CHIFCPUG Member Profile

Keith Kelly

Keith Kelly discovered the power and beauty of video over 25 years ago, when he began his video production studies at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. While in Peoria, he interned at radio station Y103 FM, and produced his first TV commercial for their "Basement Tapes" promotion.

After graduating in 1981 with a degree in Mass Communications, Keith went on to work as an On-Air personality for WSOY AM & FM in Decatur, Illinois. There he learned the art of narration, editing audio, and the motivating strength of music. Although Keith enjoyed his radio experience, it lacked the visual elements of video, and so Keith moved back to Chicago to start his career in video production.

Keith began work at Audio Visual Requirements in Chicago, where he shot and edited videos for Marshall Field's, Fruit of the Loom and more. The company shut it's doors in 1990 (new ownership didn't work out) and it was then that Keith decided to form Innovative Communications-a video production company that produces high-end wedding videos and compelling corporate media. "I really enjoy both sides of the business. The wedding side lets me capture and produce fun to watch, emotionally moving video heirlooms for couples and their families. I know this work really touches lives. Wedding videos are one of the few things in life that actually tremendously increases in value as the years go by, " Keith noted. "On the other hand, I love the creative opportunities that come with developing a corporate video program from scratch. Taking vague ideas and crafting them into effective and absorbing productions is very exciting and rewarding."

Keith's earliest editing software was from the Amiga company, moving onto Adobe Premiere, and then discovering the power of Final Cut Pro.
Joining the Chicago Final Cut Pro User's Group helped Keith make the transition to FCP. "CHIFCPUG is a great resource for both novices and experts. It's chance to mingle with some of the most creative, intelligent minds in Chicagoland and pick their brains," Keith continued. "Sometimes one little trick you pick up at a meeting can save you hours of editing time, which helps you become a more productive (and faster) editor."

Keith Kelly's wedding videography won a prestigious WEVA International (Wedding and Event Videographers Association) Creative Excellence Award in 2005. Competing with entries from around the world, Keith took home an award for his Reception Coverage.
"I don't think you should ever stop trying to learn ways to better your craft, and to discover you true potential, " Keith said. "Networking and learning at the CHIFCPUG meetings helps me to be successful."

This dedication to excellence had helped make Keith one of the most sought after wedding videographers in the area, and has kept his corporate clients coming back for more.