With a disarming sense of humor and gift for directing dialogue, Chris has a track record finessing subtle yet hilarious performances from a wide range of celebrities (athletes in particular), seasoned actors, real people, children and even animals.
Influenced by his father, writer, painter and commercial director hall-of-famer Bob Bean, Chris and his five brothers and sisters grew up in their very own art camp, where someone was always painting, writing, playing an instrument or filming something. Chris earned a degree in liberal arts from the University of Colorado, and then moved to New York City to begin an unofficial apprenticeship, starting as a production assistant, rising through the ranks and eventually becoming a director of photography. He made the leap to directing when he was tapped to helm several famed commercials for Avis’ ubiquitous and long-running “We Try Harder” campaign, launching his career and leading to national spots for Burger King, Taco Bell and Verizon.
Chris lives by the adage “gratitude is the attitude”, which has inspired him to reach beyond traditional advertising when he’s not shooting commercials. His documentary work for inner city, non-profit groups has raised awareness and supported the fundraising efforts of Art Start, Creative Connections and most recently, Harlem Lacrosse.
Chris is an avid wind surfer, hockey player and painter who loves nothing more than cooking dinner for his wife and three college kids.
