Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hankins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Detroit. As a kid, I vividly remember my mom holding this big, gray object and pointing it at my siblings and I all the time. I was fascinated by it. As I got older, I discovered that it was a camcorder.
My parents knew we wouldn’t be young forever, and they wanted to document us as we grew up. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Looking back, I think that was my first connection to the idea of documenting people and their lives.
As I got older, I developed a deep love for poetry and writing. Writing became a way for me to process my experiences and make sense of the world around me. I originally planned to study writing, but eventually found my way to cinema arts, where I could combine writing with my interest in film. I went on to study Broadcast and Cinema Arts and began developing my voice as a screenwriter, director, and cinematographer.
After graduating, I started making films based on my own experiences. Over time, I became just as interested in helping other people tell their stories. Nine years later, that path has led me to build HKNS Productions and Moments Photography & Cinema, working across film and photography with people, brands, and organizations in Detroit and beyond.
In a lot of ways, I’m still doing what my parents were doing with that old camcorder: paying attention to the people and moments that are easy to overlook, and finding a way to document them in compelling and captivating ways.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe every business has its challenges, especially in the beginning. For me, one of the biggest was realizing that loving the craft wasn’t enough. I had the passion and the skill, but I didn’t yet have much knowledge of business, communication, or how to navigate the relationships that come with being an entrepreneur.
In my second year, I was invited to be featured in Voyage Magazine, but I hadn’t yet established a clear identity for my brands. It made me realize that opportunities can come before you feel ready for them, and that there was still a lot I needed to learn.
Thankfully, God placed a mentor in my life who was well-versed in business and willing to guide me. Through that relationship, I learned more about emotional intelligence, communication, and the standards and practices that come with running a business.
Over time, I became more confident in how I communicated, how I handled situations, and how I built relationships. Those lessons have played a major role in helping me grow not only as a creative, but as a business owner.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Although I spend a lot of my time on the business side, I think most people know me for my creative work. A lot of my film and video work is driven by a desire to draw people in through color, composition, storytelling, emotion, and a sense of nostalgia.
When people ask me what I do, I usually tell them, “I make stuff look cool.” Most other answers feel too formal or too uniform, and I’d rather let the work speak. I usually encourage people to watch my videos and decide for themselves.
I’m especially proud of two of my most recent short films, which I was able to shoot, direct, and edit myself. One, Everywhere but Nowhere, follows a girl whose car breaks down leaving her with a suitcase and a destination. The other, Searching, follows a woman who daydreams about a life outside of the office. Both gave me the opportunity to explore the kind of visual storytelling I naturally gravitate toward.
If there’s one thing I think sets me apart, it’s my constant desire to learn. I’m comfortable being a student, whether I’m learning about filmmaking, business, or something completely outside of my field. I think that mindset has played a big part in how I’ve grown and continues to shape the kind of creative I want to become.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Being an entrepreneur and creative comes with a certain level of risk. Early on, not knowing where your next client would come from, or whether you’d have enough work in the months ahead to cover your bills, required a real amount of faith.
Jesus Christ is highly esteemed in my life, and I place my trust in Him. There have been months when I had little to no income expected, yet I remained faithful to my ministry work and continued trusting God as the provider He says He is. Looking back, I’ve seen Him provide in ways that reinforced that trust.
At the same time, I believe faith and practical wisdom go hand in hand. Scripture has given me principles that influence how I conduct myself, treat people, make decisions, and operate my business. Morality and character are important to me, and I believe those principles have shaped my growth just as much as my creative and business skills have.
As for risk itself, I’ve learned that some of it is necessary. In this field, you sometimes have to step beyond what feels comfortable to discover what you’re actually capable of. For me, taking those risks isn’t about being careless. It’s about being willing to move forward when I can’t see the entire path ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hknsprod.com
- Instagram: Hknsdp
- LinkedIn: Christopher L Hankins
- Youtube: Hknsprod
