Meet Christopher Moore | Music Composer and Filmmaker/Video Professional

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

Hi Christopher, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The biggest that comes to mind when I’m asked about building a brand is that it’s important to network and be good with whom you collaborate, which begins and ends with me. I have to be good to myself if in terms of being mindful and listening more than talking when I collaborate with others, because much of what I do is in service to a larger need or request. In the case of working on the music score for Dana Cowden’s film “Nova”, that started with conversations with Dana. Talking with her as a person, finding out what she needed in terms of emotions and how to musically support those emotional moments in her film. Collaborating on any creative project isn’t easy, and as you go through such conversations, inevitably, you might find yourself at an impasse with whom you work. At that point, you have to ask yourself, “is this project about or for me?” The answer should be no, and when you realize that, and look to serving your collaborator like family, you show a sense of ‘customer service’, if you will. You create an environment where your collaborator can relax and you can find your way to what your project needs. If you can be the person that is supportive when the moment counts, you become someone your collaborator wants to work with repeatedly. Then “lather, rinse, repeat” – in time, that makes your brand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting to where I am now wasn’t easy. Coming out of my Bachelor’s degree program in film, I thought I was prepared for working in film in Hollywood. I thought I knew how to be professional. It took starting life as an adult at that point and making SO many mistakes until I was forced to reconcile what I really had and what came of those mistakes. I got to a really emotional low about that, so I re-invested in myself by getting my own equipment, whatever I could afford, seeking further education, both informal and formal. Inevitably, I was able to do enough project work on my own to grow to the point where people feel like they can come to me for multiple projects. The biggest lesson I learned out of this was to not pretend I knew more than people around me. There are lessons I’m still learning – but I’m a big fan of the idea that I don’t have it all figured out. I’d rather I still need to grow than not. If you’re not growing, you’re stagnant, and, to me, that means the opposite of living. If there’s anything I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that perseverance does indeed pay off, though navigating takes a lot of soul searching, as well as changes in technology and opportunity. It’s never solely the tools or skills you have, it’s also what you do with them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
in a pandemic, that’s a bit challenging, so I think it’s important to do the simple things – absolutely see the local Symphony Orchestra or Cinema, if either are available. Some have been around for a long time and offer something you won’t see anywhere else. Something unlike a chain or franchise. I’d certainly make sure to go where you have the highest view of the downtown area to gain perspective. Do a “food tour” of local restaurants or local wineries and tap rooms. Although my health and my body would need to forgive me for one afternoon, I would absolutely make sure to check out a local ice creamery and try a flavor you couldn’t find anywhere. The point is this: after sampling all this, you make memories, and experience things that make you want to go back again.

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?
I would not presently be any sort of success without my collaborators, which includes Dana Cowden (writer/director of “Nova”), but as Dana is an alum of the graduate degree program in which we met. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that program: Master of Fine Arts in Professional Screenwriting at National University, under the guidance and direction of Professor Bettina Moss. Sadly, this program has ended, but without Professor Moss, and the colleagues I made in the program, such as Holly Soriano, David Quiroz, Jr., Christopher Shank, and of course, Dana, I wouldn’t be where I am presently. For my additional film and video professional skills, I must thank my most recent mentor, a man who has forgotten more about photography than I will certainly ever understand, Joe Hyles.

Twitter: Follow C. Aaron Moore (@mentallycranked)

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Christopher Moore