We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kyle Scimone. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kyle, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Thanks for having me back. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.
I would say traveling!
I was fortunate enough to hop the pond and visit 14 different countries in western Europe last year. Being able to immerse yourself in other cultures and adapt to living at a different pace does wonders for personal growth and understanding. Once you get to view life through alternative perspectives, there is a sense of empathy and curiosity that never really leaves you.
During the year long journey, all of the wonderful sites and architectural accomplishments came second to the magnificent people along the way. It was very refreshing to engage with such genuine individuals and share our journeys with each other.
Out of all the places visited, Scotland was a stand out. There is something about the history, architecture, and the people that make you feel so welcomed into their community. The centuries old ruins combined with lush hillsides and open terrain make for a travelers dream.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an independent filmmaker and screenwriter in Los Angeles, California. I am also the owner and sole employee of Scimone Scripts and Screenplays. What I do is help other filmmakers get their scripts production ready. There’s a certain nuance and finesse to writing screenplays and once you get a properly formatted script, your whole production changes for the better. Everyone has a story to tell, but how that story is presented makes all the difference.
I’ve been writing professionally for 8 years now and have made more progress than I ever thought possible. While I am non-union, I am very active in the filmmaking community and have completed several projects in association with SAG via micro-budgets. I’m currently working on a rewrite for an Emmy nominated director and have two short films hitting the circuit for my first festival run. 2026 is shaping up to be quite a productive year!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Quite profound questions this go around..
In my opinion, it’s honesty.
Honesty is one thing that can truly heal a person. Everyone says “time heals all,” but I’ve come to find that if that time spent is not rooted in truth, then not moving forward. Even the most hurtful words, when rooted in truth, leave an opportunity for growth. This applies to almost every industry and personal struggle. Too many people don’t have the hard, honest conversations with themselves that are necessary for growth. Despite the pain in the moment, truthful critiques of one’s self can be the revelation that changes their life for the better. Bonds between people that are grounded in honesty are undoubtably stronger than those that aren’t.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience. Resilience and humility.
One trait you need in your arsenal if you are going to be a writer is resilience. 100% without a doubt.
There are so many different paths taken by writers in this industry, but an oversimplified version is this:
1) You make it big quick and fade throughout the years.
2) You start slow and finally make it after decades of dedication.
3) Your relative green-lights your movie at 20 years old and this doesn’t apply to you.
Most of us fall in to the #1 or #2 category. Even those that get a “lucky break” early in their career are pressured to keep the status quo and its arguable harder to stay in the game when you enter it early on. With that being said, I can’t stress this enough, EVERY WRITER GETS REJECTED!
You have to be resilient, You have to be patient. And, above all, you have to keep writing.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think it’s safe to say that the Tv and Film industry not only lies to itself, but to everyone that works and enjoys the industry.
Anyone that thinks they know what the next big thing is going to be is full of it. No one knows. That’s what makes it art. We have no idea when a mini-series about a drug addict chess player is going to captivate the world. Or if an unstable zookeeper feuding with an equally unstable zookeeper is going to take audiences by storm. It’s lightning in a bottle.
Another big lie is, if you don’t quit, you’ll make it eventually. That is not true. This industry is absolutely ruthless. There are no handouts, there are no cheat codes or shortcuts. Some people simply won’t make it to their ultimate goal.
But, if you have an honest conversation with yourself, you can reevaluate what your goals and what’s most important to you as a creative. Trying to be the next Christopher Nolan is much different than making a living off your art and feeling satisfied with your contributions to the medium. You can be successful at anything as long as you determine what your success looks like. For me, it’s being able to make films and travel. Am I filming with A list celebrities? No, but that’s not how I view success.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would like to think that my story is one of perseverance. Personally, I can’t recall a time where I’ve decided to go against my principles or moral code just to benefit in some form or another. Truthfully, I’d be much farther along in my career had I chosen my own prosperity over others. But, I don’t think I would be able walk as confidently in my own skin had I compromised my beliefs for a few extra bucks or to sabotage someone else’s career.
I want people to say “Yeah, I knew him. He was a good person.” That’s really it for me. People will always remember how you made them feel, and I want to be remembered as someone who never stopped trying to inspire those around them. I want my story to instill hope, ignite passion and invigorate the spirit.
At the end of it all, I’d like to be remembered as someone who didn’t hide from life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kjscimone.wixsite.com/scimone
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-j-scimone-728961138/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScimoneShorts
