Hey, my name is Chris Francis and I am a one-time minivan owner, a two-time Super Bowl commercial director, and a three-time grade school spelling bee champion...some say I'm the consummate multi-hyphenate, others say I peaked in the 6th grade.
I'm a comedy commercial director specializing in character-driven, concept-led campaigns — the kind of spots that make people laugh out loud and then actually remember the product. Funny how that works.
I'm a comedian at heart, living vicariously through the hilarious writers and amazing on-camera talent I get to collaborate with. I'm a big believer that if we're not all laughing on set, we're doing it wrong.
Over the years I've directed comedy campaigns for brands like Native, Dr. Squatch, Poo~Pourri, Laundry Sauce, Sprouts, and a few others you may have seen during a certain very large football game. I've also been known to direct a celebrity talent or two… and yes, they're real people just like us - only richer and better looking.
I'm very easy to get along with (shouts to being a middle child!) and because of my background as a cinematographer and producer, I have a strong grasp of the entire production process. I enjoy solving problems creatively with writers, cast, and crew — from concept through post.
I could bore you with my story of being a skateboard film producer turned documentary filmmaker turned production company owner, but to be honest I'm only interested in directing TV commercials these days, so we'll end the scene here.
If you're into laughing and making other people laugh, there's a moderately decent chance that we'd work well together.
I'm based in Nashville, TN with my wife Krista, my son Milo, and my daughter Ruby.
Awards
Gold ADDY Award + Best In Show San Diego - Laundry Sauce “PSA”
Silver Telly Award - Laundry Sauce “PSA”
Silver Telly Award - Native - “It’s Not a Myth It’s Native”
Platinum Vega Award - Steve Harvey’s L’Evate You - “L’Evational Speaker”
Gold MarCom Award - Pourri “Camp Funk”
Platinum Muse Award - Steve Harvey’s L’Evate You - “L’Evational Speaker”
Platinum Muse Award - Pourri “Camp Funk”
Platinum dotCOMM Award - Native “It’s Not a Myth, it’s Native”
Bronze Telly Award - Nood “Medieval Torture”
Emmy Award - Raindrop “This Is How We Do It”
Emmy Award - “Making Lemonade”
San Diego International Film Festival - “Flourish”
School Spelling Bee - Kingsway Sixth Grade
School Spelling Bee - Gray Road Third Grade
School Spelling Bee - Gray Road First Grade