Interview With Actor Chris Maher, Star Of Upcoming No Dogs Die, Division; Co-Founder Of MC Films

The following is a bio for the actor interviewed below by Cindy Mich:

Chris Maher is a dynamic award winning actor and filmmaker with a track record of success at major festivals, including Cannes and the American Film Market. Known for captivating performances in films like Blowback and Mojave Diamonds, Chris has also made waves with recent festival-lauded short films such as Nova, which is now being turned into a feature film. Drawing inspiration from a journey that began in a small Midwestern town and led to international stages, Chris is passionate about creating and starring in epic, boundary-pushing stories. 

Chris does not work only on the acting side, but also production. He has been the Co-Founder of MC Films for the last five years. He has two projects that are being released in 2025 for which he serves as producer, No Dogs Die and Canyon of the Dead. As he is so strongly skilled in script development and innovative film investing, these are sure to be a smash. To learn more about Chris, visit: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6681923/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons

1. Chris, I am aware that you are originally from Iowa. So excited to learn that your state sponsors the X Marks the Arts Free Week, which provides music, film and theater offerings at no charge. Did you choose to have this as your home because of its strong support of the arts?

I did not choose Iowa because of any arts programs or any reason other than it is where I grew up, and I wanted to be close to my elderly parents. They are getting pretty old and need a lot of help. Plus, it helps that it is MUCH cheaper there than any big city. I live fifteen minutes from an airport, so getting to any city when I am needed is easy.

2. Your acting career started at a young age on the smaller stage. How does preparation for theater vary from film? Would you ever write and direct your own stage play?

The stage is drastically different from film in many ways. On stage, you are in front of a live audience, and every sound and movement you make has to be able to be seen and heard from the back seats. Therefore, everything has to be performed BIG. On camera within tight frames, the acting has to remain grounded, quiet, and small in many cases.

3. Since 2015, you have acted in 33 different productions. The majority of your work has been in the movies, with some stints on TV. Many actors have stated that getting work in television is tough because of such little opportunity and stiff competition. How did you get these types of gigs, and also, are you ever discouraged enough to consider exiting the industry?

I am discouraged and lifted up many times a day in the industry lol. It is a roller coaster and never the same. There is certainly plenty of competition and not always a ton of work to go around – especially at the moment. I get booked on many things by submitting for projects myself or through agents. Otherwise, it is because I have already worked with some writers, directors, or producers, and they bring me onto their films because they already know what I am capable of as an actor.

4. I realize that part of your past career found you modeling. Can you share how you got started in this field, and also, how did you steer clear of scam work? Also, what types of habits must one have in order to maintain a physique that ensures ongoing employment?

I got started because an old friend of mine from high school asked me to try out for her runway show. This launched me to getting on TV and professional photos. It was a lot of fun, and I kept going with it. I steered clear from scam work because I worked with reputable photographers and agents.

5. Let’s talk writing for a moment. Is it fair to ask if you tend to write stories that stem from the lens of an actor vs. author? You have written a short film in the past, so is there a feature film screenplay just waiting to be written by you?

I have written a couple of feature film scripts already and collaborated on multiple other projects. They just have not been made yet. I try to write film scripts from the lens of an audience member and things I think would be fun to watch.

6. For almost five years, you have been the Co-Founder of MC Films. One of many duties you have is to handle film fundraising. This is a common and complex issue for many filmmakers, so could you offer some suggestions on the best methods for generating film funding?

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Film funding is one of the most difficult aspects to filmmaking. MC Films is a company that provides some small funding and loans to productions in various stages. The best methods to film funding are: create good relationships with investors and formulate a business plan for your film to show how you plan to return the money and create a profit with the film.

7. You play Cole in the upcoming film, Boardwalk Winter, which just premiered on February 8, 2025 at the Regal Theater in Virginia Beach. Tell us more about how you got involved in this project, and also, what was it like to work with veteran actor Victoria Jackson?

I got involved with the project after being connected to the Director/Writer, Jonathan Fox, by the amazing lead actress, Natalie Veater. Jonathan watched a couple of my past films and we got on the phone and spoke about the character, the film, and everything in between. After getting to know me, he felt I was a good Cole for his film. Victoria Jackson is one of the sweetest actresses and so funny too! She is a pleasure to be around on set and off set.

8. Finally, can you provide an update on release dates for the projects No Dogs Die and Division?

Division is a short film that was shot many years ago. I believe it was released. No Dogs Die is being turned into a feature film this summer, and I will be producing this project with Writer/Director Chris Watson. We are excited to announce that we just attached the actor Sam Trammel to the project!

Chris Maher. Image Credit – Cindy Mich

Chris Maher. Image Credit – Cindy Mich

For more details on Chris, go to: Chris Maher – IMDb or Chris Maher (@chrisfredma) • Instagram photos and videos.

Banner Image:  Chris Maher. Image Credit – Cindy Mich

Cindy Mich

Cindy Mich is an award-winning journalist/media personality who is also a filmmaker and Founder of the independent film festival, Art is Alive, now in its seventh year. Her total listening audience is at 205,000 to date. In print, she currently contributes to various digital publications, along with having owned and operated her own publication, The Art is Alive Magazine. After eight issues, her readership was at 78,000. She performs the duties of a professional film judge, having screened over 800 films in the last few years - along with covering various film festivals as accredited media. Further, she has taught in both the public and private sector. In 2023, Cindy is adding a distribution arm to her film festival, and soon will be releasing her made for television series on medical misdiagnosis, Hurt by Healthcare.