UP CLOSE WITH HOWARD AND CHRISTEL GIBSON FINDING PURPOSE GETTING STARTED
Executive Producers of Dem Gibson’s Films
In the 1970’s, Christel and Howard’s father handed them an 8mm camera with the hope that they would begin to create memories that would last a lifetime. “There was always a camera in our home, and I cannot imagine a life without it,” says Christel.
There has never been a better time to work in the film industry. It is an ever-expanding creative hub that has seen many transformations over the past At the ages of seven and eight decades, and there is no denying that the Internet Christel and Howard were has dramatically changed the industry. In addition, filming their own short films. the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand Christel recalled the time in for home entertainment. Today, there are many the second grade where her streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and teacher wrote a letter to her Hulu, and people worldwide are consuming content parents. Her teacher stated through computers, tablets, smartphones, and that Christel was one of the smart TVs. With the changing industry landscape, most gifted writers she had audiences are better informed about filmmaking. ever met. She was convinced Nevertheless, no matter what form the final that Christel would become a product takes, it must provide a memorable famous writer one day. experience and be accessible virtually on almost For years to come, Christel any device that has an Internet connection. focused on writing and Howard concentrated on Film producers wield enormous power behind the mastering the camera. They scenes, and it is always fascinating and eyebegan their film careers as opening to hear them talk about their latest films— teenagers working as their approaches, casting, budget, and more. VBD production assistants on Magazine is honored to feature Christel and movie sets. Christel recalled Howard Gibson, Executive Producers of Dem her days of offering her Gibsons Films. The dynamic brother and sister services for hair and makeup team established Dem Gibsons Films which now on the set as well as casting has a diverse slate of quality titles for multiactors. platform release and distribution in domestic and foreign markets. The duo has 30 years of combined “Film is a jump in business, experience in media production. it's all about your attitude and altitude,” says Howard. As we sat down with Christel and Howard, it was As a team, Christel and their work ethics, heartfelt stories, candid Howard work so well confessions, and genuine smiles that fueled our together that the film crew fire to know them on a deeper level. The film would call them twins. There industry experts provided incredible inspiration is a strong trust factor as they gave us a glimpse into their filmmaking between the two that allows journey, discussed what drives their filmmaking them to work together with great ease. ambition, and shared upcoming projects. Mogul Leaders Magazine Spring Edition 2023
Christel wrote her first screenplay, A Trail of Tears at the age of 20. Her screenplay led to offers from Warner Bros and Disney. She also received a scholarship to Disney’s Writers Program. She went on to write three self-published novels under the pen name Crystal Michaels. One of her novels ranked #1 on Amazon in its genre for eight weeks. Her radio show the Crystal Michaels Show with co-host, comedienne and actress Queen Aisha ran from 2012-2014. Christel went on to direct music videos and became the CEO and founding member of Keletiv Films, Inc. She concentrated on writing and directing her own short films which included The Birthday Wish and Jay’s Truth which brought awareness to domestic violence. Her other short films include Professional Habit, Jomo & Mimi, and A Trail of Tears. After leaving Kelektiv Films, Inc., Christel’s passion for writing and directing was noticed by producers who gave her the platform to write and direct BETHER’s first original film, Her Only Choice. It’s a heartfelt story about a woman faced with the decision of receiving treatment for breast cancer or forgoing it to ensure the safety of her unborn child. Her Only Choice was nominated by the International Press Academy Satellite award for Best TV Movie 2018. Further, this film was loved by the viewers hence it then premiered on BET. Christel is also an Associate Producer on the upcoming BET film Angrily Ever After. Page 41
