Meet Chris McCoy | Producer, Writer, Director, Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris McCoy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I just want to create something that will emotionally benefit the world in a positive way. Even though we have come so far as human beings, I believe that we still need to listen to each other and hear what the other person has to say. This is very true for having a stable community around you that keeps you going strong in the right direction.

This brings me to the film that my team and I are producing called The Jazz Artist. The theme is majorly focused on community and how important that should be to everyone. Community is not just family, but any one that makes you feel like family. This film that I wrote and will be directing reminds us to never forget the ones that gave us a helping hand when we were down.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The trick to overcoming challenges is by welcoming them when they are brought forth. You can not handle a problem that you are not willing to take on. I am beyond thankful that I was brought up to accept challenges with a smile, while overcoming them with endless determination. I believe that I am set apart from others because of a motto: Always be the person that people can’t wait to meet. Charisma to me is just making someone feel welcome in this world when speaking to them.

I am also a believer in the necessity of having multiple talents and abilities in this world to create with. In this way, you are not waiting for something to happen for you. There are two kinds of people in this world that go into a kitchen: ones that look for a meal and ones that look for ingredients. As the writer, director, producer, and actor for our new film The Jazz Artist coming up, I try to show that belief as much as I can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so many great places, but I have a few favorite spots. A nature hike is always a good time for me, especially Vickery Creek for the waterfall that you are able to swim in. I am also a big fan of Little Five Points, especially for their shops and restaurants. If you are looking for some of the best meals you can find, check out Hattie B’s and The Vortex in Little Five. The shops are full of vintage merchandise and I feel that the fashion trends are always on point down there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Excellent question that goes hand in hand with the theme of The Jazz Artist. I believe that each one of us is a collection of every person that we have had the good fortune to encounter in our lives. Someone that had a huge impact on this script being written was my singing mentor Randolph Locke, who passed away about a year ago. Since the story is heavily focused on the life of a jazz singer, I thank him immensely for being a huge impact on me becoming a professional singer. The protagonist’s mentor in The Jazz Artist is appropriately named after him.

Website: https://www.chrismccoyactor.com

Instagram: @chris.mccoyski

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismccoyski/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoAcvSIYhkg

Other: WEBSITE FOR THE JAZZ ARTIST FILM INFO AND DONATIONS: https://www.denverfilm.org/featured-projects/the-jazz-artist/

Image Credits
Kelton Gresham