Director

A year ago, after having just moved to New York City, we had the pleasure of meeting Keith. We were already fans of his Made by Hand series, but over the past year, we’ve also grown to admire and respect the man behind the films. In an effort to learn more about Keith’s path, we met him for an interview at Prospect, a bar in his South Slope neighborhood. As Keith shared about his experiences—from how films and MTV shaped him early on, to the jobs he worked before taking a risk and going freelance—it was made clear that his path into directing wasn’t fast or easy, but it was worth it. We ended our night of conversation with one last round of drinks and a deeper appreciation for our friend, whose story reminded us that there’s no magic—only hard work. We hope Keith’s words will encourage you to do the hard work, because, in the end, it will be worth it. —Tina

This guy is an amazing storyteller. His films reveal the stories and struggles of everyday people and he has quite a story himself. Eliot told his own narrative with the same honest approach he takes to filmmaking and his words were powerfully moving. He opened up about the early years that he spent hustling and learning the industry, his struggle to overcome depression and addiction, his ongoing search to feel alive, and why he believes that ultimately, he’s here to empower others. Eliot, it was an honor to talk with you. Thank you for being real and telling all of your story so that others can find hope through your journey. —Tina