Introducing Chris Fiffie and His Unique Approach
Many truck enthusiasts may recognize the voice of Chris Fiffie, a videographer and producer known for his captivating work in producing DVD videos from various truck shows across the nation. Alongside his production for 4 State Trucks and the Chrome Shop Mafia, Fiffie has gained popularity for his “rolling CB interviews,” where he interviews truck drivers on the road using a CB radio, showcasing their stories and experiences.
A Journey into Video Production
Pictured at the Mid-America Trucking Show by Cheri Kimball, Fiffie has carved out a niche in the trucking industry. His passion for video began with an early interest in cameras, eventually leading him to develop a small business producing a range of video content, including television commercials. Initially, he worked as a mechanic at his father’s auto-repair shop to gather funds for video equipment long before digital video became prevalent. During this time, he learned about the lucrative salaries of truck drivers and machine operators, which motivated him to pursue a Class A license after riding along with a neighbor who was a truck driver.
From Mechanic to Trucker
In 2006, Fiffie relocated from South Florida to a small town on the West Coast of Florida that lacked video services. Eager to explore, he started driving a Peterbilt truck, which ignited his passion for trucking. Shortly after, his video production business faced hardship due to the economic downturn. A friend suggested he film the Mid-America Trucking Show in 2012 for the Chrome Shop Mafia, leading to the creation of the 4 State Trucks DVD series. With additional footage, he began sharing videos on YouTube and Facebook, including the innovative Rolling CB Interviews series.
Amplifying Voices in the Trucking Community
Based in Orlando, Florida, Fiffie has produced 18 episodes in his Rolling CB Interviews series, featuring diverse truck operators he met through truck shows. He aims to amplify the voices of those whose trucks often go unnoticed when they return to work after the shows. “I really wanted to give them the mic and allow them to express their thoughts,” Fiffie explains, combining these conversations with the visual representation of trucks in action on the highways.
A Growing Following
Fiffie’s YouTube channel, BigRig Videos, has gathered over 17,000 subscribers, and his Facebook page is on the verge of reaching 130,000 followers within its first year. “He’s got a unique perspective, and owner-operators seem eager for this type of content,” says Bryan Martin from 4 State Trucks about Fiffie’s impactful approach to covering the trucking industry and spreading joy among its community members.
Innovative Techniques in Filming
To enhance the quality of his interviews, Fiffie adopted high-grade racing technology to minimize background noise, enabling clear communication during his rolling interviews. He first tested this setup during a convoy to the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show, resulting in impressive footage. Since then, he has refined his process for hands-free filming while driving, ensuring steady video quality.
Raising Awareness and Future Endeavors
Fiffie has recently collaborated with the Florida State Highway Patrol to produce a film emphasizing the dangers faced by roadside workers, inspired by discussions during his interviews. For those attending the Guilty by Association Truck Show at 4 State in Joplin, keep an eye out for Fiffie with his camera. Additionally, Overdrive has compiled a playlist featuring all of Fiffie’s Rolling CB and other operator interviews from the past year for viewers to enjoy.