We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Bradley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to foster an environment on set and within my crew that inspires growth, positivity and precision.

I have been blessed to work underneath incredible people that all lead in their own unique way. Now that I have had the opportunity to Key Grip I draw inspiration from all of them to create my own leadership structure.

Chris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Film is an interesting field because no two paths to enter in will be exactly the same. For myself, I tried to get an internship at a local production company but was not selected. It was disappointing but since my best friend had acquired a role at the company I continued to show up and volunteer until I had learned enough to put myself out in the commercial market. I wasn’t that good but I knew enough that people around me would help fill the gaps on the day.

After a few years, I had made it into the rotation for the professional commercial shoots. I had gained enough confidence on set to where I was dedicated to make a living off of this industry. However, no matter the progress I had made. There was simply not enough work to go around. In the same day that I had considered quitting, I received the phone call that would change my life. I got an offer to work on a feature length film in Atlanta GA.

I jumped at the opportunity and it was one of the best things I have done for my career. I’ve been working on union movies and television since 2018. Through all of the struggles I have experienced, I’m happy to say that I have been able to grow and support my family off of my dream job.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One thing I have learned over the years is that gratitude and positive reinforcement go a long way. Especially when you make habit of using it often. It inspires confidence but it also can leave an impression that last longer than the work day.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Getting into the film industry was not an easy journey. I didn’t have a large network so whenever I got the opportunity to be on set I had to jump on it. The issue was never my willingness but timing.

I was I was trying to break into the industry I worked a full-time job at a plastic factory. 11pm-7am. In addition to this, I was also a student taking classes to finish my associates degree at the local community college.

For the first couple of years I would leave work and drive to campus and sleep in my car for a few hours before class. If there was ever an opportunity to go to set I would sometimes skip class and go straight there. Once I graduated I decided to also quit my full time job. Telling myself that would be my last time working a full time job if it were in the film industry… I lasted three months before I had to go and get another job. I got a part time job working at a restaurant. Ultimately I had to leave this job to move closer to where the film opportunities were.

I got a job working inventory at a car deanship as I tried to balance my film dream. I worked at the dealership for almost two years before I finally got the call that would forever change my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: on3_racing
• Facebook: Chris Bradley