Elena Shelton
Director - Executive producer
Elena Shelton is a writer, director, and film producer. When she’s not filming, she’s writing — and vice versa. Her first feature script, Presidents’ Island, placed on The Black List’s Top Quarterly List in March 2024. Since then, she has written three additional feature scripts, all rooted in drama-comedy, with her latest — a fantasy — currently being developed.
She has directed several narrative short films, with her debut earning a directing award at a small Canadian festival. Elena has also worked in commercial production, primarily within the sports industry. I Am My Brother’s Keeper is her second feature documentary; her first explored the global impact of climate change.
Sugey Cruz
Producer
Sugey Cruz is an actress, producer and filmmaker, whose collaborations have included Universal Pictures, Disney, Blinding Edge Films, and Phi Phen Studios. Sugey’s expertise spans a variety of crucial positions on both film and commercial sets, including acting, serving as a continuity supervisor, all aspects of production, as well as Health and Safety/Covid Compliance.
Sugey began her filmmaking career as a documentary film producer for the Oscar-qualifying film, “The US of Autism”. Other projects of note have included “The Old Way” and “Butcher’s Crossing” starring Nicholas Cage; “Hellbent on Boogie” starring Shiloh Fernandez; “Coup!” starring Peter Saragaard and the Apple TV+ show “Servant” and feature film “Knock at the Cabin” from Director M. Night Shyamalan.
Most recently, Sugey co-founded Roaming Shadow Productions with creative partner, Greg Poppa. There are several projects coming out under that umbrella including “Transient” (with BMN Films),”Cold” which Greg wrote and directed and Sugey did the Spanish translations for and starred in and the upcoming Western “Taffy, Rita and The Rattlesnake”. They have also associate produced several award-winning projects from Keetdog Productions such as “Calls” and “Stories”.
Outside of her film work, Sugey engages in philanthropic works particularly involved in supporting causes related to Autism and related conditions and enjoys riding Western horseback.
Follow her on social media at: @miss_sugey_cruz on Instagram. You can view her IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4929338/
Greg poppa
producer - G&E
Greg Poppa was born in Philadelphia. He began his creative career writing short stories as a child before moving into acting in his early 20s. Greg has worked on several big budget productions such as M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple+ show “Servant” and HBO’s “Mind Over Murder” as well as numerous indie features and shorts including “Weapons and Their Names” which has been nominated for best short film at Sundance Film Festival 2023. Greg made his directorial debut in the short film “Foxes”.
When he’s not working on films, Greg can usually be found playing guitar, piano, ice hockey, boxing or riding horses. Greg studies acting under Lisa Pelikan at HB Studio in NYC
Eli Eisenstein
Cinematographer
Eli Eisenstein is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer with over seven years of experience creating narrative, documentary, branded, and institutional media. Equally comfortable leading a lean run-and-gun shoot or managing a full creative team, Eli specializes in emotionally grounded storytelling, striking visuals, and thoughtful collaboration across disciplines.
His work has been commissioned by institutions such as The Wharton School, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as arts organizations like Pig Iron Theatre Company and Theatre Horizon.
With a background in linguistics, theater, and improvisation, Eli brings a distinctive narrative sensibility and human-first approach to both scripted and documentary work. He is currently working on several independent projects, including a crowdfunded short film, a documentary, and a new stage play. have focused on healthcare, pain management, and education, and I’m so excited to be joining the “My Brother’s Keeper” team as a camera assistant.
Chad kinsey
Audio engineer
Chad Kinsey is an award-winning sound mixer and musician living in Lancaster PA. Over the last 20+ years he has collaborated on hundreds of successful projects with a great group of inspiring filmmakers and musicians. In between, he enjoys hiking and cats.
Carolyn derosa
assistant director
Shelly lynn koch
HMUA HEAD
Shelly Lynn Koch is an accomplished Hair and Makeup Artist with over a decade of experience working in film and commercial video and stills. Known for her attention to detail, creative vision, and professionalism on set, Shelly has built a strong reputation within the industry as a multi-talented artist who consistently delivers polished, camera-ready looks.
In addition to her work as a stylist, Shelly is the owner of Camera Ready Solutions, a premier agency providing high-quality professional Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe Stylist staffing solutions to video production companies and photography studios. Camera Ready Solutions artists specialize in Film, Television, and Commercial projects, ensuring that every production has an experienced, dependable, and talented professional on set.
With her dual role as both an artist and business owner, Shelly continues to elevate industry standards and contribute to the visual storytelling in the Mid Atlantic Region.
Crescentia volz
ART & costume
Crescentia Volz spent their childhood years on the West Coast, between Washington and California, learning dance, art, costume design, and an appreciation for nature. Adolescence brought a change of scenery, to Wisconsin, where adulthood beckoned.
After a short time adventuring, Crescentia settled for a time in Dubuque, Iowa. It was here that this filmmaker’s career began. With a growing family, and a broadening professional network, Crescentia worked on many short films and directed a first feature film, Black Friday (2017), with the assistance of collaborator Jayme Schmitt, and the Great River Film Initiative.
Iowa offered many opportunities in film, theater, and a haunted attraction (Dark Chambers), but a new adventure called in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Crescentia now calls “home.”
Crescentia continues to be an active member in the local indie film community in Lancaster, as well as traveling for projects across the country, from coast to coast.
Cameron Frassetta
gaffer head
Cameron Frassetta is a deaf and hard-of-hearing filmmaker based in Philadelphia, with roots in Central PA.
He started as a production assistant and worked his way up to roles as a gaffer and director of photography. His on-set experience, combined with time at a film rental house, has given him strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Cameron brings both creativity and precision to every project he takes on.
Katie Harkins
Assistant camera
Katie Harkins is a Phildalphia-born and raised cinematographer. Intimacy and interiority are consistently present themes in films by Katie . Across genres–from narrative and documentary to music videos and commercial work–her commitment to exploring interpersonal relationships through visual storytelling always shines through.
“Philadelphia is and has always been an inspiration for me and my work. My family has deep roots in this area, and I take pride in being a part of such a passionate city. There’s an underdog spirit to Philly, a city fueled by people who are passionate about what they do and who they are, and I find that the people I have met in the film industry here also represent that. I love being a part of the film community in Philadelphia. Everyone has such talent and a love for what they do. I find being surrounded by such individuals constantly pushes me to keep going and keep experimenting with my own work.”
chelsea nolan
HMUA Assistant
Chelsea Nolan is an award winning bridal makeup artist in Central PA for over 20 years. She has worked on numerous commercials, tv shows, and production sets and is excited to have recently crossed over into the film industry. She is very thankful for the opportunity to work on her second film and to have been a part of such a talented crew!
kyleen mchenry
art assistant
Kyleen McHenry was born on March 14th, in Stockton, California. She is a producer, writer, and actress, known for “Showverse,” “Nami Nation”, and “The Amalia Chronicles.” Her mother, Annicka Daley, is a retired engineer from the Navy.
McHenry has studied theatre and film in both high school and college. She is currently the founder and CEO of Ky’s Korner Productions, which has produced a plethora of shorts, web series, audiobooks, and other content in previous years. Recently, KKP is working on a feature film, which is to debut in theatres across the United States, as well as an upcoming television series, which will be their first union project they are creating. The company’s motto “giving back one project at a time” is because each project they produce gives back to the community, whether by relaying a social message, donating to various charities, or helping people breakout into the arts.
andrew adams
grip
Andrew grew up in Sinking Spring, PA. He was really quiet growing up and spent a lot of his time watching movies.
Now, he is trying to lear as much as he can about the filmmaking process.
Cherokee volz
key pa
Cherokee Volz is a passionate filmmaker whose work is driven by a deep love for visual expression.
With dedication to his craft, he approaches each project with a dreamers eye, a intense work ethic, and a commitment to quality.
Cherokee’s loyalty to his fellow filmmakers sets him apart—he believes in lifting others as he climbs, fostering trust on every set.
His journey is one of purpose, resilience, and a belief in the power of film to connect and inspire.
robert shelton
pa
Robert Shelton moved to San Francisco this past winter after living and studying in Los Angeles since 2019. He earned his BA in Computer Science, followed by a Master’s in Business Analytics from Pepperdine University this past spring. He works for a tech startup in software engineering.
In his free time, Robert likes to travel and hike in the mountains. This past July, he visited Banff, Canada. He also continues to play and compete in tennis tournaments whenever his busy schedule allows.
Logan koch
pa
Logan Koch is a young adult actor with a strong on-screen presence and dedication to each role. With experience in both film and commercial projects, Logan brings natural charisma and focus to every role.
Outside of acting, he is actively involved in his high school’s wrestling team and chorus program, showcasing his physical discipline and vocal talent. Logan is also undergoing training in professional wrestling, further enhancing his stage combat and performance skills.
Whether in front of the camera or on the mat, Logan brings energy, commitment, and authenticity to everything he does.
joe scrizzi
catering
Joe Scrizzi is a Pennsylvania-based multidisciplinary artist with a passion for exploring many creative forms. His work spans photography styling, modeling, film, light acting, sculpture, and abstract art.
A true visionary, Joe finds inspiration in nature and is often a traveler of both; woods and water.
karen gerth
location scout
Karen Gerth grew up in Lancaster County and has lived there all her life. In fact, her childhood home is just a mile from where the film was shot.
Now retired, she has more time for the things she loves: her faith, her family, and her golden retrievers. She and her husband have shared life with many goldens: two by their side today, and seven remembered with love.
Each of her dogs has been a therapy dog serving local communities, and Karen believes that sharing them with others is part of her God-given purpose.
