Chris Dabney, an esteemed filmmaker known for his rigorous attention to detail and bold narrative choices, offers an insightful exploration of his creative process, the critical importance of collaboration, and the intricate challenges involved in crafting compelling cinematic stories.
When asked how he maintains such a high level of precision in their work, Chris Dabney emphasized the critical role of detail in film. “Attention to detail is imperative across any medium, but particularly in film because you’re painting a canvas from scratch,” he stated. “Viewers watch stories with the same level of detail that they apply to their own lives. By keeping this in mind, I try to ensure that every aspect of the storyline and final product is crafted with precision,” says Chris.
This attention to detail is key to captivating audiences. “The more detail-oriented approach you take as a filmmaker, the more points of interest a viewer will identify with. However, it’s important to allow creative freedom in the early stages of development, saving the focus on minute details for later on in the process” reveals Chris.
In his recent film Princess Love, Chris Dabney highlighted the impact of a hands-on approach during post-production. “I like to give editors and composers space to contribute organically at first, and then I ensure my vision is executed by meticulously reviewing every scene and musical moment,” he shared. This collaborative effort was exemplified in Princess Love, where Chris Dabney allowed the editor to take initial suggestions and shape the scenes before adding his final touch. “This approach didn’t stifle creativity; it enhanced it, leading to a final product that was a true collaboration of minds with my vision at the helm” explained Chris.
Balancing meticulousness with the practicalities of filmmaking is no easy feat, but Chris Dabey has found a method that works. “You have to know when to go all in on a scene and when to pull back. It’s like managing a personal budget—cover the essentials, maintain a contingency, and allow yourself room for creative splurges,” he explained. This strategic approach allows Chris Dabney to maintain a high standard while staying on schedule and within budget, ensuring that each project is both creatively fulfilling and financially viable.
Delegation is a key component of Chris Dabney’s filmmaking process. “With the exception of writing the storyline and directing, I try to delegate the other aspects of filmmaking. Trusting your team is crucial, but it’s equally important to review the results to maintain quality control,” He said. Chris Dabney described the dynamic as a “circle of trust,” where delegation fosters creativity and mutual respect. “I look for qualities like leadership, accountability, and transparency in my collaborators. These traits ensure that even when challenges arise, the team can pivot and adapt without compromising the project’s vision” he further added.
Known for pushing boundaries, Chris Dabney embraces creative risks in their work. “I’ve always believed it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission. I prefer to be fearless in my storytelling because audiences have just about seen it all. “I don’t aspire for mediocrity, I thrive in the dark waters of complex storytelling” mentioned Chris. His latest project, Princess Love, exemplifies this fearless approach by tackling taboo topics such as rape, incest, and suicide. Some of the film’s intricate continuous one-take scenes required careful planning and collaboration, ultimately resulting in a powerful and visually stunning narrative.
From the writing process to post-production, Chris Dabney is deeply involved in conceptualizing the emotional and visual elements of their films. “It starts with the writing. If I’m creating the story, the vision is already in my mind. Pre-production is about laying that foundation, and during production, you build on it, allowing for magic to happen on the fly.” Drawing an analogy to preparing a gourmet meal, Chris Dabney explained, “You lay out the ingredients and recipe in pre-production. During production, you might pivot or add something new, but by the time you serve the meal—when the audience views the film—all you can do is hope you’ve nailed it,” says Chris.
Published by: Khy Talara
