John Kelly
Director / Producer
Biography
John Kelly is an Irish Writer, Director and Producer, and Screen Directors Guild of Ireland member. After studying Film Production at Pulse College, John established his own production company, Clap 'n Load Studios, in 2019.
In November 2019, Johnwrote, directed and produced his first short film; the 1916-set "Masquerade". Following this success, John directed and produced "Visionaries"; a documentary funded by Ardán.
John went on to direct and produce "Nevermore"; an ambitious Irish science-fiction pilot written by actor Jay Cosgrave, and funded by the National Arts Council in 2022. John and Jay are currently still pursuing development funding to realise Nevermore as the full series it was created to be.
In 2025, John completed production on his fourth short as director and producer. "The Black Keys". This production was supported by Vision Ireland.
John’s films have received national and international acclaim, and three of these short films have been included in Aer Lingus’ in-flight entertainment catalogue; “Visionaries” from May - Oct 2024, and both “Masquerade” and “The Black Keys” from May - Oct 2025.
In late 2024, John completed his first feature film as a producer; an international co-production entitled “Life on Mercury”. He is currently working on an Irish-language TV documentary entitled “30 Bliain Faoi Bhláth”, and is in post-production on a new short film entitled “Book Move”.
Most recently, John’s film “Visionaries” and “The Black Keys” have been screened in Powerscourt House as part of Screen’s Wicklow’s “The Powerscourt Edit” Film Festival.
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Life on Mercury (Drama) | Producer
An intertwined comedy drama about the influence of money on our lives, seen through the eyes of a lottery-winning priest, a lawyer working for the corrupt elites and a hustling juvenile delinquent. Their stories are all connected through the help of a traveling 20 euro bill.
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The Black Keys (Drama) | Director / Producer / Story By
A pianist on the cusp of great fame loses his sight suddenly. Finding an escape in music, he learns that a loss of sight is not a loss of vision.
Supported by Vision Ireland
The Black Keys was featured in Aer Lingus’ in-flight entertainment catalogue from May - Oct 2025
Nevermore (Sci-Fi) | Director / Producer / Co-Writer
For the crew of the Nevermore life was pretty simple: do whatever it takes to survive and don’t get caught doing it. But even in the vastness of space, trouble has a way of finding you.
Funded by the National Arts Council
Visionaries (Documentary) | Director / Producer
Following the lives of four visually impaired musicians, we learn about the impact their sight loss has had on them, the importance of music in their lives, and how music levels the playing field.
Funded by Ardán
Visionaries was featured in Aer Lingus’ in-flight entertainment catalogue from May - Oct 2024
Masquerade (Drama) | Director / Producer / Writer
To survive in England 1916, Duke Kenneth Wright must choose between family and reputation. People wear masks to hide their true inventions - but a snake that sheds its skin is still a snake, and the world sees only what you show it.
Masquerade was featured in Aer Lingus’ in-flight entertainment catalogue from May - Oct 2025
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Visionaries:
Exhibited as part of Aer Lingus’ In-Flight Entertainment from May to November 2024
Official Selection: Fastnet Film Festival 2022
Official Selection: 23rd Chicago Irish Film Festival
Official Selection: Irish Film London: St. Patrick’s Festival
Masquerade:
Winner “Best Actor in an Indi Film”: LA Film Awards
Semi-Finalist “Best Pictures”: LA Film Awards
Honourable Mention “Best Drama”: LA Film Awards
Honourable Mention “Best Costume Design”: LA Film Awards
Semi-Finalist: Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival
Official Selection: Short to the Point Film Festival