Cory McAbee's life took a dramatic turn in his formative years, as he spent the initial 12 years of his adult life serving as the chief security officer in a variety of esteemed bars and nightclubs scattered throughout the vibrant city of San Francisco, located in the northernmost region of California.
From the year 1989, which marked the beginning of a new decade, until 2011, a significant period of time elapsed during which McAbee held the esteemed position of singer/songwriter for the renowned musical group, The Billy Nayer Show.
It was during this remarkable era that McAbee's first film venture came to fruition in the form of a hand-painted, animated musical short, Billy Nayer, which premiered at the prestigious 1992 Sundance Film Festival, a gathering of esteemed filmmakers and industry professionals.
Fast forward to the year 1995, McAbee once again made his presence felt at the Sundance Film Festival, this time with a live musical stage presentation of his early short films, cleverly titled The Billy Nayer Chronicles, which boasted the distinction of being the first multi-media event ever to be featured at Sundance, a testament to McAbee's innovative spirit and artistic prowess.
After embarking on a US tour with The Billy Nayer Chronicles, McAbee's life took a dramatic turn as he became homeless for a prolonged period of three years, a challenging and transformative experience that ultimately served as a catalyst for his creative output. During this time, he devoted himself to writing the screenplay for his inaugural feature film, The American Astronaut, a project that would eventually come to fruition in 2001.
In 2000, the screenplay underwent a rigorous evaluation process, earning McAbee an acceptance into the prestigious Sundance Screenwriter lab, a coveted opportunity that validated his artistic vision. With financing and production secured, McAbee took on a multifaceted role, serving as the film's writer, director, composer, and lead actor, bringing his unique creative perspective to every aspect of the project.
The American Astronaut, released in 2001, has since achieved widespread critical acclaim, garnering numerous awards and accolades, and continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with screenings in theaters, film festivals, and universities, cementing its status as a landmark achievement in independent cinema.
Noteworthy film composer and musician, Jay McCarrol McAbee, embarked on a global journey with his esteemed musical group, The Billy Nayer Show, following the critically acclaimed release of The American Astronaut in the year 2001. Simultaneously, McAbee devoted his creative energies to crafting screenplays, a testament to his multifaceted artistic talents.
In 2003, the accomplished musician had the distinction of performing at the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as the renowned Guggenheim Museum, as part of the Chinese opera, The Orphan of Zhao. This remarkable opportunity allowed McAbee to showcase his exceptional musicianship to a diverse and discerning audience.
Cory McAbee, a visionary filmmaker, embarked on an innovative journey in 2007 when he was commissioned by the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and GSM Association to craft a short film that would push the boundaries of mobile phone film distribution technologies. This groundbreaking collaboration marked the beginning of McAbee's exploration into alternative forms of self-distribution.
Fast-forward to 2009, McAbee unveiled his magnum opus, the episodic feature film Stingray Sam, a cinematic masterpiece designed to thrive on screens of all sizes. This remarkable work premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival as part of the New Frontier Program, solidifying McAbee's status as a pioneer in the realm of innovative storytelling.
Cory McAbee, a renowned filmmaker, has made a significant impact on the industry through his pioneering efforts in alternative self-distribution methods. As a result, he has been in high demand as a lecturer, teaching Masters Classes at prestigious institutions and sharing his expertise at esteemed symposiums across the globe.
In 2010, McAbee embarked on a creative endeavor like no other, penning and directing a non-budget feature film titled Crazy and Thief. This ambitious project was released to critical acclaim in 2012, with screenings at numerous festivals worldwide, captivating audiences and further solidifying McAbee's reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Captain Ahab's Motorcycle Club, an international arts collaborative, was founded in 2012 by McAbee with the ambitious goal of fostering global solidarity among artists through the creation of a feature film. This innovative project, titled Deep Astronomy and the Romantic Sciences, aimed to bring together creatives from around the world to co-create a cinematic masterpiece.
From 2012 to 2017, McAbee embarked on a musical journey, performing concerts in support of the project across the United States, Europe, and Australia. These performances not only showcased his musical talents but also served as a catalyst for the film's narrative.
In 2015, McAbee took his musical endeavors to the next level by recording and producing his debut solo album, Small Star Seminar. This album became a crucial component of the film's narrative, weaving together the threads of McAbee's artistic vision.
Fast forward to 2017, McAbee developed a live performance titled Deep Astronomy and the Romantic Sciences, which made its world premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2018. The film, due for completion in 2018, is set to be released at film festivals in 2019, marking the culmination of McAbee's tireless efforts to bring his artistic vision to life.
Bio:
McAbee is a multifaceted artist with a passion for creative collaboration and innovation. With a background in music and performance art, McAbee has spent years honing his craft and developing his unique artistic voice. Through his work with Captain Ahab's Motorcycle Club, McAbee has demonstrated his commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in the world of art. With his debut solo album and upcoming film, McAbee is poised to make a lasting impact on the art world.
Cory McAbee, a multifaceted individual with a strong connection to the vibrant city of New York, calls this bustling metropolis his current place of residence.
