On this week’s episode of Geek Freaks, we sat down with indie film actor, producer, and all-around hustler Chris Maher. You’ve seen his name pop up in films like Blowback, Project Legion, Mojave Diamonds, and Boardwalk Winter. He’s the guy who does it all. He jumps out of moving cars for a scene, produces his own films, and somehow finds time to keep auditioning in a relentlessly competitive industry.
Here’s a breakdown of the highlights from our chat:
From Geeky Kid to Camera Ready
Chris didn’t grow up dreaming of Hollywood. In fact, he almost became a vet. But a junior high play, a friend’s encouragement, and maybe a need for some attention lit the first spark. That spark carried him to the stage and later down an unexpected detour into business and economics, which ironically gave him the edge to navigate the film industry.
“The most important thing as an actor is business acumen,” Chris told us. “I’m a self-employed 1099 worker. You’ve gotta know how to market yourself and think strategically.”
How a Lemur Charity Fashion Show Led Back to Acting
After a scholarship program took him to China to study economics, Chris returned to the U.S. and was asked to model in a fashion show to support lemurs. That one-off gig reignited his love of performing and eventually led him back to acting. Modeling became a side hobby, then a career, and now he’s in the trenches making movies both in front of and behind the camera.
Nova: A Sci-Fi Romance Worth Watching
Chris’s passion project right now is Nova, a sci-fi romance that started as a short film and is now being developed into a full feature. He stars alongside Natalie Veeder in a story about love that stretches across time and space.
“Nova is about a man who goes off to study an anomaly in the ‘60s, crash lands in the modern day, and tries to return to the family he left behind,” he explained. After racking up awards at the Orlando Independent Film Festival including Best Picture and Best Director, the team knew they had something special.
Producing, Stunts, and Staying Grounded
Chris doesn’t just act. He helps produce, edit, and even fund his projects. Thanks to smart investing including crypto wins, he’s been able to bankroll short films and now contributes to the development of features.
“I don’t like producing,” he joked. “I’d rather be treated like an actor. Give me my trailer and my blue M&Ms.”
That said, he’s pulled off his own stunts like jumping from a moving car in Mojave Diamonds, learned editing to better understand performance, and knows what it means to take rejection and keep moving.
“People think the job is being on set. The job is auditioning. Once you wrap, you’re unemployed again.”
Advice for Aspiring Actors
Chris doesn’t sugarcoat it. Acting is a grind. But for newcomers, his advice is simple and actionable:
- Get a high-quality headshot. “That’s your real resume.”
- Take acting classes, even if you’re already working. It sharpens your skills and builds your network.
- Stay connected. Chris mentions his old classmate Harry Belden, who’s now the new voice of Morty in Rick and Morty, as proof of where those class connections can go.
What’s Next for Chris
Keep an eye out for:
- Boardwalk Winter — A rom-com dropping August 5 about a dying woman completing her bucket list, starring Chris, Natalie Veeder, and SNL alum Victoria Jackson.
- Vindicator — A new action project soon to hit distribution.
- Hack Job — Filming later this year, directed by Luca Katrina.
Chris is relentless, funny, sharp, and clearly in love with the work. Whether he’s breaking down camera angles or reflecting on auditions that didn’t pan out, he brings the same honesty and energy that’s fueling a fast-growing career in indie film.
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