Meet Manuele Carli Ballola | Film and video games composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuele Carli Ballola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuele, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Knowing that composing music has always been my biggest passion as movies and video games, I decided to connect them by creating original music for films and video games. Since I was very young, I have loved all Walt Disney movies. But, at the same time, when older, I also start to grow my interest in spaghetti western movies and Fantasy movies. So, growing up with Ennio Morricone’s music, Danny Elfman, and Alan Menken’s music contributed immensely to choosing to become a film composer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There are different types of storytellers, the ones who use words, the ones who use light, the ones who use colors, and someone like me who uses music. When working on a project, my main goal stays focused on conveying human emotion and, at the same time, elevating and supporting the story according to the director’s vision. Each composer is different because we have a diverse background that can immensely influence our music. Therefore, I don’t believe in competition because it keeps the focus away. On my side, I can say that I grow together with music and movies, so I consider myself a natural “music storyteller.”
If I have to say, what I learn the most during these ten years, is to follow your instinct and not be afraid to experiment.
Sometimes even from your own mistakes, you can make a great soundtrack. And since I considered myself genuinely authentic, even my music reflects it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m in love with Santa Monica and Malibu. I’d say to see the beach at the sunset while drinking a good glass of wine and enjoy the Seabreeze while watching the waves. I know it seems obvious, but I realize so many people forget the joy of doing simple things. About food, I recommend a couple of places where I have been; Cento Pasta Bar in W Adam Blvd; this place has a fantastic patio. For a quick burger, I’d say Burger 99. For drinks, I like Paradise Cove Beach Café, especially during sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I have different people to thank since they all supported me incredibly during this challenging journey in the U.S. First of all, is my wife Maica Buiani. She was able to inspire me during these years, day by day and at the same time encourage me to pursue this career, despite many difficulties and obstacles. On the artistic side, many people and artists helped me incredibly. Still, if I have to mention one artist in particular, that would be the Oscar-winning composer Mychael Danna, who supported me with his mentorship during my stay in the United States. He wrote me a support letter for my Green Card application and invited me to his beautiful studio in West Hollywood, taking his own time to listen to my story. He is extremely humble and kind, and I was so impressed that he saved some time for me being so busy. Then, he allowed me to hold his Oscar, which was a life-changing experience. I said to myself: “never stop believing it.”

Website: https://www.manuelecarliballola.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelecarliballola/?hl=en