Meet Robert ToTeras

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert ToTeras.

Hi Robert, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started playing piano at three and guitar at seven. Naturally, with a guitar in my hand, I wanted to be a rock star. But I was equally smitten with movies and television. I went to a performing arts high school in Philly and then to the conservatory in New York for music. I briefly walked in the vanishing shadow of a record deal — but that didn’t amount to much. Then I left the U.S. and traveled in Europe for a year or so.

When I came back, I toured the U.S. as a singer-songwriter. I played shows at Borders Books (remember those?) across the country. While doing that I also worked as a blackjack card counter with a team in Las Vegas. Like the movie 21, but with a lot less excitement. Totally random! At one point, I shot a short film for fun and I scored it myself. I realized I enjoyed writing music for film more than almost any other job I’d had a musician. So I took the money I earned from blackjack and moved to Los Angeles to be a film composer.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Show business is never a smooth road. You could literally ask me “what were some of the struggles this week?’ and I could give you a detailed answer. The rejection, the disappointment you feel when a project you care about is negatively received. Bad reviews… or worse, mean reviews. Getting fired or paid less than you’re worth… or not paid at all. Let me tell you, It’s a long list. But it’s all worth it. Every bit of it. The people who work in this business and love it know exactly what I’m talking about.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Other than my new film ‘The Walk’ – I’m mostly known for the show ‘Cold Justice’ produced by Dick Wolf (Law & Order, FBI). We’re working on the 7th season now and will actually be airing our 100th episode in September. It’s an unscripted, docu-procedural where we go about solving cold case murders. The show has actually solved quite a few, including getting arrests, indictments and convictions. It’s incredible television that actually does some good. I’m really proud of that show.

Also, people seem to know me from a Netflix show I did the music for, called ‘Sugar Rush.’

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have a ton of amazing support in this business. I’ve been very lucky. One of my oldest friends in Los Angeles is a composer and actually helped me get my first assistant job. In a bit of a full-circle moment, she’s a producer on my latest film and introduced me to the director.

Also, years ago I worked as a second studio assistant to a fantastic composer who does a lot of television. He always listened to my work and took the time to talk to me about it. I learned a hell of a lot from talking to him. . A few months after I stopped working for him, I sent him a demo. We listened to it together and he really liked it. A few months after that he recommended me for my first TV gig.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.film-noise.com
• Instagram: robert_toteras
• Twitter: @roberttoteras

Image Credits
All images by Shelley L Reece