Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Terry.
Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had Film and music aspirations since I was a little child. It allowed my over-sized imagination to take form in so many creative ways. My middle and high school years of orchestra also gave me a solid musical foundation to explore and expand. In 2001 I attended the Savannah college of art and design and earned my degree in Film and Television. In my time there I made life long friends who would eventually become my business and creative partners. Upon graduation, I moved to Atlanta, GA where I would work on many independent and major films, music video, commercial, and documentary projects. In that 13 years, I was fortunate enough to have worked with notable figures in the entertainment industry and as a result fostered key relationships with great mentors. I have since moved back to my hometown of Plano and am seeking to bring all my knowledge to usher in a new wave of creative expansion and credibility to this area.
Great, 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?
It has most definitely been a rocky road. I didn’t initially have access to a lot of high-end equipment when starting my film-making journey so I had to get creative with what I did have. I quickly learned that it’s not what you have in storytelling….it’s most certainly how you use it. Another big issue was money…or the lack thereof. I had to take out very expensive loans to get into the college of my choice and even with a scholarship, I was severely lacking. The ghosts of student loan past still haunt me but I have learned to take it in stride. Never retreat! Never surrender!! Another aspect that many are uncomfortable with speaking about is the crippling self-doubt that often comes along with this territory. It’s easy to feel inadequate or unprepared and that self-loathing is poison to a creative spirit. My father recently passed away and I felt myself in a sudden and debilitating depression, feeling as though I somehow failed him because I’m not where I feel I could be at this point in my career. Thankfully with therapy (which I highly recommend) and great family and friends, I realized that the journey is ever-evolving. Time is irrelevant. Your vision, action and perseverance is the most important thing. And coffee. Lots of coffee.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fifteen Studios – what should we know?
Within Fifteen studios you could say I’m a jack of many trades. Over the course of many projects, I have directed, been cinematographer, and filled various crew positions. I initially started my journey as an actor and then college expanded my creative horizons. I feel one of my strongest abilities is cinematography and directing all the moving parts to get EXACTLY what I’m looking for. I tend to have a very clear image before a key is typed or pencil hits paper. I have recently ventured into film scoring which is a total blast! Music is so strongly a part of my life and it’s a blessing to be able to shape the feeling of a project thru sound and melody. I think our company stands apart because of our deep love for the medium and or many influences. People don’t expect a lot of Black filmmakers to be well versed in other styles and expressions of cinema, but we have definitely done our homework. We have studied all the greats and what makes them great. In other words…we know our S@%T!!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would say the quintessential key to my success thus far has been passion. I’ve suffered many setbacks, losses and downright failures but I refuse to let go of the dream the little ten years old version of myself had. Passion is a fire that has to stoked at all times…if you let it get cold, you lose the momentum it takes to push you into your purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fifteenstudios.com/
- Phone: 469-609-7472
- Email: mrnov16th@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themrterry/
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