Golden Time with Voyager’s Chrris Lowe
Chrris Lowe is a director and photographer with a focus on telling stories that are visually driven and injected with both deep authenticity and colorful expression. Her work focuses on the varied experiences of BIPOC folks – an intentional choice she has made as a Black, queer, woman director. She likes to use her varied experience in photography, filmmaking and interviewing to craft striking worlds that intentionally explore the human experience in a way that feels dynamic, engaging, and honest. She leaves viewers feeling empowered to ask more questions and do further exploration or their own.
On the roster at the Brooklyn-based production company Voyager, Chrris’ showreel includes stylish, contemporary work for brands such as Spotify, Travel Florida and Multiverse, an AI-focused corporate training platform. It also includes a sampling of her short film and music video work, more of which can be seen on her Instagram feed (find it here), where she likes to explore themes of womanhood, Blackness, queerness and community. And in addition to her work in motion, Chrris keeps busy as a photographer, recently shooting an elaborate promo campaign for the Showtime series “The Chi.”
The Howler recently caught up with Chrris to ask about how she spends her “Golden Time.” Here’s what she had to say:
Where do you live? And how long have you lived there? What do you like best about where you live?
Chrris: I live in L.A., and I’ve been here for about a year now. I love the weather, of course, and the beautiful nature. Coming from the East Coast, being able to visit the water frequently is such a gift.
So how did you get into the business? And how long in your current role?
Chrris: I got into directing through mutual friends. My creative journey actually began in photography. From there, I started shooting BTS on music video sets, where I got to be around different directors. I immediately took interest in the process of how everything was made and the role of bringing it all together. It was from that point that I directed my first video in 2020 and have been on the journey ever since.
How often do you end up working on the weekend? How much time do you spend on work-related stuff from Friday night to Sunday night?
Chrris: Pretty often. My work is very personal to me, and I find that as long as the project resonates deeply, I’m happy to work when I feel called, whether on a weekday or weekend. As for how much time I spend on it, it really depends on what part of the production process we’re in. Two hours can turn into five very easily for me, but it’s based on what I’m working on.
What’s your favorite weekend decompression activity? How often do you get to pursue it?
Chrris: I love going to the movies. It’s one of my favorite activities, and my partner and I do it as often as we can. I also love movement so I get a good workout in as often as possible too. That, and watching some good TV with my partner at home, frequently pausing the episodes, and breaking it all down together. We love a good verbal dissertation.
It’s a three-day weekend. How do you spend that bonus day?
Chrris: Absolutely something involving nature and/or a beautiful view, some good food, and time with friends. I’m game for anything involving this combo.
How much time do you spend on your phone/tablet/laptop on a typical weekend?
Chrris: Whew, that depends as well. When I’m working and need to research or write, it could be 10 hours. But if I’m just chilling, I like to put it away as much as possible and pick up a book or be present with my friends and family.
What have you been watching lately? How do you keep up on all the streaming content out there?
Chrris: I’ve been watching “Dying for Sex” and “Squid Game 3.” Both are very entertaining and provide a ton to chat about with my partner. It’s hard to keep up, admittedly, but I usually choose one or two shows at a time. If I’m still into it by the end of the second episode, I’ll stick with it even if it takes weeks to finish.
What do you listen to? What’s on your playlist?
Chrris: I listen to a lot of ambient stuff. Some jazz as well, but overall, I’m pretty eclectic with my music taste. Currently, a lot of old school Jamaican music. I’m Jamaican and Guyanese, and it always makes me feel at ease.
Best weekend live experience of the past year? What made it special?
Chrris: I do a lot, so it’s hard to remember everything, but from what I can recall, I’d say the Cleo Sol concert at the Hollywood Bowl with my love. The Noah Davis exhibit at the Hammer Museum was wonderful as well. In terms of food, I recently found a great Guyanese spot, Caribbean Gourmet at Blossom Market Hall in San Gabriel.
It’s Sunday night! How do you get ready for Monday morning? What’s your routine?
Chrris: I like to reset the home, spend a little time in nature, make a good meal, and watch a good film.
