As president and CEO of Price Productions, Keli Price has a number of projects including upcoming feature film CATnip starring Chevy Chase, Bruce Dern and Joey Lauren Adams, which is written and directed by Nyle Cavazos Garcia, and Tender starring Jesse Garcia and Jeff Weixler, which is written and directed by Adam Hoelzel. Keli’s critically acclaimed feature documentary Mad Props is in the process of being turned into a docuseries hosted by Patrick Warburton, and Keli wrote and produced Murder at Hollow Creek – which had its premiere at last year’s Beverly Hills Film Festival, and The Curse of Wolf Mountain, with Keli playing Gavin Brooker in the former and Aj in the latter. For the crime film Bandit, Keli was the executive producer, and he wrote, directed and produced the 2021 feature sports documentary On Thin Ice. As an actor, Keli played the recurring role of Kirk in Series 2 of HBO Max series Rap Sh!t, regular role Zak in musical drama series Side Effects for three series, Chris Abeley in the 2008 film The Clique, and towards the start of his career, he played Bobby Love in the TV movie episode Battle of the Bands of the Nickelodeon series The Naked Brothers Band. Chatting with us, Keli told us about upcoming feature films CATnip and Tender, his films Murder at Hollow Creek and The Curse of Wolf Mountain, his recurring role of Kirk in Rap Sh!t and playing Chris Abeley in The Clique.

You are the president and CEO of Price Productions, can you tell us about the company and how did it come about?

In 2016, I set out to make a feature documentary on my great-grandfather. He was a Jewish immigrant who fled the anti-Jewish pogroms in Eastern Europe and arrived in the U.S. in 1923 in search of a better life. He became a well-known speed skater in New York City, defeating Olympic champions—but never on Olympic ice. Due to the double stigma of the time, he was never given the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

When I began directing and producing On Thin Ice, I had only worked as an actor and had no experience behind the camera, but I was determined to honour his legacy. The film was picked up by the CBC, and at the screening, people were surprised that I had pulled it off without prior producing experience. Soon after, I started getting offers to collaborate. And just like that, Price Productions was born.

Today, we produce around five films per year. While we create a lot of content in the thriller space, we’re genre-eclectic and drawn to stories with meaningful themes. From the beginning, the company has been rooted in telling underdog stories and shining a light on underrepresented individuals and communities. That mission continues to guide us as we develop new projects.

Is there anything you can say about the upcoming feature films CATnip starring Chevy Chase, Bruce Dern and Joey Lauren Adams, and Tender – written and directed by Adam Hoelzel?

We just wrapped production on CATnip, and it was truly a labour of love. From the moment I came on board, writer/director Nyle Cavazos Garcia and I clicked—we just understood each other. I remember reading the script again on a flight home after the December holiday, and as soon as I landed, I called Nyle and said, “This movie is about to get made. I can feel it”. The script had the energy of high-calibre ’80s thrillers, with a style reminiscent of early Spielberg, and I knew we had to move forward.

Shortly after, I brought on Chevy Chase, which set things in motion. From there, I brought on Bruce Dern and Joey Lauren Adams, and the rest of the cast and crew started to take shape. I then sat down with my friends at Film Mode Entertainment, and we locked in a deal for sales.

Even just watching the raw footage, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished. Nyle and our DP, Juri Beythien, crafted every shot with precision and artistry—their vision was incredible. I hope audiences love this fun, fast-paced thriller with comedic elements, all set against the backdrop of the holiday season.

When the script for Tender landed on my desk, I was struck by how strong it was—I immediately saw its potential to win major festival awards. Sonja O’Hara (producer), Adam Hoelzel (director), Sofia Rovaletti (producer) and the entire team did a fantastic job bringing it to life, with Adam fostering a kind-hearted, collaborative atmosphere on set. The actors delivered brilliant performances, and it was a great experience executive producing this movie and playing the role of Zac.

I also had the pleasure of bringing David Koechner onto the project. There was one scene where I acted alongside him, and he was an absolute force—just a ball of energy. He’s not only a tremendously talented actor but also a great person. Working with him and the entire cast, led by Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot) and Jess Weixler (Teeth), was a truly rewarding experience.

Your critically acclaimed feature documentary Mad Props is in the process of being turned into a docuseries hosted by Patrick Warburton, how is this coming along and what are you looking forward to seeing it come together?

Mad Props began as a feature documentary, which premiered theatrically last year to critical acclaim. Building on that success, the project evolved into a docuseries that delves even deeper into the world of iconic film and television props—uncovering their history, cultural impact, and the passionate collectors who preserve them.

I brought Patrick Warburton on board to host the series alongside Tom Biolchini, and Patrick’s signature charisma and wit make him a perfect fit. I then added Ron Perlman, and together, they bring an incredible dynamic that elevates the show. Juan Pablo Reinoso directed both the documentary and the series, while I produced the feature and executive produced the series alongside Tom Biolchini and Reinoso.

As a cinephile myself, this project is especially close to my heart. Mad Props is a celebration of cinema’s most iconic memorabilia, bringing movie lovers together to appreciate the artistry and history behind these legendary props. It’s a passion project that unites film fans in their love for the magic of movies.

How did you find the experience writing and producing your own films Murder at Hollow Creek and The Curse of Wolf Mountain, and how was it acting in the films as Gavin Brooks (Murder at Hollow Creek) and Aj (The Curse of Wolf Mountain)?

Writing and producing The Curse of Wolf Mountain was an experience that truly tested my resilience, persistence, and determination to make a movie. Just weeks before shooting another project, it completely fell apart. Instead of dwelling on the setback, I channeled that energy into writing The Curse of Wolf Mountain, driven by my determination to keep the momentum going for my team. I didn’t want them to feel the same disappointment I did, so I pushed forward, writing the script in just a week. A couple of months later, we were on set. It’s a really fun slasher film featuring Matt Rife, Danny Trejo, and Tobin Bell, and we had an absolute blast making it.

Right after finishing The Curse of Wolf Mountain, I started writing Murder at Hollow Creek, which took me about ten months to complete. As soon as the script was ready, I brought on Perrey Reeves (Entourage), Jack Kesy (Hellboy), and Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) to star. I then called my friend and colleague, David Lipper, to direct and produce alongside me. We put together a fantastic team and shot the film in Clinton, Mississippi.

Balancing writing, producing, and acting in both The Curse of Wolf Mountain and Murder at Hollow Creek was among the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career. Both films tested my persistence in different ways—Wolf Mountain forced me to pivot quickly when my original project fell apart, while Hollow Creek pushed me to my limits on set in ways I never could have predicted.

In Mississippi, just days before shooting Murder at Hollow Creek, I was pulling countless all-nighters, revising the script while simultaneously producing, scouting locations, and handling logistics. As if that wasn’t enough, a tornado hit the town where we were filming, throwing everything into chaos. I had to figure out how to safely reroute our cast so they could make it to set without jeopardising the schedule. It was a non-stop whirlwind of problem-solving. I remember flying a drone to capture footage for the film while simultaneously negotiating Penelope Ann Miller’s deal over the phone. Murder at Hollow Creek was a constant exercise in multitasking.

Can you tell us about both of the films and where the writing inspiration comes from?

My writing is often shaped by my own experiences and a strong sense of sentimentality. In Murder at Hollow Creek, I named the character Bill Brooks after my grandfather, my best friend, as a way to honour him. I love weaving these personal tributes into my work.

When I cast Casper Van Dien in the role, he told me he was really drawn to the character because it reminded him of his own grandfather. I was surprised and told him that I had actually written it as an ode to mine. Then he pointed out something even crazier—the date written in the script, May 8th, was actually his grandfather’s birthday. Moments like that are rare, but they reaffirm when you’ve found the right person for a role. Casper was meant to play the role, and his performance brought an incredible depth to the character.

How was it attending the Murder at Hollow Creek premiere at Beverly Hills Film Festival last year?

Attending the Murder at Hollow Creek premiere at the Chinese Theatre for the Beverly Hills Film Festival last year was a special experience. A lot of the cast and crew were there, and it was incredible to see the film on the big screen. It was a culmination of all the hard work we put into the film, and seeing it come to life in such a prestigious setting made the experience unforgettable. Sharing that moment with my wife and friends by my side was pretty cool.

What are some of your favourite highlights from working on the crime film Bandit (starring Josh Duhamel, Elisha Cuthbert and Mel Gibson) as executive producer and how was it seeing the positive response to the release?

After receiving the script from a good friend and colleague, I knew I had to come on board as an executive producer. Collaborating with director Allan Ungar and producer Eric Gozlan, both of whom are good friends, made the experience even more rewarding. The success of Bandit was truly gratifying. In its first two weeks of release, it was the most-watched movie on iTunes across multiple categories and ranked as the fifth most-watched film on the platform. A month after its release, Redbox announced that Bandit had become their most-watched original title of 2022 and their second-best original release ever based on total transactions. Seeing the film’s success, especially considering all the hard work put in by everyone involved, was incredibly fulfilling.

What was it like writing, directing and producing the 2021 sports feature documentary On Thin Ice, which features athletes including Allyson Felix, Evander Holyfield, Robbie Rogers, Apolo Ohno and Greg Louganis, and how different did you find this to your other projects?

Writing, directing, and producing On Thin Ice was an incredible experience. The origin of the film came from my deep love and admiration for my great-grandfather, who lived to nearly 100 years old, allowing me to forge a special relationship with him. Growing up, I heard his incredible sports stories, like how he beat Olympic speed skating champions like Irving Jaffee, yet was never able to compete on the highest stage—the Olympics—due to the challenges he faced as a Jewish immigrant in the 1930s.

I started shooting the movie in NYC, and the project slowly began to take shape. As we gathered momentum, athletes like Evander Holyfield, Allyson Felix, Apolo Ohno, Greg Louganis, Robbie Rogers, Michael Sam, Aimee Mullins, Leo Manzano, and many more came on board, and the film transformed into a collective fight for fairness—a group of legendary athletes speaking out against discrimination.

The film was truly a family affair. My mom, Jamie Price, and my brother, Nikko Price, produced the movie with me, alongside my good friend and collaborator, Jordan Meltzer. It was an amazing journey, and if it weren’t for On Thin Ice, Price Productions wouldn’t exist today. I constantly use this movie as a touchstone for the kind of content we aim to create as a company and the positive impact we want to leave on the world.

As an actor, you played the recurring role of Kirk in Series 2 of the HBO Max series Rap Sh!t, how was it joining the cast and what was Kirk like to play?

Joining the cast of Rap Sh!t in Season 2 was an amazing experience. It was a true honour to work with writer/creator Issa Rae and the talented cast and crew. I owe a lot to my acting manager, Steven Salisbury, for finding the role for me and sending it my way for an audition. After a couple of weeks, we heard that the network was moving forward with me in the role, and I was thrilled. Shooting on the Sony lot for a second time was an incredible experience. Being able to step away from my producer duties and focus solely on acting for a change was a refreshing breath of air. Playing Kirk, the record label executive, and working alongside Jonica Booth as Chasity was a lot of fun—plenty of laughs and great chemistry on set.

You played regular character Zak in the musical drama series Side Effects, what was the series like to be part of?

I loved being a series regular on Side Effects for AwesomenessTV and E! Entertainment. The cast and crew became like family to me over the course of three seasons. Brian Robbins is the executive producer behind the series, and Matt Stawski, the director, truly understood the art of blending music and storytelling. He was the perfect director for the series. A huge shout out to Sheryl Levine for casting me in the role. We were thrilled when the first season garnered millions of views on YouTube, which contributed to the show’s widespread popularity and ultimately led to a 90-minute special airing on E! Entertainment.

Do you have any stand-out memories from your time filming as Chris Abeley in the 2008 film The Clique that you can share?

Playing the role of Chris Abeley in The Clique, based on the NY Times bestselling novel, was a life-changing experience and an incredible opportunity. The film was executive produced by Tyra Banks and produced by Alloy Entertainment. I have fond memories of filming in Newport, Rhode Island, where my little brother and best friend Harry would come visit. I remember playing tag in the hotel (much to the dismay of the hotel guests) with Bridgit Mendler, Samantha Boscarino, and the rest of the cast, along with Harry and my brother. We were just kids having a blast. At 17 years old, getting to watch Michael Lembeck direct was like a masterclass. His approach left a lasting impression on me, shaping my perspective on filmmaking and my career moving forward.

Towards the start of your acting career, you were seen as Bobby Love in the TV movie episode Battle of the Bands of the Nickelodeon series The Naked Brothers Band, what do you remember most from playing the character?

I will never forget portraying Bobby Love on The Naked Brothers Band for Nickelodeon. My character was a famous rock star, and there’s one scene where we performed on stage for a concert with hundreds of extras in the audience. My uncle, Leonard Hollinger, was actually in the crowd as an extra. That moment was unforgettable for me, as Uncle Lenny was the one who first introduced me to filmmaking when I visited him on the set of Stuart Little as a kid. During a lunch break outside Silver Cup Studios, he shared with me that he knew one day he’d be an extra watching me in the spotlight. It was a moment I’ll always carry with me, both personally and professionally. It was also fantastic working with director Polly Draper and her sons, Nat Wolff and Alex Wolff. We had a lot of fun on that set and played a lot of basketball!

How did you get into producing and acting and had you always wanted to do both professionally?

I’ve always had a deep passion for filmmaking. As a kid, I would make movies at home with my little brother, and I remember vividly shooting Napoleon Dynamite 2. We even used The Who’s I Can’t Explain as the opening credits song. That’s the beauty of childhood—there are no limits, no boundaries, just pure, unfiltered creativity. It’s something I believe we should carry with us into adulthood, sprinkling that boundless imagination into everything we do. But what truly solidified my desire to pursue a career in film was visiting my Uncle Lenny on the set of Stuart Little. It was like stepping out of the world of makeshift home movies into the real deal—the lights, the cameras, the nerves of the actors, and the vision of the director. That experience opened my eyes to what I truly wanted to do and ignited a fire in me. Acting was my way in at the time because, honestly, I didn’t know where to start as a producer, writer, or director. But On Thin Ice was the project that helped me transition into producing, and I’ll always be grateful to my great-grandfather and everyone involved in that film for helping me take that next step.

Is there anything you find most rewarding about working as a producer and running Price Productions?

The most rewarding part of running Price Productions and producing is making that call to my filmmaking partners, letting them know that the movie is moving forward, that we’ve secured a major distribution deal, sales company, network, or big-name actor. The excitement we share with our teams is what keeps us motivated. On top of that, being able to deliver films that have a positive impact on audiences—whether it’s changing the life of one person or inspiring a community—is what makes it all worthwhile. That’s the real reason we do what we do.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?

I’m drawn to films that align with my passions. I’m a huge history buff, which is why I’ve seen The Patriot a thousand times 😂. As a big sports fan, I gravitate towards movies like Miracle, Chariots of Fire, and, of course, sports documentaries. I spend a lot of my free time watching sports content. Being from New York, I’m a big fan of gangster movies like A Bronx Tale, Goodfellas, and The Godfather. Otherwise, my free time is all about family. I love spending time with my wife and son, playing basketball, music, and getting into nature.

Do you have any further projects coming up that you can talk about, and what are you hoping this year brings for you?

We’ve already shot our first film of the year, and we have an exciting slate of projects lined up for this year with well-known talent, including another thriller with CATnip director Nyle Cavazos Garcia and another one with Bandit director Allan Ungar. I’m looking forward to a year filled with unforgettable filmmaking moments—especially those tough days on set when the entire team has to rally together to bring our vision to life. On behalf of myself and everyone at Price Productions, we wish you all a fantastic rest of 2025!

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