Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris McKee.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started drawing and reading comic books when I was a boy. When video stores started popping up around town it seemed possible to watch every good movie ever made, while reading all the great books being written was an impossible task.
At Boston University, learning about the life stories of artists and poets throughout history, it seemed essential to forge a unique identity through experience; so I applied to the Peace Corps and taught English in Mongolia for two years. That’s where I learned the word Ragcha, which means “archetype” in ancient, Indian sanskrit. Mongolians got it through their connection to Tibetan buddhism.
Since then I’ve written four feature-length screenplays and produced and directed over forty short films and documentaries, always trying to stretch the bounds of the medium and create unique, inspiring work. This year I’m focusing on my first graphic novel, called Naked in the City of Heroes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I assumed on the festival circuit I’d make friends and the recognition of my skills would provide leads for work and representation. Despite winning five prizes for best short documentary, for the most part that was not the case. The admiration in academia for unique work is not shared among the public and therefore by businesses.
I’ve spent much of my life making a living at art schools or freelance-producing through my company for start-ups and non-profits. When I look at the body of work by respected artists featured in galleries, I think one of the keys to the support they receive is how much they have produced. At some point there is just so much richness in someone’s creations it pays off to invest time exploring it, and this is something managers can market.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ragcha Media story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m an extremely curious person and it’s infectious. When I get into an interview an hour will pass by – even with technical interruptions for batteries and focus and what not – and my subjects will still be surprised it went so fast. And when we’ve trimmed that hour down to three, cogent minutes people are thrilled to see themselves at their best: articulate and authentic.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m lucky to have been born a white man in an educated, upper-middle class American family. When I graduated from college, I wasn’t burdened with debt, and I am welcome in most countries of the world. As an American I had the unprecedented opportunity to travel abroad helping people in the Peace Corps with all the support I needed.
I also feel lucky to have been born with a grandfather who knew poverty and uncles who worked with their hands. I am glad I have built things with them, rather than having a purely abstract notion of the world. I’m glad I grew up in the Bay Area during the alternative music revolution, which gave birth to Burning Man and kept California culture incredibly vibrant.
And I feel lucky to be alive in Los Angeles during the biggest construction boom in its history, indulging in the explosion of delicious restaurants and elegant bars; and joining a budding culture of walking neighborhoods, celebrated by monthly Art Walks.
As I reach middle age people look more and more to me for leadership. It makes taking risks more possible. I look forward to showing everyone what I’ve discovered in my soul.
Pricing:
- Video starts at $1000 per minute; ultimately it depends on what you want in it
- Marketing and production advice: $50 per hour after a free, initial consultation
- Photography and editing: $50 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ragcha.com
- Phone: 310-938-0187
- Email: [email protected]
