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Name: Chris Moore
Username: ChrisMoore
Hometown: Easton, Maryland
Occupation: Producer
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
I was attracted by the power movies, TV, sports and games have to help people learn and escape. I wanted to be a part of that. Plus it looked fun. My first job was as a P.A. on NBC's broadcast of the 1986 World Series between the Red Sox and the Mets. I have had 2 big breaks. First, I read a script when I was a young agent called "Extremely Violent" and thought it was great and sold it for a lot. It became "The Last Action Hero." Second, was getting to produce "Good Will Hunting."
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
The fear of moving to L.A. I just said, "what the f...!"
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
First, really believe in what you want to do.
Second, sometimes you just have to say, "what the f...!"
Third, be painfully honest with yourself about your skills, chances and experiences.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what a Producer is.
Well, mostly I coordinate good, talented people: actors, writers, directors and technicians. I talk on the phone a lot and hopefully facilitate communication with the studio or financiers. I am the bridge between the money and creative vision. It is a lot of people skills and a lot of problem solving. Producers are hands on and hopefully balance commercial goals with creative goals.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
Do the hard work yourself and don't be afraid of confrontation. Make sure everyone is working rather than just passing work around to others. Do not let too many cooks in the kitchen. Make sure everyone involved understands their role on that particular project.
Please illustrate the way the performance of your position can help or hurt a movie. Name a movie that you've seen (or worked on) that we could view and understand the difference between a good job and a bad job.
If I don't get answers quickly the movie can sit around waiting for me. That hurts. If decisions are clear and can be counted on, then all the others involved work faster and smarter.
On American Pie, the first one, we made the decision early and stuck to it that we were going with no name actors and going for the "R" rating. We stuck to this decision and the movie is much better because of it. Can you imagine a "PG" version with Elijah Wood, and Leo? At first the crew and actors did not believe we would stick to this but by the time we shot the pie scene everyone was in sync and moving together.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Honest, straightforward, secure people are hard to find. When you do find them, hang on with both hands.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
The number of locations, extras, scenes, and day vs. night changeovers are all real important. Focus on characters and remember a picture says 1000 words. Trust the camera and the actors.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
Quick, clear decisions. No screaming. Know what you want ahead of time and communicate that well.
List your top 5 favorite films
- A Clockwork Orange
- Die Hard
- The Man who Shot Liberty Valance
- Porky's
- Fletch
**Please feel free to add other comments here
I would just like to remind everyone: Hollywood is full of hard work and long hours. Do not think it is all glamour.
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