Meet Trailblazer Alex Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Moore.

Alex, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college. After changing my major twice, a friend was raving about Sam Houston State’s Mass Communication program. I looked into the major and loved the classes! My first was History of Film & Television and that’s when I realized how important video was to our society. The next year, I met a guy named Dubble while working at Buffalo Wild Wings and we instantly connected. I began filming music videos for him. Instead of making your typical video with jewelry, cars and girls, we wanted to tell stories and experiment with effects. It came so naturally to us that we just kept making movies.

After graduation, I struggled to find a job so I moved to my parent’s home in Florida. Working at a restaurant in a new state was trash. I didn’t even make as much money as I did in college. I tried to link with other music artists but soon realized nobody had the sincerity as Dubble. Everybody wanted something for nothing. I even had my phone stolen at a video shoot.

After a couple of months, I went to a WIFT meeting and this was my first good decision in Florida. I met Will & Gwen Covington. I feel like we were supposed to be in that room together. After exchanging information and meeting a couple of times, they ask me to film a music video for one of their artists named Darwin Brascomb, Long story short, that video was nominated in an international festival. My confidence was restored and I felt like it was ok to trust again.

Around the same time, I start working with an organization called Sofar Sounds. The only other black person in the room was this tall dude with a camera so I gravitated to him. His name was William Fryson and he was in the middle of getting his degree in photography. After almost a year of friendship, we were capturing our first wedding together. Another year went by and a few weddings later, I realized Florida just wasn’t the place I wanted to be. I saved up my money and with Will’s help, I hauled ass to Atlanta.

Samone and I got a place together and I was in grind mode. I needed to get out of the service industry. I was applying nonstop until finally, I landed an internship. Now, I have a full-time job with unlimited creative freedom. It’s so cool they pay me to make videos.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, the road was bumpy. Immediately after graduation, I had interviews. I was even flown out to one. I also landed an interview with my dream company but I wasn’t ready. I had to up my skill but I also had bills to pay.

My advice to anyone, especially young women is to not give up! It took me three years to land something solid after college. I made my money serving tables but I also came home after my shift and worked on my passion. You have to keep going. Put in the work with your maximum effort and it will pay off.

You also need to be nice to yourself. Reward yourself, learn about yourself and listen to your body. If you need rest, by all means, get some. “Burn out” is a real thing.

My last piece of advice is to minimize comparing yourself to others. For the most part, people only share the good in their life. They may post something and it’s not even entirely true. They may share a piece of work and it may have taken them 20+ hours to complete… WITH HELP. The only person you should compare yourself to is the past YOU. Look to others for inspiration, not imitation.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m still a work in progress so I’m not sure what I “specialize” in yet.

I just really love the art of storytelling, whether it be documental, scripted or created with the intent to drive business – I have fun making it. Watching the finished piece at the end of it all satisfies me, especially when the client is happy.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Working with someone who knows the game is essential. Staying in contact with people is important too. Find some a person or group you trust, and show up for them when they need you. Those friendships are the most important ones.

Also (kind of related), when working a job that involves your passion, I think it’s important to network with the folks that are side by side with you. We always rush to connect with the “head huncho” but the ones besides you will remember you the most and possibly help you land another gig in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: alexdmoore.com
• Email: alexmooremovies@gmail.com
• Instagram: alx.moore

Image Credit:
Alex Moore and William Fryson

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