor ‘Exaudia’, released through Atlantic Curve / Schubert Music Publishing. He is a recipient of the prestigious “Best Soundtrack of the Year G.A.N.G. Award” for Sony Computer Entertainment’s first ‘God of War’ game, as well as, has won two Australian Film Critic’s Awards for his scores to the films ‘Balibo’, and ‘Oranges & Sunshine’. His music has been licensed on countless motion picture-television trailer ad campaigns, which include J.J. Abrams ‘Mission Impossible III’, Yi-Mou Zhang’s ‘Hero’, Conrad Vernon & Rob Letterman’s ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’, John Moore’s ‘Flight of the Phoenix’, Mike Newell’s ‘Prince of Persia’, the Russo Brother’s ‘Avengers-Endgame’, Ridley Scott’s ‘Exodus’, James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’, Jerry Bruckheimer’s ‘National Treasure’, Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Hellboy’ and Netflix’s series trailer for ‘Rise of Empires – Ottoman’.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
M“Back in early April of 2023 I received a call from iconic film director Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral, Last of the Mohicans, Miami Heat, The Insider, Mohammed Ali, Public Enemies) inviting me to come set up shop in his offices on the west side of Los Angeles to compose additional music for his ninety million dollar film ‘Ferrari’ starring Adam driver and Penelope Cruz. During the six weeks period in, which it all took place, I was excited, terrified, awestruck, and literally worked my ass off. What else could I do? I do have to mention Michael was extremely kind and very generous with me. I would receive a text or voice mail on my phone giving me direct notes, which I found surreal in addition to oftentimes being called to Fox Studios to meet with him at the final mix stage to get a closer view of what was being requested regarding the score.”
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think from a kindness perspective more than society itself, feel, artists themselves should be more inclusive. There seems to be a disfunction amongst a lot of musicians due to competitiveness that can get in the way of helping up and coming talent. I aim to involve artists and celebrate their work through my efforts in my particular field.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.marcellodefrancisci.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083103560403
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdf5717934/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcelloDeFrancisci1
Image Credits
First Image is at the mix stage of the film ‘Samsara’ with co composers Lisa Gerrard, Michael Stearns and producer Mark Magidson. Second image is at my studio in Pasadena California.