Christi Day is the CEO of CKDay Productions and Production Director/Co-Founder of Southern Theatre Company. Christi began working in theatre at a young age and has performed with acting troupes throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, developing a strong foundation in character-driven narrative and collaborative production. Christi focuses on creating polished, emotionally resonant screen projects that emphasize clarity of vision, strong performances, and production excellence. Her producing credits include the original play Derby Day by playwright Samuel Brett Williams (July 2025) and Man vs. Machine (January 2026), featuring works by Lee Blessing, Lia Romeo, Kevin Crawley, Michael Oatman, and Samuel Brett Williams.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

What excites me the most about judging for the Telly Awards is to see what other creatives are doing and to draw inspiration and celebrate platforms and voices across the globe.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job in the industry was production assistant for The Hot Springs International Horror Film Festival. What that job taught me was that when you present a meaningful experience with passion and truth, people will respond.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I am most proud of my original Short Film, Sarah that I wrote and directed with LowKey Arts and the Inception to Projection Film program.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The most challenging part of the industry is the ever changing backdrop of what is real and what isn’t with the booming of AI in every aspect of filmmaking and storytelling.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

I look for stories that move the observer with clear and concise storytelling. I want to see authenticity in the story with a great narrative that not only moves the audience but challenges them to think and move outside of the box.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

Currently I am working on production of our next creative collaboration in original playwriting with the Clifton Players in Cincinnati for the summer of 2026. I continue to develop and work on an original screenplay. I love that with my job I get to meet new creatives, share and collaborate new ideas with people that have a passion not only for storytelling but the entire human experience, and I want to inspire others to chase their dreams.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

I am super excited to continue developing my screenplay as well as continue my work as an actor and director.