Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Moore.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Robert Lloyd Moore and I am a Cinematographer/Camera Operator in the Texas film industry. I got started almost two decades ago, like how many others do, just by creating whatever I could at home with friends and family. Most of the time, it was a little home movie or a silly comedy sketch, but nonetheless… there was always something creative and engaging to work on at the house.
Those fun projects and endeavors led to me pursuing a career in the film industry. That, to me, felt like the best way to pursue something I care about that also didn’t feel like traditional, 9-5 style office work. I thought, if I can turn my passion into a paycheck… then why not? If passion is the foundation of your work, then you really won’t ever feel like you have a “Job.” I wholeheartedly subscribe to this philosophy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Generally, any kind of freelance work is usually going to bring upon some hardships, especially when first getting started. The film industry is no exception; in fact, it can be brutal right out the gate. It’s tough getting your name out there and people don’t really respect you until they know who you’ve worked for, what you can do, and what you have worked on. That is just how it goes; paying dues is essential.
The good news is that the Texas film industry is a tight-knit community and generally, everyone wants to help each other. Word-of-mouth reigns supreme here, so if you are a hard-working, talented person… people will recommend you. I am so fortunate to have worked with so many amazing people over the years who did that very same thing for me, so I pay it forward when I can.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work full time as a Cinematographer/Camera Operator in the Texas film industry. As a Cinematographer, it’s my job to create the visual language for the whole film or commercial. We achieve this through detailed planning, tons of pre-production work so we can figure out exactly what equipment and personnel we need to get best shots for the specific project.
Developing a personal style can realistically take a while. Recently, I would say that I am known for my dramatic style of shooting because, typically, I gravitate towards projects with darker themes. Thrillers, Horrors, Fantasy, and Dramas are always my favorite types of films to shoot because I get to play with heavy shadows and bits of darkness to create my overall look. Usually, that means there is a larger amount of creative freedom, but that’s where it gets fun… when you can just throw out the conventional way of thinking and do something downright strange.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Smart people learn from their own mistakes, Geniuses learn from the mistakes of others. Find someone that is doing exactly what you want to be doing, and ask to shadow them… learn from their mistakes. Buy them coffee and sit down for a chat with them, pick their brain. If you show dedication, drive, and an ability to learn… then someone will be willing to teach you and show you just about anything. Finding the right person to shadow can be tricky and can take a while, but it’s a fundamental part of growth… especially in the film industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vimeo.com/RobertLMoore
- Instagram: @RLMproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobMoore32
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6632370/
Image Credits
Christopher De La Rosa Ursula Rogers Sierra Scerato
