Chris Tasara

Chris Tasara is a writer, director, and musician hailing from the West Coast. His passion for the art of filmmaking led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in Film from the University of Miami. Following his graduation, he relocated to Los Angeles to embark on his professional journey.

In his portfolio, Chris is credited with writing, directing, and composing the score for a boxing documentary titled Fortitude and Glory. This film sheds light on the esteemed boxing mentor Angelo Dundee, featuring insightful interviews with Angelo himself, two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, and globally acclaimed trainer Freddie Roach.

Another creation by Chris is the supernatural crime thriller Deadline. He took on the roles of writer, director, and composer for this project, which premiered on video-on-demand platforms in the spring of 2013 and later reached international audiences in the spring of 2014. Deadline received an impressive fifteen awards, including recognition from the California Film Awards, the Los Angeles Movie Awards, and the Lucerne International Film Festival.

Chris’s musical talents also found a spotlight when his work was showcased on the Nickelodeon show “Victorious,” starring Victoria Justice.

Driven by his fervor for combat sports, Chris penned his subsequent screenplay, Warrior Spirit. This narrative delves deep into the world of boxing, presenting a poignant tale centered around a father-daughter relationship. With Warrior Spirit, Chris pays tribute to the timeless boxing film genre, embodying the themes of determination, resilience, and tenacity. The screenplay garnered accolades such as Best Feature Script from the 2020 Vegas Movie Awards, an Honorable Mention from the 2019 Los Angeles Film Awards, and Best Feature Screenplay from the 2020 Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival.

Venturing into new media, Chris introduced his YouTube series, Dopamine, in October 2020. The series offers a diverse range of content, spanning entertainment, music, sports, and finance. Notably, the inaugural episode featured UFC star Dustin Poirier as its guest. Additionally, he directed a segment of his YouTube series focusing on Wolf Connection, a sanctuary dedicated to wolves.

Chris’s philanthropic efforts align with his passion for animal rights. He supports various organizations, including the Humane Society, Lady Freethinker, Stray Cat Alliance, Greater Good, PETA, the Center For Biological Diversity, Cuddly, and the Animal Recovery Mission. Notably, he dedicated three years of his time to volunteer work at The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas.

For more information, please visit chris-tasara.com or follow Chris on https://www.instagram.com/chris_tasara/

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day is a well-structured blend of work and personal pursuits. I start with an early morning workout to energize myself, followed by a healthy breakfast. Then, I tackle the most critical work tasks while my energy is at its peak. I use time management techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus. Regular breaks help me stay sharp.

In the afternoon, I handle meetings and collaborative tasks, ensuring effective communication with my team. To boost productivity, I prioritize tasks, set clear goals, and use digital tools for organization and time tracking. I also allocate time for learning and skill development.

Evenings are reserved for relaxation, time with my dog, and pursuing hobbies to recharge for the next day. This routine keeps me motivated and productive throughout the week.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life is a process that combines passion, knowledge, research, and dedication. When I’m deeply passionate about an idea and possess a strong understanding of the subject matter, it becomes easier to manifest it into reality. Research plays a vital role in refining the concept, ensuring that it’s well-informed and viable. However, the process does require time and patience. I break down the idea into actionable steps, create a plan, and set achievable milestones. By consistently working towards these goals, I gradually transform the idea into a tangible outcome. This combination of passion, knowledge, research, and perseverance is the key to successfully bringing ideas to life.

Collaboration is crucial; I work closely with a team of talented individuals who share my creative vision. We bring diverse perspectives to the table, enhancing the final product. I harness technology and the latest tools to execute my ideas efficiently, whether it’s in cinematography, sound production, or direction.

Furthermore, staying connected with my audience and gathering feedback helps refine and evolve my work. Ultimately, my dedication to craft, artistic expression, and innovation drives me to bring my ideas to life in a way that resonates with both myself and my audience on the West Coast and beyond.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness across various industries. As concerns about climate change and ecological preservation continue to rise, more businesses and individuals are adopting eco-friendly practices and products. This trend not only addresses critical global issues but also encourages innovation in sustainable technologies, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly consumer choices. Witnessing this shift towards a greener and more sustainable future is both inspiring and promising, as it signifies a collective effort to make a positive impact on our planet for generations to come.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

One habit that significantly contributes to productivity is effective time management through prioritization. I start each day by identifying the most crucial tasks that need to be accomplished, and I prioritize them based on their importance and deadlines. This ensures that I tackle the most impactful and time-sensitive activities first, preventing me from getting bogged down in less critical tasks. Additionally, I often use techniques like the Pomodoro method to work in focused bursts with short breaks, which helps maintain my concentration and energy throughout the day. Prioritizing tasks and managing my time efficiently allows me to make the most of my work hours and stay productive.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to prioritize more focus, discipline, and fewer distractions in my pursuits. While socializing and connecting with others are essential aspects of life, dedicating ample time to focused work and personal growth is equally crucial. I’d encourage my younger self to set clear goals and establish structured routines to stay on track. Learning to manage distractions and maintain a strong sense of discipline would have allowed me to achieve even more in various aspects of life. Balancing socializing with a commitment to personal and professional development is the key to long-term success and fulfillment.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?

One belief that might be unconventional and not widely agreed upon is that the future of artistic expression lies in merging traditional art forms with advanced technology. While many may have reservations about technology’s role in art, I believe that embracing innovative tools and techniques can open up new dimensions of creativity and enrich the artistic experience. This perspective might not align with the more traditional views held by some in the art world.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

One thing that many people repeatedly do and recommend is to evaluate and, if necessary, distance themselves from individuals who aren’t adding value to their lives. Surrounding oneself with positive influences and supportive relationships can greatly contribute to personal growth and well-being. It’s important to prioritize those who uplift and inspire you, while also being mindful of toxic or negative influences that can hinder your progress. By maintaining a circle of friends and acquaintances who bring positivity and support, you can create a healthier and more fulfilling life. However, it’s essential to handle such situations with empathy and understanding, seeking to improve relationships when possible before considering their removal from your life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, taking a step back and reevaluating the situation is a wise approach. It’s easy to become engulfed in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. By distancing yourself briefly and gaining a fresh perspective, you can often identify the root causes of overwhelm or distraction.

During this time, consider if your priorities are aligned, if there are unnecessary tasks or distractions, and if you might benefit from a change in your approach or strategy. This moment of reflection can help you regain clarity, set more achievable goals, and refocus your energy on what truly matters, ultimately improving your productivity and effectiveness.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

One strategy that has significantly contributed to my career advancement is my commitment to continuous reading and research. By immersing myself in books, articles, and industry insights, I stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and best practices. This knowledge not only enhances my expertise but also allows me to make informed decisions and innovative contributions in my field.

Additionally, reading and research foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable in business and career growth. They provide a foundation for creative thinking and strategic planning, helping me stay ahead of the curve and adapt to evolving circumstances. Ultimately, the habit of continuous learning through reading and research has been a cornerstone of my career success.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

One notable failure in my career was when I undertook a film project that proved to be overly ambitious for my budget at the time. I had overextended myself, and the project ended up falling short of expectations. Another mistake I made was relying too heavily on others to handle various aspects of the project instead of being more hands-on.

To overcome this setback, I had to confront the financial and creative challenges head-on. I made tough decisions, adjusted the scope of the project, and learned to be more resourceful with the available budget. Additionally, I took a more active role in every facet of the project, from pre-production to post-production.

The valuable lesson I took away from this experience was the importance of realistic budgeting and being intimately involved in every aspect of my projects. It taught me the significance of hands-on management and being well-prepared for the financial aspects of creative endeavors. This failure ultimately became a catalyst for personal and professional growth, shaping my approach to future projects and ensuring I remained resilient in the face of adversity.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

While I don’t have a specific business idea to share at the moment, I’d like to offer a valuable tip to your readers: practice respect in your business interactions. Whether you’re dealing with a high-profile CEO or a janitor, treating everyone with respect and empathy can go a long way. Building strong relationships and a positive reputation in your industry is often rooted in how you interact with others. So, remember, being respectful and fostering positive connections can be a simple yet effective strategy for success in any business venture.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

One piece of software that has been instrumental in my productivity is Final Draft, especially in my work as a filmmaker and screenwriter. Final Draft is dedicated screenwriting software that streamlines the scriptwriting process.

I use Final Draft to create and format scripts efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and industry-standard formatting tools enable me to focus on the creative aspects of storytelling without getting bogged down by technical details. It helps me maintain a consistent format for my scripts, making them more professional and submission-ready.

Additionally, Final Draft offers collaboration features, which are invaluable when working with a team on a film project. It allows for seamless sharing and real-time editing, improving the overall efficiency of the production process.

Overall, Final Draft has become an indispensable tool in my creative toolkit, enhancing my productivity and ensuring that my screenwriting work is of the highest quality.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

One book that has had a profound impact on me is Awakening The Buddha Within by Surya Das. This book delves deep into the teachings of Buddhism and offers a practical guide to incorporating mindfulness and spirituality into everyday life.

I’ve gained a tremendous amount of value from this book because it provides valuable insights into personal growth, self-awareness, and inner peace. Surya Das’s writing helps readers understand complex Buddhist concepts in a relatable and accessible way, making it a great resource for anyone interested in exploring mindfulness and spirituality.

The book has encouraged me to embrace mindfulness practices, which have not only improved my personal well-being but also influenced my creative work as a filmmaker and musician. It’s a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of the importance of balance, compassion, and the journey towards self-discovery. I would also recommend The Book of Est by Luke Rhinehart.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I’ve recently been captivated by the content on Vlad TV’s YouTube channel. While it’s not a traditional movie or series, Vlad TV provides in-depth interviews with a wide range of guests, including musicians, actors, and cultural icons. What I find particularly enjoyable about these interviews is the raw and unfiltered nature of the conversations.

Vlad TV allows me to gain insights into the lives and perspectives of these individuals in a way that’s both entertaining and informative. It’s a platform where guests often share personal stories, experiences, and wisdom that I find immensely valuable, both as a filmmaker and a musician. The diverse range of interviews keeps me engaged and provides a unique window into the worlds of these fascinating individuals.

Key learnings

• Staying updated with current trends and developments in your field is essential for growth and innovation.
• Understanding the worth of your work, skills, and contributions is crucial.
• Being respectful fosters trust, collaboration, and goodwill, which can lead to lasting success and fulfillment.