Cole Kelley

Cole Kelley is a director, writer, and actor from Pensacola, Florida, and a MFA graduate of the film school at Florida State. Cole prides himself on bringing stories to life that ultimately entertain audiences through bold stylistic choices, while presenting unseen and exciting takes on familiar genres. He cites Steven Spielberg, Brian De Palma, and Steven Soderbergh as extreme influences on both his upbringing and filmmaking tastes, while others such as Gore Verbinski, Paul Thomas Anderson, The Safdie Brothers, and James Gunn also have heavily influenced his recent work and growth as a filmmaker. In his time at Florida State, Cole directed two "genre-bending" short films, BAD TAT and TILL DEATH, BRO!, both of which Kelley cites as examples of some of the fun, unexpected stories he wishes to continue to tell. He credits his 10 years of editing and videography experience in sports as a major influence on his creative process and sensibilities in capturing action. Outside of directing, Cole has a passion for working as close to the action as possible on a film set, as he's taken on the role of camera operator and dolly grip for several productions now, as well as acting in the 2024 short film DAMNED.