His productions have led to some tight situations: He's been strong-armed by rebels in Papua New Guinea, bombed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, and trapped in a gun battle in South Africa - not to mention the time he was held at gun-point by his own driver in the Philippines. The hardships of border crossings, sickness, seized cameras and guns tensed in anger have paid off in several documentary breakthroughs: Keane was one of the first Westerners to film a criminal proceeding in China-from investigation, to arrest, to interrogation and incarceration. He's captured the suicide train rides of Rio's "surfistas." Recently he's interviewed warlords in Somalia and traveled through the rebel-infested jungles of Colombia to interview Carlos Castano, the elusive leader of the right wing paramilitary death squads.
The sum of these experiences is a complete documentary filmmaker - one that can lead his team into any situation and come home with the footage in the can. One that can work within the inconsistencies and irrationalities of multiple cultures, adjust, adapt, persevere, have fun - and actually be invited back. As well as doing much of his own camera work, Keane consistently works with the most accomplished artists in the business. As a writer he has accumulated numerous credits for A&E, Discovery, TLC and others. His screenwriting has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a finalist for the Nichols Prize.
Keane graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Political Science. He lives in Hermosa Beach, California.
