We were lucky to catch up with Christopher Dabney recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christopher, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The first time that I knew I wanted to pursue a career associated with performing arts was when I was in undergraduate school studying ironically to become a doctor. I was unhappy with the studies that I was focusing on, even though I was excelling grade-wise. However, I wasn’t happy. And I don’t mean unhappy from a standpoint of being a student grinding through classes, but rather I was unhappy with what I was studying and learning. I felt like it wasn’t my calling. I remember going to the computer labs way back then to access the internet because smartphones didn’t exist yet. I would scour the internet browsers for famous actors and I would study how they began their careers. I was say to myself, “I can do that.” But it was taboo for me to consider changing directions with my future to pursue performing arts in my family, because that type of career was frowned upon since it didn’t provide consistent stability. Nevertheless once you get bitten by the bug, there’s no ignoring it, so I continued to research until I finally found a way to take a chance on chasing my dreams.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a writer, director, producer of film & television. I first started my career by enrolling in performing arts classes at Freedom Theater in Philadelphia. It was there that I started to holm skills in performing arts on stage, which later evolved into my current vantage point of being behind the camera. I remember landing my first audition in Philly for a blackbox theater production entitled “Annin Street” written and directed by Fred Thomas. I was so green, but it was that opportunity which eventually laid a pathway forward for me into show business. I ended up teaming up with the Fred Thomas along with the producer of the show, Donald Welch, and together we formed a business partnership working alongside each other for many years after. We migrated to Los Angeles, and hit the ground running with projects. It seems like just yesterday I was acting for television, but I can’t imagine doing anything else other than writing, directing, and producing as I am today. I found my voice through my vision through the lens and my writing, which has given my purpose through my stories. I’m most proud of having the courage to pursue my career of choice. All too often, young minds succumb to following career paths that they feel will provide stability versus following their passion. I’ve always felt that if you love what you do, you’ll never feel like you’re working a day of your life.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a writer, director, producer, is the thrill and rush of executing a production at a very high level. Make no mistake, filmmaking is a very high stress job. One of the highest to be exact because there’s so much responsibility on your shoulders to deliver an amazing project. The outcome of the project rests on your shoulders, so there’s no moments of relaxation through the process. But ultimately, it’s also the most rewarding, because when you’ve completed it, you can look at the finished product and know that you birthed it independently. There’s no short-cuts when it comes to success. The recipe is always hard work and sacrifice. The positive outcome is always worth it every time.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I started out my professional career, initially I was entranced with being a performer. Till this day I still love performing. However, I felt that my true power lied elsewhere. I was always a naturally talented writer from the onset, and I had a talent for producing, organizing shows with my partners. I realized during that timeframe that I needed to nurture my other talents in writing and ultimately directing. It was the best decision I ever made, because I’ve found so much happiness and fulfillment in bringing my stories to life, and seeing them through to their completion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingrichardproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingrichardproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556597104724
- Twitter: https://x.com/kingrichardprod
