Christopher Nolen(I)
- Producer
- Writer
- Director
As President of Nferno Productions, the production company he founded
in 1998, Christopher Nolen has created a proven brand in urban
entertainment, production and distribution, by creating positive and
entertaining content for minorities and global audiences as a whole. As
a Director, Nolen's projects under Nferno Productions include the
feature length films "Deep Passion," "Subtle Seduction," "The Good
Life," "Four Seasons," and the recently completed "72 Hours." On
January 16, 2014, Nolen's film "The Good Life" made its network debut
after being acquired by BET (Black Entertainment Television). The film
received such stellar ratings and reviews that it continues to have a
recurring monthly slot on the network's schedule. "The Good Life" was
originally released nationwide on July 16, 2013 Nolen, and stars Tangi
Miller, Chicago's very own Richard Gallion, Christian Keyes, Maya
Gilbert, and Mari Morrow. He had another nationwide release on April 1,
2014 of his film, "Four Seasons", which is wrote, produced and
directed. The film stars Robin Givens, Keith Robinson, Christian Keyes,
Jazsmin Lewis, and Chicago's own Mel Jackson. "Four Seasons" was shot
entirely in Chicago in July of 2013. Nolen is currently in post
production with his latest and most highly anticipated film "72 Hours,"
which features an amazing star-studded ensemble cast, including
Chicago's own Timon Kyle Durrett of "VH1's Single Ladies," Erica
Hubbard of BET's "Let's Stay Together," and legendary star and acting
sensation, Harry J. Lennix, of NBC's #1 show "The Black List." Rounding
out the cast is Terri J. Vaughn of "The Steve Harvey Show," Brian Hooks
of the TV series "Eve," Cynda Williams of "Mo Betta Blues," Tangi
Miller of "Felicity," Brely Evans of BET's "Being Mary Jane," and Chyna
Layne of "Precious." Nolen is also in development on two new exciting
feature length films entitled "Zodiac Sign" and "Lustful Decisions." He
is excited and passionate about writing, directing and producing films,
and is looking to expand those talents into the world of television.
Nolen graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign in
Electrical Engineering with a minor in Theatre. After graduation he
went on to receive his Master's in Mathematics from National Louis
University, as well as a Master's in Educational Administration
Leadership from Governor's State University. While receiving his
degrees, Nolen taught high school and junior high in the Chicago Public
School System. Nolen began in the industry as a model in the
Chicagoland area, which quickly turned to acting, and eventually lead
him to writing, producing and directing. As his interest in filmmaking
grew, he enrolled in filmmaking classes, most notably with filmmaker
extraordinaire, Dov Simens. Nolen got his start directing numerous
stage plays, short films, industrials, music videos, before eventually
creating his own feature length films. Although he has written most of
his films, he has also found success as an Executive Producer,
including the very successful and independently produced films "Black
Butterfly," "Frankenstein: The Day of The Beast," "Surprise, Surprise,"
and "Black Coffee." Nolen has filmed all of his productions in the city
of Chicago, and is proud he's been able to contribute to the production
revenue for the city he calls home. The success of his films have
garnered him several Best Director awards. Nolen is a member of the
Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio
Artists, Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America.