Meet Chris Downing | Content Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Downing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
It’s been nearly thirty years since I started my career in the world of audio and video production, and a lot has changed. I would say investing most of my time and money into the business without really knowing what the future holds. I quickly understood my personal life and earnings were not my own. My passion for contributing to the production of art almost outweighed everything. Now, many years later and perhaps wiser I can come up for air and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Wow, those are great and big questions. Well after taking a few wrong turns in my earlier life I decided to get serious about what makes me happy. I think one of my biggest challenges was to believe in myself, develop my passion, and not give up. First music and sound led me to the world of production. Whether producing music or an event for clients I took on most of the opportunities that came my way. When opportunities weren’t there I went out networked, and found clients and resources to build my own business. It wasn’t easy at first but eventually, someone or something gave in.

Technology has also changed in lighting speed over the years but integrity stays the same. When I think about myself being a good producer I can’t help but think of a top chef providing the best restaurant experience by having the best ingredients, and staff to create a quality dining experience. Equally, It first starts by providing state-of-the-art equipment. the best technicians and personnel to produce quality content. My brand: To produce quality content! I guess, to sum up my story I would have to include perseverance, having an open mind, and the sheer spirit of luck.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As part of the visit, I will take you through my backyard garden and a few trails in my neighborhood which have a grounding effect. On my deck, this would be followed by a homemade breakfast or brunch. After conversation and reasoning, we would head into town for sightseeing and wide range of museums and art. Next up a spectacular dinner at the Washington Habor in Georgetown. If they are dancer we head for dancing at any dance club in the DMV. The next day after conversation, reasoning, and because I like food, after a fantastic breakfast/brunch we would go to The Escape Game DC and enjoy hours of fun following an amazing sushi at Zeppelins in the Shaw neighborhood in DC. Next todaywhatever my guest wants to do. Next today: breakfast/brunch may be more sightseeing and art in the surrounding area and home home-cooked dinner by yours truly. Next day: Kayaking, biking, walking trails with friends, or whatever my guestwould like. I would probably round the day with dinner at a choice restaurant followed by drinks/dessert and a concert. It’s truly anyone’s guess what happens the next day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks, for asking that question. Shoutout to people like Stanley Turrentine, Bill Cope, Dorothy Green Alcorn, Jeff Anthony, and Jeff Wagner just to name a few. Organizations like I.A.T.S.E. Local 22, Thelonious Monk Institute, Smithsonian Museum, BET and JBV Production, and so many more. Books like “The Seat of the Soul”, “Life Force” and “Ishmael”. All were factors in my career. Whether someone advised, recommended, or just plain looked out for me, I’m grateful for every opportunity that came my way and in turn I welcome the chance to pay it forward.

Website: chris@dreamlifemediagroup.com

Instagram: nyccpod

Youtube: Not Your Common Conversation Podcast

Image Credits
Executive Producer: CBS “Club Life”
Camera Operator and Sound Recordist: Netflix Dave Chappelle “What’s in a Name?”
Camera Operator: Xploration Outer Space (2014) Citizen Science (Season 3, Episode 1)
Camera Operator: Xploration Outer space “What Makes a Planet?” (Dec 3, 2016) Season 3, Episode 13
Sound Recordist: American Comic (2018)
Sound Recordist: Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Making of a Political Revolution (2017)
Sound Recordist: Nova (2023) TV Series | Documentary (1 episode, 2023)
Sound Recordist: Phases (2014)
Audio Engineer: Uprooted (2022) TV Mini Series | Documentary, Crime (3 episodes, 2022)