Whether she’s shooting a punk rock elopement or a Hollywood-inspired ceremony, you can count on Kim Moore to have a stunning music selection. Hear more from the wedding filmmaker on what sparked her interest in filmmaking, her advice to aspiring wedding filmmakers, and her trick for always finding the right music on Musicbed.
Musicbed: What sparked your passion for filmmaking and storytelling?
Kim Moore: My passion for filmmaking and storytelling stems from my background in theatre and dance. When I first started exploring filmmaking at University, I thought it would be a perfect fit with my theatre experience. But after a year, I decided to switch degrees because filmmaking just spoke to me in a way that theatre couldn’t.
That being said, my theatre background has played a huge role in shaping my work. In the early days of filming weddings, my films had this distinct “music video” vibe. It was all inspired by my love for theatre. Over time, though, my style has evolved and become more tailored to each unique couple I work with. But you can always expect a touch of theatrics and that “main character energy” in my films, something I learned during my drama studies. This fusion of theatre and filmmaking is what shapes my creative process and the final products I deliver.
Going to the movies was also a major source of inspiration for me. When I first started out, I had all these amazing ideas swirling around in my head. But turning those ideas into reality seemed like such a distant dream, which honestly only motivated me even more. The most beautiful part of the creative process is when you have an idea in your head and then you can execute it, and the more I improved and honed my skills, the more I could bring the vision I had in my mind to life. This transformative process, where my ideas materialized into tangible films, is what really inspired me.
What keeps you motivated and creatively inspired?
In my industry, competition is fierce, especially when it comes to filming weddings. There are only so many ways to approach it, so I’m always motivated to find a fresh perspective. When I notice my work or similar work in the field, I think, “Okay, time to change things up.” I want to set trends, not follow them. That drive to innovate and do something different really keeps me going.
Another huge source of inspiration is my couples. Their feedback and appreciation for my work are incredibly motivating. Knowing that they love what I do fuels my creativity and pushes me to deliver my best.
Lastly, there’s a thrill in having a creative idea and executing it flawlessly, especially when there’s a tight schedule for the day (which is the case for most wedding days). Bringing a unique vision to life under pressure definitely keeps me on my toes.
What makes a story visually appealing? What role does music play in storytelling?
Of course, there are many storytelling elements at play, but music is the most crucial to me, most likely shaped by my background. Even if the audio and visuals are on point, I always prioritize finding the right music.
Before I even start filming, I always make sure to have a chat with my couple to get a sense of what they’re imagining for their wedding day. I ask them about the vibe they’re going for, their preferences, and the overall mood they want to create. This helps me choose the perfect music to match their vision, and most of the time there’s a song in my head before I even pick up the camera. The music not only sets the tone but also guides me throughout the entire edit.
For weddings in particular, every aspect needs to be top-notch, from the audio to the visuals to the music. What really drives my films is passion. Whether it’s a relaxed and intimate vibe, a wild and crazy party scene, or a deeply romantic atmosphere, the music needs passion and some level of intensity. It’s what brings the whole story to life! It sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and brings the couple’s vision to life.
Consistency is also incredibly important when it comes to my storytelling. If the couple are going for an elegant and classy affair, you know that’s what I’m incorporating into the story from start to finish. If they’re going for a wild and energetic celebration, I’m capturing that spirit throughout the entire film.
How important is music in your work?
Music is critical. If the music isn’t right, the entire edit feels off. Music not only sets the tone for the film but also influences the atmosphere on the day of filming. I’ve found that certain music enhances the storytelling, while other types can distract from the narrative.
I’ve been known to scrap an entire edit because the music didn’t align with the emotions I was trying to convey. Starting fresh with a different song completely transformed the film, making it one of my best works. I’ve also experienced trying to make a particular song fit, but it just didn’t click. I’ve learned to trust my instincts when this happens.
It’s taken time and experience with editing. Through it, I’ve discovered what works well and what elevates my videos to another level—and that’s the power of music.
What advice would you give other wedding filmmakers just starting their careers?
Just jump right into the wedding industry, even if you’re starting as a content creator with an iPhone. Yes, the technical knowledge and composition, etc. are important but what’s just as critical is the atmosphere you create by directing the couple and ensuring they feel comfortable. You could capture a wedding beautifully, with every technical aspect perfected, but if the couple looks uncomfortable, you’ve missed the mark. It’s essential in my line of work to know how to connect with people, put them at ease, and direct them during the shoot. You don’t need a fancy camera for this; experience in events, theatre, or directing can all be valuable backgrounds.
When you start filmmaking, don’t wait for the perfect moment or equipment. Everyone has a smartphone these days, so you can start creating films right away. The focus should be on storytelling, not the device you use. Platforms like Instagram have leveled the playing field. The key is to start now, even if it’s just a short video. They say it takes about 10,000 hours to master a craft, so the sooner you start, the better.
How do you balance pushing boundaries and managing client expectations?
Wedding filmmakers always walk a fine line between pushing creative boundaries and meeting our client’s expectations. Some clients come to me with complete trust, giving me full creative freedom. Others have specific requests that I will always respect.
Preserving their memories is and always will be my top priority, and it’s my job to make sure it’s captured beautifully. The ceremony, speeches, and key moments are sacred and should reflect the true essence of the day. These elements form the core of the film, honoring the people and moments that were present. The highlight reel, on the other hand, is where I can truly showcase my creativity. It’s a balance between fulfilling their vision and adding my cinematic flair to make the video exceptional.
It’s important to have a pre-consult and discuss the creative freedom your clients want you to have. Not everyone’s going to give you full creative freedom and that’s okay. There are projects that ignite our passion and there are projects that need to fulfill a brief – We’re hired to do a job and they have a vision as well.
Ultimately, every project is an opportunity to create something extraordinary, whether it’s by pushing boundaries or by exceeding the client’s expectations—and doing both is my favorite thing to do.
What are the most challenging aspects of being a filmmaker/creative for me?
It’s definitely the responsibility of handling everything—from the gear to setting the right vibe. When you’re filming a wedding, you can’t afford to have a bad day. Even if you’re sick or not feeling your best, you still have to be there and be fully present because it’s the couple’s special day, not yours.
Another challenge is entrusting your work to other creatives. I’ve had an editor helping with my workload for two years now, and she’s absolutely amazing. But in the beginning, it was tough because I wanted to personally edit all my films. I believe that each wedding should be showcased on my social media because I genuinely love all my couples and their stories. So, it was difficult to let go and not do all the edits from the very start and just the final ones. However, I had such a backlog that I needed to delegate to ensure my couples received their films on time. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how working with others can elevate my work and enhance the final product.
What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
All the weddings I’ve filmed have something unique that makes them special to me, so it’s really hard to pick a favorite. Recently, I had back-to-back weddings that perfectly illustrate this. One was a wild party with a rock song as the backdrop, and then the next day, I filmed a very elegant, classy Hollywood-vibe wedding. I really enjoyed creating the sneak peeks for those weddings because they were filmed and edited by myself, 24 hours apart, yet they were completely different in style.
Another favorite project of mine followed a similar pattern. I worked on a punk rock-inspired edit, and then shortly after, I filmed a wedding with a classical ballet theme. These projects are my favorite because they challenge me to explore new genres and styles.
How do you search for music on Musicbed? What are some tips that you’d give other filmmakers to search on Musicbed?
Make a playlist for the types of edits you’re doing and the feeling you’re going for. Then Musicbed will suggest songs based on the playlist. That’s my little trick.
Why do you utilize Musicbed in your work?
I use Musicbed because it’s the best. I’ve gone to other platforms and it took me so long to find a diamond in the rough. Then I would go back to Musicbed and find a song instantly. Time is incredibly valuable, so anything that saves me time is a huge plus. It’s just so easy to find a song that inspires me and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without that selection of work Musicbed has. It’s such a big library that I can find a gem no one else has found before.
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Explore a curated playlist of Kim’s favorite songs to feature in her videos—all available to license only on Musicbed.
