Biography
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.
