Meet Chris Moore | TV Writer and Producer

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

Hi Chris, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was 12, my mom moved us from Wisconsin to Ghana so she could teach English at the University. The city couldn’t afford power 24/7, so they only turned it on for a few hours a night. That meant no TV and no video games for most of the day, and since I was new and didn’t have a lot of friends, it meant I didn’t have anything to do for fun.

Those first few months, I spent all my time reading and writing, sometimes by flashlight, until I could glue myself to the TV again. In the mean, I read every book I could get from the library, and when I finished, I’d write stories based on ideas I had while reading.

Being that far from home, in a foreign country, those books I’d read and those stories I’d write were my escape. Mentally, it saved my ass until I made my own group of friends and started getting out of the apartment more.

I never forgot the security blanket of entertainment those stories gave me. After graduating college and working a job I felt unfulfilled in, I’d go home and watch my shows on TV and think “somebody is writing this, and probably having the time of their life.”

I ended up getting laid off from my advertising gig and jumped at the chance to come to LA and try storytelling for a living. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to get a foothold in the business, and even with the rollercoaster ride it can be, it’s been the best decision I ever made. And every time I write something new, I can see myself back in that room in Ghana putting pen to paper until the lights came on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As anybody in the creative space knows, it’s never easy, and the challenges are on the Michael Myers program: you beat one, and another will pop its eyes open and get up to chase you around the block. The best thing about our field is at the end of the day, no matter what, you’re either doing something you love or have the opportunity to.

On an average day of work, I’m in a room surrounded by smart, funny, creative people who are making each other laugh and think in ways they never have. There’s definitely times when the industry is challenging, but at it’s best moments, getting to work in a field where you have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re awake is rewarding in a way I wouldn’t swap for anything.

What I’m excited about now is people enjoying the most recent show I was on, the animated reboot of EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS, and finding homes for a couple pilots my team and I are getting ready to shop.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First I’d take them to Hollywood Boulevard and threaten to drop them off there if they get on my nerves. After they stopped shaking, we’d shoot down to Inglewood and go on a hole-in-the-wall, no-sign-visible restaurant tour. You can hit Nobu if you want but some of these South LA spots have food a Michelin star won’t know what to do with.

I’d take them to a dispensary and let them max out my card like I’m Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. Then I’d take them to the Comedy Store to catch a show, and go down to Venice to check out the water and get a drink before finding a rooftop bar or a jazz lounge to chill at. My friends are low key so that’d be the vibe.

Next day I’d drive us up to Malibu and Calabasas to show off the natural beauty of California. People don’t know how crazy the scenery here is, and I want them going back to their cold, grey, industrial cities feeling even worse about how they’re living. I’d point out Drake and the Kardashians’ houses and vaguely allude to knowing them, then change the subject when they ask for details.

On the last day, we’d get Chicago-style pizza at Masa Echo Park and then go to a Laker game, and any time Lebron missed a shot we’d yell “Kobe woulda made that.” For dinner, we’d go to Yamashiro Japanese restaurant in the Hills, and look out over the city. It’s a super dope view, and something you want to share and experience with people you love.

In the morning, I’d drop them off at LAX. I’d secretly resent them for coming after two hours of trying to get to departures in traffic. But as soon as I parked and we got out to dap and hug, all that would go away and I’d be looking forward to the next time.

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?
Too many to count, but my parents were the ones who gave me the support to leave the corporate rat race and pursue a creative career in LA. My Aunt Diane, who gave me a place to stay out here while I got on my feet. Meg DeLoatch and Anthony Hill, who took a chance on a young, uncredited writer to give me my first TV job on Netflix’s FAMILY REUNION, and validate every dumb, risky decision I’d made. And my manager, John Tantillo, the only person who’s matched my belief in myself, and has the sweat equity to prove it. Shout out and much love to them.

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