About
My name is Riley Keelen, and I’m a filmmaker, cinematographer, editor, and creative director working across analog and digital formats. My practice spans filmmaking, writing, and photography, with an emphasis on experimental storytelling and surreal, dreamlike imagery.
Inspired by New Wave cinema, I’m drawn to stories that explore everyday life through an intimate, unconventional lens. My work reflects my own internal experiences while exploring femininity, coming of age, melancholy, and the search for meaning. I’m interested in the space between the familiar and the surreal—and how that space can reveal the emotional complexity of ordinary experiences.
My production experience spans pre-production, on-set work, and post-production. I have worked as an editor and producer on an upcoming feature-length documentary and contributed to independent feature films in production and camera-assisting roles. My experience also includes second-unit camera operation, costume, and makeup, giving me a broad understanding of the collaborative process behind filmmaking.
I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Film Production and Critical Studies and a minor in Art History. In 2024, I also studied French filmmaking and film and art history in Paris. This background informs both my visual practice and my engagement with cinema, connecting hands-on production experience with an understanding of film history, criticism, and artistic traditions.
My skills in film production span every stage of the process, from pre-production planning to on-set coordination and post-production. I bring an organized, professional approach to preparing schedules, coordinating logistics, and managing production details, helping shoots run smoothly and efficiently.
Through hands-on experience on large-budget feature films, I have developed a strong understanding of multiple departments and the collaboration required for a successful production. As a second assistant camera (2nd AC) and camera assistant, I am skilled at organizing and maintaining camera equipment, preparing for upcoming shots, and supporting the camera department’s workflow. My experience in wardrobe and as a production assistant has also strengthened my adaptability, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate the needs of cast and crew while staying on top of essential tasks.
In post-production, I have experience editing short-form and feature-length projects using Adobe editing software, Avid, and DaVinci Resolve. My skills in color grading and sound design complement my editing work, allowing me to bring a cohesive visual and sonic approach to each project.