Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Marcolin.
Hi Simone, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I graduated from high school, I was certain I wanted to work in the film industry, but I couldn’t afford to attend a specialized school, and opportunities in my city are very limited. At first, I worked as a warehouse worker to buy my first video equipment, and little by little I started shooting my first projects before eventually going into business for myself and registering as a self-employed contractor. I started out as an independent filmmaker, handling practically every aspect of a video project, from shooting to post-production. I also began collaborating with other professionals and generally worked on a wide range of video types, from corporate videos to documentaries, even filming elopement weddings around the world and throughout Italy with my ex-girlfriend.
Six years ago, however, I decided to focus exclusively on cinematography, starting to collaborate with directors. I also launched a YouTube channel, which is still active today, where I share insights on filmmaking. Over the years, it has grown significantly, allowing me to collaborate on other projects and meet new people in the film industry. Today, I work as a director of photography on commercials and short films, but I’m working toward eventually working on feature films as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. I still have a difficult relationship with my father because, after I was a teenager, he initially caused quite a few problems in the family, and these inevitably had repercussions for some time. I come from a city where the world of film production isn’t very common, so it hasn’t always been easy to carve out a place for myself in this world. I’ve always tried to step outside my comfort zone to get involved in certain production processes. Even today, it’s something I continue to do to meet new people and learn new things. As difficult as it has been at times, I’ve always tried to stay focused and not give up. I know it might sound like a cliché, but it’s true.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a cinematographer, and right now I work on both commercials and short films. What am I known for? I’m not sure—I don’t consider myself that well-known. For now, I’m pretty proud of what I’m creating.
One thing I’m firmly convinced of, though, is that this job has a very intimate side to it. Technical aspects are certainly important, but I believe that life experiences are far more important for a cinematographer, director, or screenwriter. Watching movies, listening to music, reading, or traveling… There’s a book written by Sven Nykvist, who was the cinematographer for most of Ingmar Bergman’s films and one of my point of reference. The book is titled *In Reverence of Light*, and in it, Nykvist talks about everything except the technical aspects of photography. That alone should say a lot…
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I remember the summers I spent with my family in the mountains.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simomarcolin.com
- Instagram: @simonemarcolin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simone.marcolin
