We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Simone Cilio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Simone , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly “Badsville”. It was 2016.

“Badsville” is a gritty, drama film that explores the lives of a group of outcasts and misfits living in a run-down town. It’s a story of redemption, friendship, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of violence and despair.

The circumstances leading up to my involvement in “Badsville” were serendipitous. I had been working in the film industry for a few years and I stumbled upon the opportunity to submit my demo for it.”

To my surprise and delight, after a first chat with the production, I was chosen from among 200 composers’ submissions.

What made “Badsville” especially meaningful was that it allowed me to tell a story that was close to my heart, one that explored themes of identity, belonging, and the human capacity for change. It was a project that spoke to my own struggles and experiences, and through it, I was able to connect with the characters on a profound level.

Moreover, the film’s success was a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief in a project’s potential. “Badsville” garnered critical acclaim at film festivals and found an audience that resonated with its themes.

This film not only enriched my career but also allowed me to share a piece of my own life and perspective with the world, making it a project I will cherish forever.

Simone , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly! My name is Simone Cilio, and I am a film composer with a deep passion for both film and music. I was born on September 4th, 1992, and my journey into the world of film composition has been a lifelong pursuit driven by my unwavering love for these two art forms.

My fascination with film and music began at a very young age. I was captivated by the magical way in which music could enhance the emotions and storytelling within movies. This fascination led me to pursue a career where I could merge these two passions to create film scores.

I really started from the scratch because I’m self-taught, basically I learnt piano by listening to Ludovico Einaudi’s work and I learnt orchestration by listening to film scores and classical music. Hours turned into days, and days into months as I tirelessly practiced, learning to play by ear. I spent countless hours dissecting the compositions I listened to, deciphering the intricate melodies that made that music so captivating. It was a journey of discovery.

My role is to craft original musical compositions that enhance the visual storytelling of a film. I work closely with directors and producers to understand their vision and bring it to life through music. My compositions aim to evoke emotions, create atmospheres, and immerse the audience in the cinematic experience.

I view each project as a unique opportunity to contribute to the narrative and enhance the emotional depth of the film. I approach every composition with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the music resonates with the audience and becomes an integral part of the cinematic journey.

I am most proud of the moments when my music has touched the hearts of viewers and added a layer of depth and emotion to a film. These moments of connection and impact are what drive me to continue pursuing my passion because this is not only a “job”.

My philosophy is built on the belief that music is a universal language that has the power to evoke emotions and transcend boundaries. I invite everyone to join me on this creative journey, where film and music converge to create something truly magical.

One of the projects I am most proud of is the documentary titled “The Last Signal” which won an Emmy Award. The story really brought me to tears while I was working on it. It follows Two World War II Veterans who reunite for the first time in 70 years after their inaugural voyage on Navy ship LST-218.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most profound rewards of being an artist is the opportunity for creative expression.

We have a unique ability to translate our thoughts, emotions, and perspectives into tangible works of art, whether it’s through painting, music, writing, dance, or any other art form. This act of self-expression can be deeply satisfying. Art has the power to connect people on a profound level.

We often find that our work resonates with others, creating a sense of shared understanding and empathy. This connection with an audience can be incredibly rewarding, as it allows to touch the hearts and minds of people they may never meet in person.

Not everything is magical, obviously, because there are challenges that are incredibly tough. We really have to develop resilience and determination to navigate the ups and downs of our journey. We have to fight against time, rejection, lack of inspiration etc.

In essence, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is often tied to the unique ability to express oneself creatively, connect with others, and make a meaningful impact on the world through one’s art. It’s a deeply personal and fulfilling journey that enriches not only the artist’s life but also the lives of those who engage with the work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to continue doing what I’m doing, there’s nothing more inspiring that knowing new talented people, talk with them and create art as a team.

I really want to push creative boundaries and experiment with different musical styles and approaches. Whether it’s blending genres, incorporating innovative instrumentation, or exploring unconventional techniques, my goal is to continually evolve and expand my artistic horizons. Working with directors, producers, and writers who appreciate the power of music in films.

Usually when you talk with a film composer the answer could be “I wanna win an Oscar” but my real goal is to leave a lasting legacy through my music, and as a film composer, I hope I’ll become an integral part of the cinematic legacy. My goal is to create a body of work that stands the test of time, inspiring future generations of composers and filmmakers.

I hope I’ll be able to do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simonecilio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonecilio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simoneciliomusic