Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher White.
Hi Christopher, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in a military family meant we moved quite a bit. That experience shaped my idea of ‘home’ it became less about a physical place and more about a sense of connection I found in stories. Movies and art weren’t just pastimes; they were essential tools for me to understand the world around me and to express what I was feeling. They showed me the incredible reach of imagination and how powerfully storytelling can bring people together.
I pursued Cinematic Arts in college, driven by this passion. But life, as it often does, had a few detours in store. Responsibilities shifted my focus, and my creative ambitions had to take a backseat for a while. The passion was always there, though, simmering beneath the surface.
When the pandemic slowed everything down, it gave me a chance to reconnect with that creative side. I started by picking up my camera again, initially helping out some San Diego businesses and influencers with their content. That work really brought my love for storytelling back to the forefront. It gave me the confidence to enter my photography in the San Diego County Fair Photo Exhibition and a few other competitions, and I was truly honored to receive some ribbons and positive feedback from the creative community. I’m excited that my latest piece, The Edge of History – a black-and-white photograph of Alcatraz Island, focusing on its quiet presence where the sea meets history is part of this year’s Fair. It’s on display now, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s received.
This renewed energy really fueled my drive, leading me to take on the 48-Hour Film Project in LA. It was an intense experience as a team we managed to write, shoot, and edit an entire short film, Echoes of Vengeance, in just two days. It was a huge thrill when our trailer made it to the Top 5. That experience was a springboard. Soon after, I developed Coulrophobia, a horror short. Its trailer won Best Trailer, and that success laid the groundwork for TERRORVERSE™ STUDIOS, which is becoming an expanding universe of interconnected horror stories. And that spirit of rapid, collaborative creation continues, I’m excited to be participating in this year’s San Diego 48 Hour Film Project as well, ready for another creative challenge.
Truly, one of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with Daria Novo, a brilliant composer and orchestrator whose work you might know from the San Francisco Ballet, Netflix’s The Witcher, or One Piece. What’s also inspiring about Daria is her dedication to supporting women in the audio field through her company, NovoMusic. Closer to home, I’ve been fortunate to team up with San Diego talents like Emerald Gordon Wulf, an amazing professional contortionist and stunt artist who has brought her skills to America’s Got Talent and films like The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and Malignant. For me, working alongside such dedicated individuals and many other local actors and filmmakers isn’t just a pleasure; it’s a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of why I love this work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This path definitely hasn’t been a straight line, but honestly, I’ve come to appreciate the lessons learned from every hurdle.
A significant ongoing challenge is balancing my full-time job with the demands of self-funding and pursuing my creative projects. It’s a constant exercise in resourcefulness stretching budgets, making the most of every connection, and getting creative with what I have. There are definitely times when progress feels slow, and the thought of ‘is this sustainable?’ creeps in, especially when people might suggest focusing on one path. But then I remember why I started that deep-seated need to create and connect and that clarity fuels my commitment. This juggling act has taught me so much about prioritizing what truly matters and being incredibly focused with my time and energy.
I remember my first LA 48 Hour Film Project vividly. We faced a huge setback when some actors had to drop out just hours before we were supposed to start filming. For a moment, it felt like it might all fall apart. But then, amazing local talents like Janelle Murphy and Madison Hutchins from PlayHard Heels Dance Company stepped up. Together with my dedicated crew, we rallied and made it happen. That experience was a powerful testament to the strength of community and the magic of collaboration when things get tough.
And yes, imposter syndrome is a familiar feeling. There was a moment with Echoes of Vengeance we came incredibly close to winning an award, and not getting it stung more than I anticipated. But the heartfelt reactions from the audience afterward? That was a profound reminder that the truest measure of success isn’t a trophy, but the genuine connections you make with people through your work. Knowing there was a community rooting for us meant the world.
Even defining my creative identity as a filmmaker has been an evolution. My goal is to tell stories that transcend specific genres or backgrounds, stories that can speak to anyone open to listening. Each challenge, each uncertainty, has ultimately been a catalyst for growth, reinforcing my resolve to keep learning, keep creating, and keep pushing forward, no matter what.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of BigBoy Productions, my San Diego-based company where I focus on film, photography, and creating compelling branded storytelling. Within BigBoy Productions, I’ve also developed TERRORVERSE™ STUDIOS. This is envisioned as an interconnected horror anthology series, allowing me to delve into more elevated and nuanced horror through both shorts and feature-length projects.
While the horror genre is certainly one creative avenue I’m passionate about, as seen with TERRORVERSE™ STUDIOS, I’m also developing other exciting projects across different scopes that I’m keeping under wraps for now. My overall approach to any project, whether it’s one of my own films or a collaboration with people and businesses, goes beyond just entertainment. In a creative landscape where we often see a lot of repetition, I strive to bring a distinct perspective. My goal is to genuinely elevate the talent I work with and the brands I partner with by introducing fresh, unique, yet always relevant ideas, and by strategically adapting to and harnessing the ever-evolving scope of new technologies. It’s about pushing creative boundaries and enhancing the story or message, always with a foundation of respect for the people involved and the story we’re telling together. Ultimately, I want the work to not only capture attention but also to offer fresh insights and leave a lasting, positive impact. And when I reflect on what I’m most proud of, it’s precisely that: the ability to take an idea and bring it to life, especially when it means collaborating with and showcasing the incredible local talent we have right here in San Diego. Seeing a shared vision come together through that collective energy, and then watching it connect with an audience or help a client’s brand resonate more deeply that’s profoundly rewarding and a constant source of pride.
My day-to-day is a balancing act with a full-time 9-to-5 job. To make it all work, I consciously carve out time to:
Continuously learn and integrate new techniques and technologies to keep my creative process fresh and effective.
Deliver high-quality creative content for my clients while also pushing forward on my projects and backlog.
Mentor and collaborate with other emerging creators, whether they’re here in San Diego, in Los Angeles, or connecting through social media anyone with a genuine passion for storytelling.
Ultimately, professional collaboration is foundational to how I approach my work. I truly believe in the power of shared vision and am always keen to connect with other passionate individuals to bring meaningful stories and ideas to life.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t measured by trophies or viral moments. The real markers are more personal and impactful. It’s that moment when someone shares that a scene resonated deeply, or that a story sparked a new way of thinking, that’s the kind of impact I strive for.
Success is also about continuous creative growth, aiming to elevate my craft with each new project. Importantly, it’s about creating opportunities and opening doors for everyone involved in a project, not just for myself. It’s a team effort, and shared success is incredibly rewarding.
Beyond individual projects, a huge part of what success means to me is fostering a community where storytellers from all backgrounds, especially those who are often underrepresented, feel empowered and find the support they need to share their unique voices.
So, when I boil it down, success truly is about fostering connection, driving growth (both personal and for others and empowering people through the art of storytelling. And yes, even opportunities like being featured in a magazine feel like a win; it’s an encouraging sign that the work and the stories are connecting with people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bigboy_pro
Image Credits
The Event images were shot by https://shotbysamlee.com : Sam Lee -SD native – Local Studio Hendo Studios
The BTS for The 48-hour film LA:
Justin Marroquin – Echoes of Vengeance – Local Studio Hendo Loft
Anyssa Daviana Matthews -SD native – COULROPHOBIA
