Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Coggins
Hi Chris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My short spiel – I’m originally from Columbus, Ohio – which is a great place to grow up but wasn’t big enough for my appetites. I could never decide what I wanted to major in for college and what I ultimately wanted to do as a career, because I was interested in so many things. When I was a student-athlete and came home from whatever practice I had that day, my family had already eaten dinner, so I made my own and watched Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. I started learning about the business and discovered working in film and TV could be a real job. I decided to do that since rather than studying one subject in school, I could learn how to make movies about all kinds of things and learn about them. Wow, that sounds super nerdy! That was my naive thinking at the time! I wanted to study at USC, which I did in the film school there. Then got a job in development, then another and another and another until I decided to pivot into management.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
What’s a smooth road? I definitely have not had one of those. I had a very rocky time in my career during my 30s – sometimes thinking I was going to be a Hollywood causality. I was lucky enough to be married at the time to a wonderful husband who supported me and encouraged me to keep going. It’s really hard to get fired or let go! At least it was for me. I don’t wish it on anyone, even though it probably is a good character builder. Whenever I changed course (either by my own making or someone else’s) I felt like I lost a part of myself I’d have to gain back in some other way. Luckily enough for me, I had good friends and colleagues around me, a fierce determination and a lot of good therapy to make it through to the other side (Thanks, Dr Baker). I eventually learned that my job is not me. It’s a big part of me but does not define me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I manage writers and directors for film and television and am known for finding left-of-center but commercial voices. I think what sets me apart is my endless curiosity. I’m just interested in knowing a little about as many fields as possible. I can’t seem to listen to enough podcasts or read enough newspapers or have enough conversations. I’m most proud of helping my clients get jobs! And, of course, guiding them through their careers. There is nothing like seeing a client on the set of an episode they wrote, like Robert on ALL AMERICAN. I’m very proud of my client Noga who wrote the movie MEET CUTE that is on Peacock. It’s a miracle any movie gets made and am so proud of her for helping get that all the way through production. I’m really proud of the company I’m a part of – Heroes and Villains – which is a management/production company that fosters all kinds of creative talent. Everyone there is a delight of a human. Truly. In this Hollywood world of attrition, secrecy and some time futility, my coworkers and colleagues are a true respite.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My kittens make me happy. Being productive makes me happy. Crocheting and paint by numbers makes me happy. Sitting with friends watching the sunset makes me happy. Champagne Sundays makes me really happy. My clients booking jobs makes me happy. In my 40ish years on this earth and 20ish in this business I’ve learned it really is the little things that make me happy. Would I love an Oscar? Sure! Who wouldn’t? But even that is about the peer recognition, not about winning something over others. At least I think so. In this, the year of our lord 2024, things look a bit bleak at the moment – the looming election, industry contraction, greedflation, etc – so I’m trying to focus on the positive and take joy in the little things. Rather than survive until 2025, I want to thrive until (and through) 2025.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thechriscoggins.com
