PRODUCER
Donahue’s producing credits are extensive in film, television, and streaming. He began his career as a producer in television news and documentaries, then transitioned to narrative film and television at the American Film Institute. His love for documentaries has him returning to the form often. Donahue’s work has been honored with numerous awards including an Oscar and an Emmy. He currently owns and operates West Main Street Productions.
Donahue’s current film interests include: Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Native Language Content, Immersive Storytelling (VR, AR, 360), Social Impact Entertainment, and Streaming.
“A producer may do any or all of these: find the literary property (a novel, play or original script), shape the idea into a viable film, raise the money, hire the director, choose the cast, oversee production and postproduction, mastermind the marketing, negotiate the worldwide rights — be a movie’s begetter and first, demanding viewer.”
EDUCATOR
Donahue has taught at the American Film Institute, Chapman University, LMU, SCAD and UCLA. He has spoken on numerous panels at film festivals, and conducted workshops at leading universities and colleges. His teaching competencies include: The Business of Media, Directing, Documentaries, Film and Television Production, Producing, and Screenwriting.
His teaching experience extends from elementary school through adults. At the age of 23, he was the appointed the Dean of Students at a high school with 1,200 students in New Orleans.
“I was impressed by Prof. Donahue’s inclusive educational approach and his pedagogical principle of being sensitive to cultural diversity in the class.”
“Donahue’s insights into the industry, his willingness to share his experiences and his relationships gives him and A+ in my book.”
“He challenged us to think differently. Loved the puzzles and brain teasers he used at the beginning of class. ”
What Film Schools Should Teach You (But Don't): Interview with Award-Winning Producer/Professor Chris Donahue
CONSULTANT / Coach
REACH OUT for a free 15-minute consultation.
Donahue has led and advised both profit and non-profit companies, large and small. He has consulted with filmmakers at every stage of production. He can help individuals strategize and practice for job interviews and pitches.
“I highly recommend Chris to anyone who is serious about a career in the industry.”
“Working with Chris jump-started my entertainment career by at least 5 years. His wealth of knowledge, industry connections, and strong sense of story make him an invaluable person to learn from.”
“The most essential prerequisite to understanding is to be able to admit when you don’t understand. ”
Donahue is a member of numerous boards, organizations, and committees within the entertainment industry, such as:
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences: Member, Grants & Scholars Committee, Student Academy Awards Judge
Nicholls Fellowship, Judge
The HUMANITAS Prize, Board Member
Producers Guild of America, Member
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Member
University Film & Video Association, Member
Society of Human Resource Managers, Member
MANIFESTO
man·i·fes·toˌ(man’ә fes’tō/) noun, pl. -toes. 1. A public declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer, be it an individual, group, political party or government.[< It; see manifest>]
“I feel, think and do.
I engage, influence and impact.
I create and generate.
I nourish my mind, body and soul.
I have crucial conversations.
I measure myself by how I respond to adversity.
I plant trees whose shade I will never sit under.
I create environments where others succeed.
I work to be better than myself yesterday.
I act as if everything depends on me,
and trust as if everything depends on God.
I vote.
I love my neighbor....most of the time.
I go inward, so I can go outward.
I listen to what others say before formulating my response.
I challenge the authority and the status quo.
I keep my elbows off the table.
I color outside the lines.
I give voice to the voiceless.”
CONTACT
Speaking, Consulting, Coaching