Ellatronix completes NATSIMO Screen Composer Intensive

Screen Composer Intensive culminates with recording session at Trackdown

Ellatronix (Thalia Skopellos) is ready for new screen music opportunities

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) congratulates Thalia Skopellos (who performs as Ellatronix) on the completion of the 2024 NATSIMO Screen Composer Intensive. The outcome of the three-month program is her piece 'Caminandes: Llamigos' set to a heartwarming animation.

"I learned so much and had a lot of fun especially in the recording stage of the project. Getting to hear my score be recorded by amazing musicians in a space where some of the biggest scores for films have been recorded was a very special moment," said the electronic music producer, sound composer and entrepreneur with Aboriginal, Greek, Filipino,Chinese and South Sea Islander heritage.

During the intensive course, Thalia worked out of a space at Church Street Studios and developed her score under the mentorship of renowned screen composer Ken Francis. For the recording, she collaborated on the arrangement with the award-winning Jessica Wells from Jigsaw Music, which included string quartet.

Thalia said, "The composer intensive has given me the support, guidance and education to help me to improve as a composer and I’ve walked away with new relationships, connections and opportunities to move forward in my composer journey.

"Thank you to the NATSIMO team, Ken, Jess and Guy from Church St, for creating this pathway to help composers like me have access to opportunities that would otherwise not be available."

Nathaniel Andrew, Senior Manager, NATSIMO, said, "We are so proud of the artistry, hard work and care that Thalia put into the 2024 NATSIMO Screen Composer Intensive. The program's intent is to have more Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander musical perspectives set to stories on screen. Thalia is an incredible talent who has flourished during her intensive and is ready for the next challenge."

Last month, Thalia was selected by composer Caitlin Yeo to participate at APRA AMCOS' Screen SongHubs in partnership with Paramount Australia, which took place at Church Street Studios. The group of women and gender-diverse music creators had the opportunity to compose for productions currently under development.

The intensive is funded by APRA AMCOS with support from the Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC), Church Street Studios, Jigsaw Music and Trackdown Studios.

2024 is the third year of the Intensive. Composer Rhyan Clapham (DOBBY) was the 2022 recipient, the creative outcome of the which resulted in Rhyan’s composition, 'SPRING'. Composer Amanda Davis (Dyagula) was the 2023 recipient and was mentored by Ken Francis. Expressions of Interest for the 2025 Intensive will open in the coming months.