Meet Chris Hilleke | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Hilleke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From my experience it seems that creativity is at the core of life. It is the hard problem. The thing we cannot explain. How did all this get here? Somehow it was created. Engaging with creativity is engaging with the essence of what it is to be alive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Storytelling and world building is central to my pursuit. How we frame our experience defines our place in this world. As a cinematographer, it might be a choice of where and how to place the lens. As a director it might be what sort of face best conveys the experience to be shared. As an editor it could be to choose which moment to accentuate or diminish. These are examples from a filmmaking perspective but also apply to life in a general sense. I am unique just like everyone else – that is not cynical, it’s exciting. There are so many points of view to explore. It is important to remember that creating something – even when it seems it has already been done – is still a good move because it is likely that the way you do it will be different if you make an effort to share something authentic and vulnerable from your direct experience. It is not easy to lead a creative life. It takes discipline and resilience to show up to your project as much as possible. Finishing is my biggest challenge. I have started so many things that are unfinished. The key is to never quit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I do not currently live in LA but I have visited and worked there countless times and I did live there back in the 90’s, the Thomas Guide days, so I am not LA’s best ambassador. That said, I usually push against itineraries and would rather follow the flow of the day. There is so much to do and see in LA and just walking the streets can give me and my friends plenty to be inspired by. People watching would definitely happen. Riding the public bus system always offers memories. Maybe an excursion into Angeles National forest or the beach. We would have to get some nature in the mix for sure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents who always encouraged me to follow my heart.

Website: https://www.musemoviewritingcardgame.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNewIronAge

Other: chrishillekefilms.com

campirissoundmachine.bandcamp.com