We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris McElroy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Earning a living as a film composer comes down to where you are developmentally in your career. The crux of your living across your lifetime comes in the form of royalties, but this is not a luxury someone young can take advantage of. Often in the beginning you give your time in the form of being an assistant in return for getting time and opportunity to write for things and build a royalty stream. Over time, as you grow older the royalty stream can grow to the point where you have the ability to truly be your own boss and not worry about your day-to-day income. I am in a period where I still do direct work for other creatives to fill the gaps in a full-time revenue stream.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into the business by coming from a family of musicians and having the desire to put my musical talents to the big screen. My background is orchestral in nature and I tend to gravitate towards providing clients with a traditional ‘Hollywood’ orchestral sound to productions. I feel as though there will always be a place for the orchestra in this town, and bringing that to movies is my specialty!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The Rest Is Noise” by Alex Ross
Must-read for any musician
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I know my works will be directly accessible long after I’m gone, and that my voice will long outlive me and provide something to the world beyond my years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chrismcelroymusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismcelroymusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismcelroymusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcelroymusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CMcElroy97