Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Scicluna.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised just outside Toronto, Canada, and grew up heavily involved in the arts. I played the piano; loved to paint, craft and build things; danced competitively; and even attended an arts high school. But despite falling in love with film via Disney Animated classics quite early in my childhood, it took me a while to realize movie-making was an actual career I could pursue––that it was someone’s JOB to oversee and organize movies.
At the end of high school, I toyed with the idea of being an entertainment reporter (I’m a talker, and love interacting with people and hearing their stories), but mere months into my undergraduate studies at Canada’s preeminent media school in Toronto, I realized how much I hated being on camera… How ironic, right? Around the same time, I organically gravitated towards producing. I liked that I could marry my love for story with a range of administrative and managerial responsibilities I found ‘fun’, and flash forward four years, I capped off my undergrad winning multiple awards for my very first short film (which ended up not being short at all… 36-minutes!), and never looked back.
Following that film’s festival run, I worked for multiple media companies and on a handful of shows in Toronto, in addition to producing a number of independent passion projects including a now viral music video, digital ads for Coca-Cola, and a commercial for a privately funded charity for kids with cancer that played in theaters across Canada. These opportunities solidified my love for producing, but admittedly, never at the level I wanted… See, big-budget studio films are frequently *made* in Toronto, but seldom *developed* there, so I began hunting for a way into the Hollywood ecosystem. In 2017 I applied for my masters in producing at UCLA, and come fall 2018, I made the leap … While at UCLA, I produced three short films; developed a new slate of projects (including a female-driven comedic feature and a modern Sex-and-the-City-esque series); and worked/interned with a two of my dream companies: Disney Studios (specifically on their live-action remake of The Little Mermaid!!!), and Marc Platt Productions (La La Land, Legally Blonde, and WICKED The Musical).
Now, I officially have my Masters in Film and Television (shout-out class of 2020!), and I’m impatiently waiting out the COVID storm … I can hardly wait to get back on set, and to be able to hug my friends and family again!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ha! Definitely not … I spent my first year in Los Angeles floundering to keep my head above water! It was the first time I’d ever really moved away from my family, and it was lonely and hard as hell. The social, financial, and emotional burdens that come with settling into a new city are no joke (and even worse after the toughest year of your personal life) … And yet, I’d do it all again if I had to. In hindsight, stepping out of my comfort zone was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. It made me hyper-aware of the things most important to me, and infinitely grateful for my loving and supportive friends and family back home (as well as my new friends here in LA) … Plus! The multiple “pinch-me” moments I’ve had since living here have been jolting, humbling reminders of why it was all worth it!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Ultimately, I’m a storyteller and a story facilitator. I help shape and nurture stories for film and television from inception to completion, and bring narratives to life for others to enjoy! I’m most drawn to projects in the family, fantasy, and romantic comedy spaces, though I’m always happy to consider and provide my thoughts on projects outside my wheelhouse.
While my intentions to grow and broaden my producing slate in 2020 have been largely shuttered due to COVID-19, I haven’t let it stop my progress altogether. I currently have two project proposals submitted for consideration at Netflix; two short films in post-production that I’m eager to put through the festival circuit in 2021; and regularly offer/donate my producing talents to non-profit organizations and charities. I will be forever gratified by the opportunities that bring together what I do (produce) with what I love (giving back and spreading hope and happiness).
I hate answering “what makes me special” questions (this is why I chose a career behind the camera, remember!) but if I had to summarize what makes me an admirable producer, it would be my work ethic and drive; my genuine care for others and the projects I take on; and my unwillingness to accept “no” for an answer. I’m known for being obscenely organized and over-achieving, but also cheerful and childlike … I hate being bored! And I’m always looking for ways to bring joy, adventure, and fun into the everyday!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.melissascicluna.com/
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