We recently connected with Elena Maro and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Elena, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was born in Turin, Piedmont, Italy and grew up in a little town in the suburbs and when I was a kid there wasn’t Internet and there weren’t many places to go or things to do in my town, so I spent my time between school and home, where I loved being in the garden and I often sat on a cherry three reading a book (hence my love for storytelling); and then there were my favorite: my ballet classes, where I was immersed in beautiful classical music. On Sundays, I used to watch old Hollywood movies with my mum.
With motion pictures it was love at first sight and that is what ignited the spark.
Of those films I remember being mesmerized by the visuals and the stories, but, to me, it was in the music where the magic was happening: the songs, the choreographies, the orchestral scores made me dream of leaving that small country town to go to Hollywood and make music for the silver screen.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I worked for 21 years planning to move to Los Angeles and make film scoring my full time job and in September 2016, with two bags and the thought: “Oh My, I am actually doing it!”, I flew to Los Angeles. It is the best decision I have ever made.
The fact that I am still in Los Angeles and I am a full time active composer is already thrilling!
Also, I am now a Television Academy Voting Member (Emmy Awards®) and my music can be heard on Television, on all the major streaming platforms and in theaters worldwide and, this year, in an Academy Award® nominated film.
The focal point of my work is the collaboration with Directors, listening to their vision for the film and analyzing in details the story and the psychological arc of each character, so that I can write music that not only accompanies and enhances the narrative, but becomes a unique and essential part of it, just like another character.
While scoring a film, I am in constant communication with my clients. Writing music for the screen is a collaborative process, which means following the client’s notes and feedback and as a composer I am committed to be a positive, reassuring, enthusiastic, highly efficient and competent part of the post production team.
One thing that is truly exciting for me is seeing people’s reaction to the movie in connection with my compositions, to see that my music hits the right spots and makes the audience get closer to the picture.
I recently completed the music for “Bonds”, a film by young up and coming British woman Director Jodi Ferguson. “Bonds” tells the sweet and intense story of a little girl and her foster mother. It is very touching and I am looking forward to seeing how the film is received at film festivals in 2024.
About what’s new, I am absolutely thrilled to share that I am currently scoring “Carriage Return”, written by Daniel Sauvè-Rogan, a published author making his screenwriting debut, and directed by Ferguson Sauvé-Rogan, a seasoned cinematographer trying to pivot more into directing. “Carriage Return “ is a period film set in New York City in the 1950s. It’s slightly surreal and non literal and truly captivating…With an unexpected twist! The score transitions from jazz to avant-garde and it will feature a full jazz brass section, percussion and bass, all live recorded by some of the finest Los Angeles musicians…And more! (stay tuned for some trivia). I can’t wait for everybody to see/hear the finished film!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My eclectic music background helped me start off on the right foot first, but then I was absolutely determined to really learn the craft. Talent is fundamental, but it is not enough: education is essential. By learning the craft I mean not only the creative part, but also all the technicalities related to the industry standards and even the legal side of the filmmaking business. Our global knowledge is the best asset we can “bring to the table”. Then I think that my determination made me overcome the most difficult times, along with a positive attitude and a steady focus on my journey with patience and gratitude.
Every morning I wake up reminding myself that I live where I always wanted to and I do the job I always dreamt of doing, so wherever I am in my career I am already living the dream.
To sum it up, my personal advice for anyone starting out as a freelance composer is: learn the craft, stay healthy and be a nice person because we are living in difficult times and it is hard for all of us out there.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
The entertainment industry is very demanding, competitive and fast paced, and this is why it is very important to always take care of yourself. Because we are creatives, what we do is very close to who we are, so, staying emotionally balanced and physically healthy, we are making sure our creativity keeps on flowing. This way we also maintain a positive attitude and “vibes” which will make us a pleasant person to work and to be in the room with: a great help to build solid, long lasting collaborations. For me the key word is: “balance”. Plan your days so that you make sure, no matter the deadlines, you are able to spend some time away from the studio to “smell the roses” and recharge your batteries.
Burn out can be behind the corner, if you are not careful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elenamaro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenamaromusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenamaromusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenamaro
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenamaromusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elenamaromusic
- Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TozwIUTrxWe5UlI71qxAC
Image Credits
Adrienne Alivia Photography Dayana Marconi Image Stefano La Bruna
