Kelton Jones is a multifaceted creative professional, having worked as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer throughout his illustrious career. Born and raised in a small farm town in Texas with a population of less than 2,000 residents, Kelton's early life was marked by a strong sense of community and a fascination with the film industry.
Growing up, Kelton spent a significant amount of time at the local movie theater, which shared a wall with his mother's flower shop. At the age of seven, he was taken to the set of the film Convoy, directed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah, and was hooked. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for filmmaking and set him on a path towards a career in the industry.
Kelton's early career was marked by a series of independent film projects, including an independent feature film in which he acted at the age of 16. This experience led to an invitation to join the crew, where he worked on set design, camera assistance, and pyrotechnics for the film's big battle scenes.
Kelton went on to study film and theater in college, earning a BFA degree in Art from Stephen F. Austin State University. He then worked on multiple feature films and television shows in the lighting and camera departments in Dallas and Houston, including the popular television series Walker Texas Ranger, Wishbone, and the Wes Anderson film Bottle Rocket.
In the 1990s, Kelton made the move to Los Angeles, where he continued to work his way up the ranks, eventually becoming a cinematographer and producer. His first major gig as a cinematographer was on Mel Gibson's epic film The Passion Of The Christ, and his first feature as a producer and cinematographer was the action comedy Hot Guys With Guns, which received favorable reviews from Variety and the Hollywood Reporter and was chosen as the closing film for Outfest.
Kelton has also directed numerous short films and, in 2019, released his first feature film, Dry Blood, which won scores of awards on the festival circuit, including Best Feature and Best Director. He has continued to study and hone his craft, working with renowned directors and actors, including Mark Travis, Sean S. Cunningham, and the legendary Miesner Technique teachers Joanne Baron and DW Brown.
In addition to his work in film, Kelton is also a film teacher and acting coach, having taught at Colorado University in Denver and the Young Actors Theatre Camp in Santa Cruz. Four of the short films he has worked on with the Young Actors Theatre Camp have been accepted and shown at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival.
Kelton's family is also deeply involved in the film industry, with his wife and sons working as filmmakers and actors in various capacities. The four family members often collaborate on projects, bringing their diverse skills to the table. Kelton is a strong advocate for equality and diversity, and often mentors up-and-coming filmmakers, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.
Throughout his career, Kelton has worked on a wide range of projects, from documentaries to feature films, and has had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. His dedication to his craft, his passion for storytelling, and his commitment to mentoring and supporting others have made him a respected and beloved figure in the film community.
