Book Preview: The Man Who Made Me Stop Chasing the Oscar
Al Harris, with his signature smile and legendary high five. He didn’t need a title to make an impact—just a warm greeting and a moment of your time. For many of us, he was the first scene of every movie. Kindness like that doesn’t fade. It sticks.
You ever meet someone who shifts your whole perspective with just a sentence?
Al Harris wasn’t a director. He wasn’t famous. He was the guy who tore your ticket at the local theater. But one night—right before a film that meant the world to me was about to screen—he said something that changed everything.
Years later, the city named a street after him.
That’s not the Hollywood ending I thought I was chasing. It was better.
In the first chapter of my book, I talk about what that night meant… and why a quiet high five from a man like Al mattered more to me than any trophy ever could.
Here's a moment from the chapter:
“Well, don’t you worry,” he said, still sweeping. “Everything’s going to be just fine tonight. You wait and see.”
That was the first time I took a real breath all night. The moment I realized maybe I didn’t need an Oscar to matter. Maybe I just needed to make work that meant something.
This is just one story from the pages of my upcoming book—a collection of moments like these, where the weight of the work met the purpose behind the lens. I’m looking forward to sharing more soon. Stay tuned for updates on the release, behind-the-scenes photos, and the stories that shaped the storyteller I’ve become.
Al Harris Lane — Redlands, California. He wasn’t famous. He wasn’t powerful. But the city named a street after him—because he made people feel seen.
COMING SOON
The Story Comes First will soon be available for digital download on Apple Books. This is more than a book—it’s a call to storytellers who give a damn. Whether you’re behind the camera, behind the mic, or behind the scenes, this guide was made for you.
For the latest updates, follow along on Instagram @ctopherlee or check back here. The story’s just getting started.
