Kris Keltgen
Director & Producer
Kris Keltgen is the owner of Barefoot Music Studios and Publishing, Ltd., a small niche music and film production studio based in southern Minnesota. The studio focuses on preserving regional musical traditions and developing original film and music content, including the documentary Song & Dance. Through Barefoot Music, Kris brings a deep commitment to cultural storytelling and the celebration of old-time music.
In addition to his work as a producer, Kris is the founder and bandleader of the Riverbend Dutchmen, a polka band known for its high-energy take on the traditional Dutchmen style. His musical journey began at the age of four, performing with his uncle's band, "Inside Straight," and continued through his teenage years as he learned drums, piano, and eventually the concertina—an instrument he took up at age 29. After two years of dedicated practice, he launched the Riverbend Dutchmen in 2009.
The band features a strong horn section and plays a diverse mix of polkas, waltzes, fox-trots, and modern tunes. Under Kris's leadership, they’ve performed across the upper Midwest and appeared on national programs such as the Mollie B Polka Party on RFD-TV and KEYC-TV's Bandwagon. Whether on stage or in the studio, Kris Keltgen remains dedicated to preserving and advancing the traditions of old-time music for new generations.
Zak Rivers
Director of Photography
Zak is an award-winning Photographer, Filmmaker, and Musician from Mankato, MN. While his client base is largely from MN, he has adventured and shot in Zion Natl. Park, Mt. Hood, the MN Boundary Waters, Cambodia, Big Bear CA, and recently Nepal/Mt. Everest.
Zak often brings together his love for photography and his love for outdoor adventure. Case in point: His documentary GREYBEARD: The Man, The Myth, The Misissippi, a documentary about the oldest person to paddle that river. As Zak put it: “With an interest in a source-to-sea paddle of the Mississippi, I was introduced to Dale Sanders, a world record holder and paddler from Memphis. The spark of Dales backstory, upcoming Source-To-Sea world record attempt as the oldest human to through-paddle the length of the Mississippi, and ever present charisma was enough to convince me that an award winning Documentary could potentially be made.”
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Zak’s cinematography is exceptional. He brings together a technical perfectionism and artistic eye for cinematic storytelling to create compelling images and beautiful stories.
Justin Bruellman
Cinematographer
Justin Bruellman is a cinematographer and editor best known for his cinematography work on the short film "Frost Bite". He attended the Institute of Production & Recording, honing his skills in cinematography and editing. With over 8 years of experience in video production, Justin has contributed to numerous films and series that have played round the world.
Credits
