The Story Comes First

In a world saturated with content, The Story Comes First is a grounded, no-BS guide for filmmakers, documentarians, and content creators who believe storytelling still matters. Emmy-winning filmmaker and Marine veteran Christopher Lee pulls back the curtain on the lessons he's learned filming in high-stakes environments-from police ride-alongs and human trafficking investigations to fallen officer memorials and 200-mile races through the desert.

This isn't a book about chasing awards or going viral. It's about earning trust, honoring your subjects, and telling stories with purpose. Through hard-won lessons, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and practical advice, this book shares how to build a career rooted in service, authenticity, and relentless curiosity.

Whether you're just starting out or trying to reignite your creative fire, this book will challenge you to rethink your role as a filmmaker-not as the star, but as the storyteller who knows how to get out of the way and let the subject shine.