Director

John Kelley is an award-winning filmmaker and creative director whose work spans fashion, music, and cinematic storytelling. His creative journey began at age 12 with a 35mm camera in hand, and has since evolved into a career collaborating with global brands like Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and ZARA, as well as legendary artists including Steven Klein, Bruce Weber, and David LaChapelle.

After building a name in the world of fashion and editorial production—his work featured in publications such as Vogue, Vogue Italia, GQ, Paper, and Cake Magazine—John transitioned into film, where he found a deeper form of storytelling. Over the years, he’s worked alongside cinematography greats like Darius Khondji, Harris Savides, and Frederick Elmes—experiences that sharpened his eye and shaped his cinematic voice.

His current project—a feature documentary on the life and legacy of Jim Croce—is his most personal yet. Directed and produced by John, the film is shot by his dear friend and longtime mentor, Faroukh Mistry, a renowned cinematographer whose wisdom and heart have deeply influenced John’s creative path.

Rooted in analog traditions and driven by emotional truth, John’s work seeks to illuminate the quiet, human moments that connect us. He lives in Athens, Georgia, where he spends time in the darkroom printing silver gelatin photographs, riding horses, and enjoying life with his daughter, Violet, and their dachshund, Dodger.

Cinematographer

Faroukh Mistry is an internationally acclaimed cinematographer whose work blends technical mastery with deeply emotional storytelling. With a foundation from two of the world’s top film schools—AFI in Los Angeles and FTII in India—Faroukh shot his first feature at the age of 25 with a legendary director, marking the start of a remarkable journey behind the lens.

Born into a legacy of cinema—his father, Fali Mistry, was one of India’s most iconic cinematographers, and his mother, Shyama, a celebrated actress—Faroukh has spent a lifetime immersed in the art of visual storytelling. His portfolio spans feature films, documentaries, high-end commercials, and web series, with over 1,000 commercials to his name and credits alongside Clio and Academy Award-winning directors.

Faroukh’s work has garnered numerous international honors, including Promax, Tellys, Genies, Abbys, National Awards, and Best Cinematography for a Feature at FIOCCI in Venezuela. His images have screened globally, from Cannes to Los Angeles, New York to Mumbai—always with a visual style that transcends borders and speaks to the heart.

As director of photography on the upcoming Jim Croce documentary, Faroukh brings decades of experience, instinct, and heart to a story that hits close to home for the entire team. His work continues to push cinematic boundaries, defined by bold vision, innovation, and a timeless sense of craft.

Producer

Courtney Drewes is a seasoned creative professional with over two decades of experience in visual storytelling across photography, film, and media. She began her career assisting renowned celebrity photographer Chuck Jones, collaborating on high-fashion editorials and fine art projects. With a keen eye for composition and detail, Courtney also supported emerging artists in crafting submissions for galleries and publications—an early testament to her instinct for powerful visual narratives.

In the early 2000s, Courtney transitioned into the motion picture industry, bringing her talents to both independent films and major commercial campaigns for brands like Apple and Verizon. Her camera department credits include blockbuster features such as Divergent (2014) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Following the birth of her son, she shifted her focus to episodic television, contributing to Seasons 1 through 5 of the Netflix hit Cobra Kai.

Today, Courtney blends her creative and strategic acumen as a marketing and public relations lead within multiple tech startups, where she also produces branded content and campaign shoots. Her experience at the intersection of creativity, production, and storytelling makes her an essential voice in the documentary space.

As a producer on the upcoming feature documentary on Jim Croce, Courtney brings not only deep industry expertise, but a vital female perspective to a male-driven story. With this project, she continues her mission of crafting work that resonates across generations and platforms.

Producer

Blair Blackley is a visionary filmmaker whose work spans award-winning documentaries, experimental shorts, and narrative features that have screened at top festivals worldwide. As a director and cinematographer, he’s known for emotionally resonant storytelling and a visual style that merges analog technique with bold, modern aesthetics.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Blair is an accomplished producer with a keen sense of story, collaboration, and craft. His recent credits include work on the acclaimed HBO Max series Peacemaker, where his visual contributions helped define the show’s striking cinematic look.

Blair is currently producing the upcoming Jim Croce documentary alongside longtime collaborator John Kelley and producer Courtney Drewes. His deep creative instincts, combined with a hands-on approach to filmmaking, continue to push the boundaries of contemporary cinema.