THE STORY COMES FIRST:
A GUIDE FOR FILMMAKERS & CREATORS WHO GIVE A DAMN

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.

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.