from director chris robinson
Directors Chair
noun
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skill in planning, making, or executing
"the craft of soul searching"
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an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill
"We have not the strength with which to fight this man; we must … win, if win we can, by craft." — Jack London
A podcast dedicated to creative conversation on craft and process.
Director Christopher Robinson sits down with an eclectic mix of creatives from a variety of disciplines. They discuss career, passion, and unique missions of creativity. In the first season Chris will pull from his personal contacts; we get to experience his BUILT-IN guest list from over 20 years in the game.
His rolodex includes Grammy award-winning recording artists, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, fine artists, writers, teachers, comedians etc. His friendships stretch into other worlds that range from blue collar to unique niche communities.
The magic of craft comes in knowing it's more than an artistic pursuit, it's dedicating your life to a single discipline. Each episode taps into the individual heartbeat of our guests; we explore the motivating factors that keep an artist inspired.
The conversations take on a personal tone; stretching beyond the expected and revealing the curation of a life equal parts work, art, health and constant self-discovery. The podcast has a genuine curiosity to learn first hand what it takes to align oneself with the joy of craft. The audience will travel along with an expert and uncover firsthand what it takes to align oneself with source. Each hour-long episode will document how our subjects balance the important parts of their lives while leaving the door open for new ideas and the often elusive visits from the muse.
The goal of each show is to illuminate the journey and the process of becoming a true craftsman. We want our audience to understand not only the “how to” of craft, but what happens spiritually when you truly dedicate your life to something outside of yourself. At the tail end of each podcast we will invite up and comers who are in the early stages of perfecting their craft. Giving them the opportunity to ask questions of our guest and give their own perspective.
#why This question is important, why another podcast. This show is not only unique in its' pursuit of information, but needed as a masterclass of sorts for the most underserved community of listener. We will capture the symbiotic relationship between life and craft.
Through years of working in my chosen profession I realize that I had unknowingly dedicated my life to the craft of filmmaking. Now I want to share this journey and the stories of other passionate people that have the ability to inspire; which I believe is the greatest gift one can give.
The time is now to shed a light on African American creativity, art and consciousness. In detailing the invaluable process of craft we are in essence documenting history while simultaneously creating a blueprint. It is our duty to plant trees that we may not eat from, knowing the fruit that it bares will continue to feed the next generation of artists, builders, and crafts people.
True craft is grace actualized.
vision
chris robinson
creator
Kevin Harts scripted comedy "Real Husbands of Hollywood" was Chris Robinsons first foray into directing a 30 minute comedy for television. The show went for 5 seasons and garnered a true cult following.
Chris directed BETs highest rated program in network history "The New Edition Story" which received a NAACP Image Award. The project also launched the career of Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin. Robinson directed Barack Obamas White House concert "Love & Happiness" followed by the Amazon Prime pilot "The Climb", and became co-executive producer of the Fox/Lee Daniels one hour drama "STAR".
In 2018 Robinson directed the Netflix coming of age film "Beats" starring Anthony Anderson, Uzo Aduba and newcomer Khalil Everage. The film examines mental health and the affects of trauma experienced by a musical prodigy living on the Southside of Chicago. Imagine Entertainment and Hulu tapped Robinson to co-produce and direct the pilot episode of Wu Tang: An American Saga. The show has been picked up for a second season.
Lebron James SpringHill Entertainment and Universal Pictures has partnered with Chris Robinson to produce/direct the coming of age story of Lebron James high school years called "Shooting Stars".
our host
Filmmaker Chris Robinson began his career in Baltimore at a local television station in the promo department. He discovered Spike Lee's independent film"Shes Gotta Have It"and was inspired to pursue the craft. Always enamored with album cover art; Peter Gabriels "Sledgehammer" and Michael Jacksons "Thriller" were key visuals that drew him into the world of music videos. Robinson launched ROBOT FILM COMPANY in the year 2000.
Robinson made his directorial feature film debut with Warner Bros ATL. The coming-of-age comedy drama starring Clifford "TI" Harris, Evan Ross and Lauren London was derived from an original story by Antwone Fisher.
Robinson created a visual style that has garnered multiple awards including the 2007 MTV AWARD/BEST DIRECTION for Erykah Badus "HONEY". Robinson was also nominated for a Grammy award for the iconic music video ONE MIC featuring NAS. Frequent artistic collaborators include Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Yasin Bey, Drake, Alicia Keys, Pharrell, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, ASAP Rocky, Diddy, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Outkast and many more.
episodes
Alicia Keys, Recording Artist
Classically-trained pianist, singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist. We sit down with 15 time grammy winner Alicia Keys examining the journey of her 20 year career. Having collaborated with Director Chris Robinson on over 9 chart topping music videos, we discuss the sacred relationship between creative collaborators. Additionally we will explore Alicia's self care rituals and the importance of nutrition and spiritual health in her day to day.
Stan Lathan, Director
Emmy winner, accomplished producer, and one of Hollywood's most prolific directors of television and film, Lathan's commitment to empowering black and brown people has deemed him a true activist in his field. We delve into his 50 years in Hollywood, look into his art process and how he navigates fatherhood, his professional life, and working to reverse the built in systemic racism of the film industry. We get into the mind of legend, and discover who is Stan Lathan.
Kevin Hart, Mogul
Actor, Comedian, Father and Executive Kevin Hart "I'm trying to remove the stigma off things they call black films." Chris and Kevin discuss the idea of Black Hollywood. Kevin helps us understand the power of positivity and how building his physical stamina enriches his ability to be present both on screen and with his family. We also examine how his Philadelphia roots influenced his craft and the honesty he taps into as an actor.
Fatima Robinson, Choreographer
Named one of Entertainment Weekly's "100 Most
Creative People in Entertainment," Fatima is the most sought-after hip-hop and popular music choreographer. She has received numerous MTV, VMA, BET nominations, however Fatima’s unique vision expands beyond choreography as she explains the. motivation to expand her craft to producing and directing for film. Fatima breaks down the realities of freelance life and the importance of continued education in dance and culture. Chris and Fatima reminisce on their partnership on past music videos and dissect the fundamentals of movement in space.
Tunde Wey, New Orleans Chef
The Provocations of Chef Tunde Wey. The NOLA-based Nigerian chef likes to serve up a side of political performance art with his food, like charging black and white customers different prices to mirror wealth disparity in America. Tunde shares his cooking influences and the adversity he's experienced that prompted his inspiration. In this episode we get into the merger of craft and the artist's responsibility to spark change. He reminds us that all ain't fare in Cooking and Black Joy.
Eddie & Sylvia Brown, Investment Managers
Entrepreneurs and philanthropists renowned for their stock-picking acumen, the Brown's are the founders of Brown Capital Management, a Baltimore-based firm that's amassed more than $10 billion under management since it opened for business in 1983. Avid travelers and jazz aficionados, Brown and his wife, Sylvia, have given millions to various charitable causes under the aegis of the Baltimore-based Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation. We hear from the couple and get a lesson in black love, uncovering the joy of marriage, partnership, and devotion. The Browns school us in entrepreneurship and provide the basics of financial advancement, as we discuss Black Wealth in America.
Charles Hudson, Tech Entrepreneur
Venture Partner at SoftTech VC, and the CEO and Co-Founder of Bionic Panda Games, a mobile games company based in San Francisco, CA. Hudson talks about his experience coming up as a venture capitalist and the future of diversity in the tech industry by making investments at the formative stages of a company, his mission is to bridge the gender and racial divide specifically in Silicon Valley. Here he reminds us of the power of imagination in business, and the discipline needed on the quest for knowledge and the ultimate level up.
Titus Kaphar, Painter
Kalamazoo Native and Yale graduate Titus Kaphar's unique style pulls focus away from the vacant limbs of the excised subject leaving a white void where a body once lay. Kaphar’s masterful, intentional act of redaction overtly critiques the colonial histories of portraiture, “the gaze,” and relegation of Black subjects to scenes of labor. By removing the sitter who receives the luxury of labor, viewers are forced to focus on the African subjects, workers who would otherwise be ignored. Titus shares his coming of age in a traditionally white art world, the evolution of his racially conscious mind, as well as the significance of taking risks and making bold controversial statements in art and craft.
“What I'm really enamored by is the inside stuff, that inspiration and joy that keeps one going beyond the daily grind. I believe we need to be reminded of the spirituality that is connected to Craft."
chris robinson
contact:
Christopher Robinson, Executive Producer, Host
Dominique Dawson, Producer
818.675.5657
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John Campisi
Christina Chou
Brandon Lawrence
artists first
Brian Dobbins
Kevin Parker