“As women in this industry, there are going to be some people standing in your way. However, their power is nothing compared to the power of you getting out of your own way."
— Haley Fishberger
The Interview Q&A
Where are you based out of?
“Miami, FL/ Los Angeles, CA.”
What role do you typically play on set?
“Film Composer”
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
“I'm new to the film industry, but I've been a musician and composer my whole life. As a child, melodies would form in my head and I would sing them around my house. At 7 years old, I began piano and a couple years later, I fell in love with songwriting. I entered the professional world of music through performing my music live all over Miami. It never occurred to me that I could score for film until I began my studies at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. I started as a music business major, but my gut was gravitating towards the Media Writing and Production major. It both intimidated and intrigued me; I decided to take the leap. One particular class changed the game for me: Virtual Orchestration. We had to compose and orchestrate music for that sounded like it was performed by a full orchestra, through the sole use of virtual instruments on the computer. It was incredibly challenging and rewarding. I spent hours in that studio discovering the power of a computer and my creativity. Since that class, I've been combining virtual orchestral elements with pop music production. It's a lot of fun.”
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
“My biggest inspiration is Kimbra. She taught me that it is possible to "do it all." She writes, produces/co-produces and performs music that transcends the box of a single genre. While she does not define herself as a film composer, she inspired me to write music that is more cinematic and adventurous.”
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“I draw my inspiration from my friends who are also navigating this field. Not only are they incredibly talented musically; they are kind, ambitious and hilarious (which is a great skill to have in this intense industry). They show me how much is possible at this age and beyond. As far as getting inspiration for the music itself, I get a lot of ideas on transportation. I also get a lot of ideas when I am around water, especially in the shower.”
What are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
“This past April, I composed, arranged, produced, and performed the music for an entire show. This show featured original compositions for the action and drama genres, as well as original songs from the pop genre. In addition, I was in charge of gathering the musicians, leading rehearsals, and supplying the disco balls (my favorite part). It was imperfect, fun, fulfilling, chaotic, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
“I see myself actively engaging in the art forms that bring me joy everyday. I see myself touring as a contemporary artist, and performing my original music with orchestras all over the globe. In between tours, I see myself scoring the music for independent films. I'd also like to be involved with organizations that empower young, female composers and producers. Last but, not least (for now), I see myself working with people who are genuine, honest, funny, ambitious, and kind.”
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
“Use imposter syndrome to your advantage. When you feel as though a project or person is out of your league, or that you are faking it, make the choice to believe you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Make the choice to believe that you are worthy of everything you desire. Make the choice to believe that you deserve to take up space with your art, simply because creating it makes you feel alive. As women in this industry, there are going to be some people standing in your way. However, their power is nothing compared to the power of you getting out of your own way.”