Chris Stifel is originally from Connecticut and has lived and worked in NYC, DC, LA and now, back to the Connecticut coastline. He graduated from the Hartford Art School in Hartford, CT, majoring in Film/Video + Fine arts, studying with some of the most recognized names in Contemporary Art. Upon graduation, he made a number of short films, winning a CT Public Television Independent Filmmaker award.
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Over his career, Stifel has directed high profile, award-winning content for live sports, music, comedy events, documentaries and scripted series, with stints as a freelance director and creative director/vice president for FOX Sports, HBO, EPIX and DISCOVERY. Chris has traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe, directing and collaborating with some of the biggest names and brands in the world of sports and entertainment, from Chris Rock to Meryl Streep, The NFL to World Championship Boxing, from Justin Timberlake to Al Pacino and many others.
Recently he's opened a new chapter as an artist, photographer and filmmaker. Please browse his site and feel free to contact Chris with any questions.
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"In just over twenty minutes, Director Chris Stifel takes us back to October 1974 and a still impossible to explain crime in a small bakery in New Britain, Connecticut. At the most noir moment, the villain Bobby declares "For what it's worth, it's a damn good cupcake." LANA DEE, with its true-to-the-era sets and intriguing narration, is a damn good film"
Carla Robins / Award-winning Journalist
"LANA DEE offers a powerful, glimpse into a haunting episode of a small city from decades ago, marked by strange coincidence, cruel irony and gripping, emotion. It stirred memories of the era's underlying, naïveté and stayed with me long after the credits rolled”.
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Julie Abrams Faude / Ph.D
“In Chris Stifel’s debut film. the tension builds beautifully and the mood held throughout. The color palette suited
the period perfectly. Music, sound design and even the final credits were exceptional. From the script to the direction and acting. LANA DEE is a powerful and accomplished piece of filmmaking".
Sue Bailey / Photographer and former HBO Executive