We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chris Sarfin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chris below.

Chris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m drawn to tell feel-good stories that hopefully bring some sense of joy. I like bringing happiness to people and think filmmaking could be a way in which to do that. I think that in spite of all the noise in this world, people need some safe space to be able to feel that. I’ve always felt the desire to do that since I was a kid and hope to continue doing that moving forward.

Chris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a filmmaker who’s been working in the industry for over a decade and I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really cool talent in Hollywood at various studios. And I think I’m different from other filmmakers in that I’m not afraid to honor a more uplifting tone, which, let’s be real, doesn’t exactly fit the industry standard nowadays. I like to think of my films as amusement park rides where the audience can just buckle up and enjoy the ride. I utilize a lot of practical effects and traditional styles of filmmaking techniques. And I’m most proud of my ability to stay grounded and try to keep a good sense of humor amidst all the craziness that comes with working in this sometimes lucrative industry.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think seeing people’s reactions after a film is released and how it touched them in a deeply personal way. Everyone walks away with something different. It becomes their own in a way. Sometimes things resonate with them that maybe didn’t even occur to the filmmakers during the process of the making of that film. That’s a really magical experience. It’s like the film breathes a life of its own and speaks to them individually.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I read a lot of books on filmmaking growing up and watched a lot of behind-the-scenes footage if I could get my hands on it. I also watched a lot of interviews with my childhood filmmaker heroes who would offer some insight. It definitely put things in perspective as far as the trials and tribulations that go into filmmaking and navigating through this industry. Some of them also taught me that it’s your job as the director to try and stay calm amidst the storm. You can’t control the storm but you can control how the ship navigates through it, as with everything in life. I think also maintaining a happy and healthy work-life balance is important and accepting the fact you’re not in control of everything and that challenges will be presented no matter what. Just roll with it and do your best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chrissarfin.com/
• Instagram: sarfin.c
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissarfin/
• Youtube: @chrissarfin

Image Credits

Derrick Hsiao