Chris Cole
Summary
Results-driven Merchandiser skilled in inventory management and customer engagement. Developed impactful product displays, enhancing customer satisfaction. Transitioning to film festival programming and theater management, utilizing logistics, and customer service expertise to contribute to industry success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Venue Manager
SXSW Film & TV Festival
Austin, TX
02.2026 - 03.2026
- Managed day-to-day operations of the venue, including supervising staff and overseeing safety procedures.
- Supervised staff to facilitate smooth operations during festival activities, enhancing overall guest experience.
- Coordinated venue logistics for film screenings and panel discussions, ensuring seamless execution and attendee satisfaction.
- Resolved customer issues or complaints promptly, fostering positive customer relations and enhancing festival reputation.
- Facilitated communication between different teams to enhance operational efficiency.
- Provided support to filmmakers and guests throughout the festival experience.
Theater Manager
Hamptons International Film Festival
Hampton, New York
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Managed daily operations of film screenings and events to ensure seamless experiences for audiences.
- Oversaw setup and breakdown of theater spaces, ensuring optimal configurations for each activity.
- Coordinated with filmmakers and guests to confirm event details and enhance overall engagement.
Venue Manager
Chicago International Film Festival
Chicago, Illinois
10.2023 - 10.2025
- Coordinated venue setup and breakdown for festival events, ensuring optimal readiness for activities.
- Supervised staff to ensure seamless operations during festival activities, enhancing guest experience.
- Managed venue setup and breakdown for various festival events.
- Collaborated with vendors to arrange equipment and supplies for venues.
- Addressed customer issues or complaints promptly to foster positive customer relationships.
House Venue Manager
Seattle International Film Festival
Seattle, Washington
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Coordinated logistics for film screenings and panel discussions, enhancing event flow.
- Managed venue setup for diverse film events, ensuring optimal conditions for attendees.
- Supervised staff during events, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
- Facilitated communication with filmmakers and guests, contributing to a positive event atmosphere.
- Communicated with filmmakers and guests to ensure a positive experience.
Venue Manager/Theater Manager
San Francisco International Film Festival
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Coordinated logistics for film screenings and panel discussions, ensuring seamless execution and positive audience experiences.
- Managed venue setup and breakdown during festival schedule, facilitating timely transitions between events.
- Monitored audience engagement and addressed attendee inquiries promptly.
- Monitored audience engagement and addressed attendee inquiries, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated event logistics for film screenings and panel discussions.
Associate Manager/Venue Manager
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Coordinated event logistics for film screenings and panel discussions, ensuring seamless execution and positive attendee experiences.
- Managed volunteer schedules and training sessions for festival operations.
- Coordinated event logistics for film screenings and panel discussions.
- Managed daily workflow of team members to align with organizational goals and enhance overall team effectiveness.
- Monitored customer complaints and addressed issues promptly to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Ensured compliance with company regulations, laws, and safety standards.
Production Assistant
Telluride Film Festival
Telluride, Colorado
08.2024 - 09.2024
- Coordinated equipment setup and breakdown to ensure seamless execution of screenings and events.
- Managed inventory of supplies and materials to maintain operational efficiency during the festival.
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure smooth operations throughout events.
- Executed errands for the production team.
- Facilitated production team needs by running errands to support daily activities.
Merchandiser
Reyes Coca Cola Bottling
Alsip, IL
01.2007 - 08.2024
- Managed and stocked inventory to maintain product availability and minimize stockouts.
- Organized product displays to enhance visibility and customer engagement.
- Managed and stocked inventory, ensuring optimal product availability and reducing stockouts.
- Received Employee of the Year award in 2018 for exceptional performance and dedication.
- Organized product displays to increase visibility and drive customer engagement.
- Trained new staff on effective merchandising techniques and company policies.
- Stocked, rotated shelves, and built displays to support store sales and supplier objectives.
Education
Study Program - Business Management courses
Brown Mackie College
Merrillville, IN 09.2006 - 01.2008
Skills
- Venue Management
- Event Coordination
- Audience Management
- Venue Security
- Setup Operations
- Inventory management
- Service coordination
- Time management
- Customer Service
- Coordination
- Special events management
References
- Brandy Fons, PR/Branding/Marketing, brandy@fonspr.com, (310) 809-8882
- Christopher "Grubby" Cole, Enthusiastic movie-goer who is looking to get into programming/production and theater management within the film festival circuit.
- Mikaela McParlan, Operations Manager @ Chicago International Film Festival, 218-409-2337
- Katy King, Sundance Film Festival/Hamptons Film Festival, (229) 395-4750
- Cat Valadez, Theater Operations Manager @ Paramount Theatre, 512-300-6073
Additional Information - Festival Experience
- Telluride Film Festival, 2024, Production Assistant
- Seattle International Film Festival, 2024-2025, House Venue Manager at the Downtown
- San Francisco International Film Festival, 2024-2025, House Venue Manager @ The Premier Theater, House Venue Manager @ Marina Theatre
- SXSW, 2024-2025, Theater Manager @ Paramount Theatre
- Sundance Film Festival, 2024, Team Leader @ Redstone Cinema, Best At Fest winner 2024
- Chicago International Film Fest, 2023 - Present, Venue Manager/Theater Manager at Gene Siskel Film Center, AMC New City and Historical Museum, Prescreening committee for the After Dark Program
- Toronto International Film Fest, 2023, Volunteer
- SXSW, 2023, Volunteer
- Sundance Film Festival, 2023, Access Control, Best At Fest volunteer winner 2023
- Chicago International Film Fest, 2022, Team Leader
- Toronto International Film Fest, 2022, Volunteer
- Overlook Film Festival, 2022, Volunteer
- SXSW, 2022, Volunteer
- Chicago International Film Fest, 2021, Volunteer
- Hamptons International Film Fest, 2024-2025, Theater Manager
- Sundance Film Festival, 2025, Associate Manager/Venue Manager 2024-2025 of the Library
Timeline
Venue Manager
SXSW Film & TV Festival
02.2026 - 03.2026
Theater Manager
Hamptons International Film Festival
10.2024 - 10.2025
Associate Manager/Venue Manager
Sundance Film Festival
10.2024 - 02.2025
Production Assistant
Telluride Film Festival
08.2024 - 09.2024
House Venue Manager
Seattle International Film Festival
05.2024 - 05.2025
Venue Manager/Theater Manager
San Francisco International Film Festival
04.2024 - 04.2025
Venue Manager
Chicago International Film Festival
10.2023 - 10.2025
Merchandiser
Reyes Coca Cola Bottling
01.2007 - 08.2024
Study Program - Business Management courses
Brown Mackie College
09.2006 - 01.2008