photo of Chris Debiec

Chris Debiec

CEO/Founder
Civilized Entertainment

Christopher Debiec is a seasoned executive with an illustrious 35-year career in the entertainment industry, excelling in writing, producing, and leadership roles. He has consistently delivered innovative projects across film, television, and groundbreaking technologies.

Chris began his career in Orlando, Florida, working on notable projects such as Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar and Miramax’s The Crow. A pivotal move to Los Angeles allowed him to contribute to acclaimed films including The Devil’s Advocate and Mad City for Warner Brothers, The Out of Towners for Paramount Studios, and Walt Disney Studios’ pioneering live-action/animation hybrid Dinosaur.

In 2000, Chris undertook one of his most challenging roles as Production Supervisor on Matt Dillon’s directorial debut, City of Ghosts for MGM/UA. Filmed over six months in war-torn Cambodia, the experience cemented his reputation for tackling complex productions under extreme conditions.

From 2000 to 2006, Chris collaborated closely with Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron as a production supervisor for Earthship Productions. His tenure there included overseeing both physical and post-production for projects like the Emmy-winning Expedition: Bismarck for Discovery Channel, the live broadcast event Last Mysteries of Titanic, and the 3D/HD IMAX films Aliens of the Deep and Ghosts of the Abyss. These projects showcased Chris’s aptitude for blending cinematic storytelling with cutting-edge technology, earning six Emmy nominations and one win during this period.

From 2010 to 2017, Chris served as Vice President of Production at Entertainment One Television (eOne), where he led the alternative programming division. In this role, he oversaw the development, production, and delivery of a diverse slate of projects, reinforcing his expertise in managing high-stakes content across various formats.

Reuniting with the Cameron family, Chris assumed the role of Chief Content Officer at Human, a forward-thinking Tech/3D startup founded by James and John Cameron. During his tenure, he also created and executive-produced Scouting Camp: The Next Olympic Hopeful, a two-hour documentary for NBC Sports and the United States Olympic Committee, further demonstrating his ability to merge technology, sports, and entertainment.

In 2019, Chris took on the role of Production Executive for A24’s critically acclaimed feature film The Green Knight. Directed by David Lowery and starring Dev Patel and Alicia Vikander, the film was shot across Ireland’s stunning landscapes over five months. Chris skillfully navigated the production’s logistical challenges, ensuring artistic and financial objectives were met.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw Chris pivot once more, stepping in as COO of the Human Health Organization (H2O). Tasked with transforming the company into a rapid COVID-19 testing enterprise, he successfully implemented testing protocols for over 2,800 productions worldwide. After the passing of H2O’s CEO, John Cameron, Chris served as interim CEO, guiding the company until its closure in November 2021.

Relocating to Austin, Texas, Chris founded the Texas Media Coalition (TMC), an advocacy group dedicated to advancing the state’s entertainment industry. Under his leadership, TMC championed the creation of a multi-billion-dollar transferable tax-incentive program, resulting in a landmark increase of Texas’ incentives from $45 million to $200 million—the largest growth in over a decade.

Currently, as CEO of Civilized Entertainment LLC, Chris oversees an award-winning studio focused on creating compelling content centered on science, technology, environment, art, space, exploration, medical advancements, and historical events. His dedication to innovation and storytelling continues to inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a transformative leader in the entertainment industry.

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