Chris Robinson, an award-winning director and producer, has built a remarkable career in the world of film and music. His unique style and ability to defy genre conventions have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. In this article, we will explore Robinson’s latest directorial film, Shooting Stars, and delve into his other notable works.
Premiering on Friday, June 2, Shooting Stars is an upcoming Peacock Original based on the book by LeBron James and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Buzz Bissinger. Directed by Chris Robinson, the film recounts the inspiring origin story of a basketball superhero. It takes us through the journey of LeBron James and his childhood friends as they become the number one high school team in the country, ultimately launching James’s breathtaking career as a four-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Shooting Stars is not just a sports film; it is a story about humanity, connection, and the power of sport to foster deep relationships.
Robinson’s talent extends beyond Shooting Stars. He has directed and produced several other notable films and television series. One of his feature debuts, Warner Bros.’ ATL, received nominations from the Black Movie Awards, Black Reel Awards, and the NAACP Awards. Following this success, Robinson directed Netflix’s Beats, which starred Khalil Everage, Evan J. Simpson, Ashley Jackson, Ahmad Nicholas Ferguson, and Uzo Aduba.
In the world of television, Robinson helmed BET’s highest-rated program, The New Edition Story. This series chronicled the rise of the legendary music group New Edition and earned an NAACP Image Award. It also served as a platform for stars like Bryshere Y. Gray, Elijah Kelley, Luke James, and paved the way for Caleb McLaughlin, who also stars in Shooting Stars. Additionally, Robinson has directed episodes of popular shows such as Black-ish, Grown-ish, Mixed-ish, American Soul, and Kevin Hart’s scripted comedy, Real Husbands of Hollywood.
Robinson’s diverse experience also includes directing comedy specials like Tiffany Haddish’s From the Hood to Hollywood, Yvonne Orji’s Momma I Made It, and “Dave Chappelle: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.” The latter earned Robinson an Emmy nomination, showcasing his talent for capturing the essence of live comedy performances.
Before venturing into the world of film and television, Robinson made a name for himself in music videography. His collaboration with prolific artists such as Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Drake, Alicia Keys, Pharrell, Busta Rhymes, and Eminem solidified his unique visual style and storytelling ability. Robinson’s talent shines through in his direction of Erykah Badu’s “Honey” music video, which earned him an MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction. He was also nominated for a Grammy award for the iconic music video “ONE MIC” featuring NAS. Robinson’s production company, Robot Film Company, has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including BET, MTV VMA, VIBE Magazine, and Much Music Awards. Their collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Usher, Diddy, Kanye West, and many others have left a lasting impact on the music industry.
In addition to his creative endeavors, Robinson’s production company, Robot Film Company, has excelled in executing targeted marketing and advertising campaigns for various clients. The company’s innovative strategies have garnered recognition, including being chosen by Apple in 2001 as the first company to showcase their iPod through product placement. Since then, Robot Film Company has remained a frontrunner in the industry, working with brands such as AT&T, Adidas, Hypnotic, and Nuvo.
Director Chris Robinson’s career is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to his craft. From directing inspiring sports films to crafting visually stunning music videos, Robinson has made a significant impact in both the film and music industries. As audiences anticipate the release of Shooting Stars, it is clear that Robinson’s storytelling abilities and unique vision will continue to captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression.