Chris mano

Producer | Director | Documentary Filmmaker

I’m a filmmaker and producer with more than 30 years of experience in documentary, corporate, and organizational storytelling. I enjoy finding the story through research and conversations, then bringing together the people, resources, and creative decisions needed to tell it well.

a brief introduction

Awakening in the UK

Documentary | 4:25 opening excerpt

My role: Researcher, Writer, Director, Director of Photography
Client: Watermark Resources / Watermark Community Church

Watermark commissioned this documentary to investigate reports of renewed interest in faith across the United Kingdom, with the goal of bringing those firsthand accounts to an audience of more than 4,000 church leaders.

I researched the subjects and story, developed the script, directed the interviews, and served as cinematographer for the UK production. The finished film combined original interviews and footage with archival material.

The documentary premiered at the Church Leaders Conference, followed by a live conversation with one of its UK subjects. It was subsequently released for wider distribution and has received more than 53,000 views on YouTube.

Additional crew:
Jordan Thompson – Camera, Editor

Watch the full 25-minute documentary

meat | a visual narrative

Exhibition documentary | 2:04

My role: Producer, Interviewer, Cinematographer, Editor
Client: Artist Jon Flaming

Artist Jon Flaming wanted to connect collectors and art enthusiasts with the places and people behind his paintings. I proposed a series of short documentaries exploring those subjects.

For MEAT, we traveled to Texas barbecue joints, steakhouses, and burger restaurants, then returned to Jon’s studio to connect those experiences with the artwork he was creating.

Unlike a tightly scripted production, this film developed through conversations and unexpected moments encountered along the way. I produced, interviewed, photographed, and edited the film, allowing those discoveries to shape the story.

The finished piece supported Jon’s exhibition at David Dike Fine Art.

Billman Story

Human-interest documentary | 4:41

My role: Writer, Director, Interviewer, Cinematographer
Client: Watermark Community Church

A devastating medical diagnosis changed the course of one family’s life. Watermark wanted to tell their story as part of a larger conversation about community and caring for others.

Starting with an earlier audio account, I developed the audiovisual script, conducted the interviews, directed the production, and photographed the film. Working with our editor, we combined new interviews, observational footage, and the family’s personal photographs to tell an intimate story of uncertainty, perseverance, and support.

Following the film’s premiere and online distribution, the family heard from viewers who connected with their experience, including people interested in finding a similar community.

Additional crew:
Collin Sims – Camera, Editor;
Jordan Thompson – Camera;
Sammy Lopez – Sound

What I learned

Interview-Led Video with Illustration | 1:15

Role: Series Concept, Audiovisual Scriptwriter, Interviewer, Director, Creative Direction
Client: Watermark Community Church

For Watermark’s Church Leaders Conference, I developed a five-film series around a simple idea: invite leaders to share one lesson they’ve learned and bring their stories to life through hand-drawn illustrations.

I pitched the format, developed audiovisual shooting scripts, and directed the interviews. For Jermaine Harrison’s film, I also handled the interview cinematography.

Working with an illustrator and editors, I helped develop a consistent visual approach that could accommodate different speakers and stories without losing the identity of the series.

The films played between conference sessions for an audience of more than 4,000 and were subsequently shared online.

Additional creative collaborators:

Jordan Thompson – Illustrator

Taylor Jenkins – Editing

What you do matters

Institutional Film | Approximately 8:30

Role: Federal RFP Submission, Budgeting, Producer, Camera, Editor
Client: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Agency: TycherStein Creative
Production Company: Quin Mathews Films

Following a major institutional rebranding with Pentagram, the museum commissioned a film to communicate its continuing mission, encourage donor support, and invite audiences to take action against contemporary genocide and Holocaust denial.

Working through Quin Mathews Films, I prepared and submitted the federal RFP, developed the project budget, and served as producer, camera operator, and editor.

The film combined original interviews, archival material, and footage captured at the museum. The approximately $78,000 production was completed within budget.

Creative direction was provided by TycherStein Creative


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2025 Year in Review

Organizational Campaign Film | 6:51

Role: Audiovisual Scriptwriter, Director, Cinematographer
Client: Watermark Community Church

Watermark’s year-end giving campaign needed a flagship film bringing together organizational milestones, stories of impact, and nine senior leaders into one cohesive presentation.

Working from approved campaign talking points and an established visual identity, I developed the audiovisual script, managed executive reviews and revisions, and directed the production and interviews.

Filming included two studio days and two additional location days. We combined that footage with material our team had captured throughout the year and worked with our motion designer to carry the campaign’s established visual language into the finished piece.

The film became the campaign’s primary video asset, presented during live gatherings and distributed through web, email, and social media.

Additional collaborators:
Tristan Lazor and David Penuel – Campaign Writing
Jordan Thompson – Camera, Editor
Jeff White – Camera
TJ Smith – Motion Design

Baptism in 60 seconds

Animated Explainer | 1:00

Role: AI-Assisted Script Development, Co-Writer, Voiceover, Motion-Design Direction
Client: Watermark Community Church

The challenge was to turn Watermark’s existing position papers on baptism into a clear, accessible explanation within 60 seconds.

I developed a custom GPT to assist with audiovisual scriptwriting and used it to create an initial draft from the organization’s source material. Working with a staff writer and organizational leaders, I refined the script for accuracy, clarity, and tone.

I recorded the voiceover and directed our motion designer in developing the finished animation.

The project demonstrates how I use emerging tools to support the creative process while keeping editorial judgment, factual accuracy, and final creative decisions in human hands.