Chris Bavelles' life story is a captivating testament to his remarkable evolution from a committed athlete to a successful director and producer. Prior to pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, Chris excelled as a talented college basketball player, whose skills eventually took him to Europe, where he played professionally. This stint in professional sports instilled in him a profound appreciation for the importance of diligence, determination, and collaboration, valuable lessons that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Chris's professional journey continued to unfold as he made a triumphant return to Los Angeles after spending two seasons immersed in the vibrant world of European basketball. Following this stint, he embarked on a new chapter in his career, venturing into the realms of commercials and reality television. This marked the beginning of a fascinating period, during which Chris worked on a diverse array of projects, including the popular "The Adventures of Mark & Brian," the action-packed "Worlds Greatest Stunts," and the informative "The Home Show." As his creative prowess and technical skillset continued to impress, Chris's talents caught the eye of the esteemed Playboy Enterprises, ultimately leading to his appointment as the Executive Producer of Home Video Production & Development in the year 1995.
Chris, a visionary producer and director, spent five remarkable years at Playboy, leaving an indelible mark on the company's video and television endeavors. During his tenure, he conceptualized, produced, and directed an impressive 42 home videos, all meticulously shot on film. His creative prowess didn't stop there, as he also developed two successful reality-style programs for PBTV, "Sexy Girl Next Door" and "7 Lives Exposed," showcasing his versatility and talent.
Chris' innovative spirit was instrumental in conceiving Playboy's first live simultaneous Web/TV cast, "Club Lingerie," a groundbreaking achievement that garnered an astonishing 565,000 visits, making it one of the largest live events produced on the web at the time. The event's massive success didn't end there, as it received over 25 million page views in the following weeks, significantly contributing to Playboy's online presence and growth.
Chris's professional trajectory continued to flourish as he delved into the realm of commercial filmmaking, producing a string of noteworthy advertisements, including the highly acclaimed Dirt Devil spot that cleverly incorporated vintage Fred Astaire dancing footage to create a visually stunning and nostalgic masterpiece.
Chris's impressive portfolio encompasses a diverse array of creatively produced and directed reality and documentary-style programs. His extensive body of work includes the popular "Tanked", a unique reality series that showcases the art of custom aquarium design. Additionally, he has worked on the esteemed "Miss Universe" pageant for NBC, providing a platform for cultural exchange and celebration of beauty and talent. Chris's expertise extends to the world of sports, as he has contributed to the production of "The NBA on TNT", offering an insider's perspective on the fast-paced and competitive world of professional basketball. He has also directed "HBO's Journey of the African American Athlete", a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that explores the experiences and achievements of African American athletes. Furthermore, Chris has worked on the engaging home and garden program "The Outdoor Room" for HGTV, where he has showcased innovative outdoor living spaces and design ideas. His versatility is evident in his work on "American Ninja Warriors", a high-energy competition series that pushes contestants to their physical limits. Chris has also produced "Take Home Chef" for TLC, a culinary program that brings the art of cooking to the comfort of viewers' own homes. He has collaborated with celebrity personalities, such as Antonio Sabato Jr., on "The Antonio Treatment", a lifestyle program that offers practical advice on health, wellness, and self-improvement. His extensive experience in reality television is also reflected in his work on "Renovation Nation" for Discovery, a program that focuses on home renovation and restoration. Chris has also directed "The Real Estate Pros" for TLC, a real estate program that offers an inside look at the world of real estate and property development. His work on "Merge with Lisa Rinna" for Lifetime, a reality series that follows the personal and professional life of actress Lisa Rinna, showcases his ability to capture intimate and unguarded moments. Chris has also worked on the lifestyle program "Home Made Simple" for OWN, which offers practical tips and advice on home decor, organization, and wellness. His creative output extends to the world of entertainment, as he has produced "69 Sexy Things to Do Before You Die" for Playboy, a provocative and sensual program that explores the world of adult entertainment. Finally, Chris has collaborated with Dr. Drew Pinsky on "Strictly Dr. Drew" for Discovery, a program that delves into the world of addiction and recovery, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of those affected by addiction.
Notable undertakings have comprised the production of "Corrupt Crimes" and "Motive to Murder" for the esteemed streaming platform, Netflix, in addition to the successful seven-season run of "The Great Food Truck Race".
Furthermore, the team has been involved in the creation of "WWE's Breaking Ground", a captivating series that delves into the world of professional wrestling.
Moreover, the collective has contributed to the production of two seasons of "Tanked" for Animal Planet, a popular documentary series that showcases the art of custom aquarium design.
The group has also worked on "Top Hooker", a thrilling competition series that pits skilled fishermen against one another.
In addition, the team has produced "Food Paradise", a mouth-watering culinary journey that explores the world's most delectable dining destinations.
The collective has also collaborated on "Mike Holmes Buy It Right", a home renovation series that offers expert advice on property purchases.
The team has also been involved in the creation of "CMT's Studio Shake Up", a music-focused program that highlights the latest trends and innovations in the industry.
Furthermore, the group has worked on "90 Day Fiancée", a captivating reality series that follows couples navigating the challenges of international relationships.
Lastly, the collective has produced "Ghost Asylum", a spine-tingling documentary series that delves into the world of paranormal investigation.
Chris, a multifaceted creative force, remains actively engaged in various freelance pursuits, wearing multiple hats as a director, producer, photographer, and consultant.
