Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Kendrick.
Hi Christopher, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started off in my early teens as a rapper/producer in my home state of Alabama. I grew up in the suburbs of Montgomery, Alabama in a small town called Millbrook. After a few successful years thereof engineering and producing music for the local talent, me and my group began to shoot music videos for some of our songs. The guy we hired to direct the videos was mediocre at best but still placed us ahead of the curve at that time. This is like 2009-2010, mind you. One day he invites me in the editing room with him at Alabama State University and I got to see how video productions were cut for the first time and I noticed it was similar to music engineering only more of a wide range of functionality. I said to myself “I can do this, all I need is the programs and a camera” so I borrowed a small digital camera from a friend, pirated the editing programs, and went out and shot a few videos. Local rappers instantly fell in love with my work, paying me much more than they did for my producer skills.
Four months later, I packed all of my things in my little Honda Accord and moved to Atlanta, GA where I enrolled in the Art Institute of Atlanta. While there, I was introduced to Gucci Mane by his barber along with people like Coach K, Rocko, and several other well-known rappers in the city. I then transferred to Clark Atlanta University where I filmed my first short film and learned the fine art of theater acting. I would stay in Atlanta a few more years before deciding to move to Los Angeles to further pursue my career as a writer/director. While in Los Angeles, I landed a job under Wolf Gang Puck Catering as a waiter and bartender whilst simultaneously working as a Production Assistant for 15/40 productions, one of the largest production companies in the states. I literally worked at Hollywood’s biggest events such as the Oscars, Golden globes, and tons of movie premieres. I would live there for four years sharpening my writing, directing, and producing skills surrounded by the Hollywood film culture. But I began to get homesick, so I decided to make a move back to Atlanta where a new “Hollywood” was emerging. Since returning, I have filmed two new films, one released on Amazon prime and another scheduled to release this summer. I also shoot a hefty amount of music videos monthly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a young filmmaker, one of my hardest struggles was budgeting films. For those that don’t know, this means basically finding the money to pay for your productions, acquiring talent, etc. My first film never released to due to a number of budgeting mishaps. My second film’s production was halted after my lead actress went awol. I’ve lost money and friendships along the way. I’ve been homeless a few times, sleeping in my car and motels just to pursue my career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in writing, directing, and producing independent films. I am also well-known for shooting music videos for upcoming artists. I’m most proud of my recent film entitled “Live From 30,000 feet: The Rocket Jackson Story”. It’s a film we recently released on Amazon Prime Video about a black Daredevil in the 1980s. My dark style of filmmaking is what sets me apart from others in my field. My use of colors and witty dialogue. I like to think my characters are weirdos in their own way.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think being patient but relentless is the key. It’s all about consistency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08Q8C51ZC/ref=share_ios_movie
- Instagram: @crisdrey_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cris.Drey
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1sd3NWyRP0hw0qJkQbPMj1_dELEp6CqL
Image Credits:
Art Official Pictures
