For Chrris Lowe, curiosity and authenticity are integral aspects of her storytelling. The Mississauga-born, Toronto-based director, editor and photographer moves and works with intention to explore and apprehend humanity with honesty. From commercial, to music video, to documentary and more, Lowe’s distinct style works for any project. Her most recent film work includes the music video for Canadian rapper Haviah Mighty’s “Honey Bun/Room Service” and her documentary In Tandem (2022), which earned a Vimeo Staff Pick.

Via text, Lowe spoke with William Ukoh, a fellow director and photographer, delving into Chrris’ recent projects, the importance of finding equilibrium and the power of fostering a creative community.

William Ukoh: Heyy, Chrris. You all settled now?

Chrris Lowe: Heyy, I am.

WU: How was the call with your apprentice? Also, side note . . . can we recognize how wild that is? Especially given how you felt earlier this year.

CL: It was so good. It was incredible having another Black woman on set and sharing everything I've learned thus far with her. There are so many details and nuances that I've learned through just simply navigating the industry. I still feel like I'm just getting started, but even so, I've gained a lot of knowledge and sharing what I've learned so far proved to be extremely valuable. Helping in this way means so much. What's the point of progressing if I can't bring others along to share in the opportunities?

And yes. Absolutely wild. You saw me in my low-energy, anxiety-ridden panic mode this past January! This was such a necessary reminder to trust myself, trust my work, trust God, the Universe, Spirit.

To get clear on the overall vision and remain focused. Things are working out even if you cannot see the work being done.

WU: I feel like you've done a few really big jobs in a short space of time, including a commercial for Ally Bank and two commercials for Multiverse. What made you feel you wanted to bring someone on for the Multiverse production? And the follow-up to that––how big was the knowledge jump from the first job this year to the most recent one?

CL: I have! The rate of growth is something I'm very thankful for. In one of our pre-production meetings someone from the agency we were working with asked if I’d be interested in inviting an apprentice to shadow me. I immediately jumped at the opportunity as it isn't something that happens too often, especially in the commercial space. From there I reached out to my community to find someone to bring on. It was a wonderful experience and was really in-line with Multiverse’s mission to provide professional apprenticeships to diverse young talent. Ultimately, sharing knowledge with folks in my community will always be paramount for me so I’m happy I got to do it here in this way.

I got so many responses, and what was made clear is that this type of learning––apprenticeship, shadowing, etc.–– is really useful and in demand. I've had the pleasure of shadowing some really talented directors myself, so I know firsthand the value in being on set and seeing how things work, not just technically but interpersonally across the teams. It makes a significant impact in someone's journey.

It was a pretty big jump. I was basically directing two spots in one production. One of them is very different from my usual work, so I was learning a lot of new things along the way, but it was cool. I loved expanding my mind and my skill set and my overall understanding of my process.

WU: Balance is something we've talked about quite a bit. With the scale of the jobs getting bigger with each one 🫰🏾🫰🏾, have you paid more attention to “balance”? Both in how you apply yourself to the job and also how you navigate life outside of the job while on the job?

CL: I've definitely been paying more attention to balance as I move further along in my career. I was extremely focused during this last job. I always am, but because this one was quite different. It required more, and because of that, I felt like I wasn't able to show up within my community in the ways that I like to, and that was really hard. It weighed on me quite a bit going into it, and now that things are wrapped, I've been taking more time to figure out how to create more harmony in my life between work and the people that are most important to me. Both make me happy.

In terms of how I navigate life outside of the job while on the job (not just pre-pro), that's a whole other story, and it literally just depends on the project. Am I travelling? How long am I away? Is there a drastic time change? How many days are we shooting?

No matter what, though, I make time for my partner and my family, even if the time is slim. If I have more time, I will happily chat with friends when I can, but during production, I'm laser-focused, and that's how I like it.

How do you create and maintain balance and harmony with your work and other areas of your life?

WU: As basic as it sounds, just taking it one day at a time––being honest with yourself along the way. It does me no good to be overwhelmed by an upcoming project weeks before the actual shoot. Prep is prep at the end of the day––some more extensive than others, of course. But once I started to look at it that way, I was able to push myself to not shut down completely when I have a project. It's an ongoing process for me, though. Living in my head means that I inevitably succumb to the stresses of prep. But it is getting better.

CL: I feel that. I have a tendency to think weeks, if not months, in advance. I'm working on it lol. Film has helped me to be more present, actually. My present actions may affect the future, but they're the only thing I can truly see and control. Everything else is noise.

WU: I also really appreciate the opportunity to share knowledge. I think that's really what it's all about at the end of the day. It does get tricky when you realize that you're only one person, so there's only so many opportunities you can give (in the shadowing capacity). So still speaking about balance, how was that selection process, and how did you prevent yourself from being overwhelmed with the response?

CL: I know you do. Even in the fairly short time we've known each other, you've taught me a lot. And that's the thing––it's not even just about shadowing; it's also just about sharing your experience with others. I've learned a lot from you just through our conversations alone.

I'm very grateful for that.

The selection process was really difficult. More people reached out than I anticipated, so I actually ended up choosing the first person to reach out from Vancouver (which is where we shot the job). I felt that was the most fair because everyone was very talented.

I'm sure there's a better way to go about selecting an apprentice haha, but that's what worked for this job.

WU: We can probably go on about the mental side of things––which I feel is probably the most important. But how did the project go overall?

CL: Overall, everything went well. We had a few significant hiccups, but we got through it. I'm currently in post, so we aren't completely wrapped yet, but we will be soon. :)

I'm looking forward to using everything I've gained and evolving in all the creative things I do.

I'm venturing back into photography, so it'll be interesting to see how my work is impacted now.

WU: What would you say your major takeaway was from the pre-pro and filming process?

CL: Preparation is major, and the ability to remain calm and grounded in stressful situations is invaluable. Both never fail me.

WU: And, of course, we have to sign off properly. What would you like to say to your fans? 😁 Any words of encouragement? Advice? Guidance? Or just something you'd like to get off ya chest?

CL: Loool hmm.

Do what you need to do to believe in yourself wholeheartedly. Keep going even when things feel difficult. Community is still everything.

Thank you for the chat, Will. :)

WU: Community is still everything! An apt reminder. Thanks, Chrris!

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