Common Lens Films
Origin Story
Common Lens Films was founded in 2025 by Kelly Clendenon, who serves as president of the organization. While pursuing his Master's degree at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication, Kelly chose to create Helpers as his terminal project, teaming up with fellow graduate students JJ Kirby and Kyle LaMontagne to produce the award-winning documentary.
Kelly offers a unique perspective as someone with lived experience dealing with addiction and homelessness to his work. The success of Helpers inspired Kelly to establish Common Lens Films as a nonprofit production company dedicated to telling socially conscious stories that challenge stereotypes and spark meaningful community dialogue.
Together, Kelly, JJ, and Kyle handle all aspects of documentary production, from pre to post production, ensuring every project maintains the highest production values while staying true to the voices and experiences at the heart of each story.
Meet Our Team
The Creative Minds Behind Common Lens Films
Our talented team comprises dedicated professionals with a passion for storytelling and visual excellence, ensuring each project is executed with precision and creativity.
Kelly Clendenon
Kelly Clendenon is an award winning documentary filmmaker and president of Common Lens Films, and has two decades of experience working in television and film production. He began his career as a production assistant in Los Angeles in the 2000s before working as a freelance videographer and associate producer in Washington, DC.
Kelly brings a distinctive visual storytelling sensibility and unique musical taste to his work, often narrating his own films to provide authentic, personal perspectives on the subjects he documents. He holds a master's degree in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Oregon, where he created the award-winning documentary Helpers for his terminal project.
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Drawing on his lived experience with addiction and homelessness, Kelly creates documentaries that challenge stereotypes and spark meaningful community conversations. His production capabilities span documentaries, feature films, commercials, and live event coverage, with expertise in all phases of production, from concept development through final delivery.
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J.J Kirby
JJ Kirby is an award winning director, cinematographer, editor, and drone operator who brings technical excellence and creative vision to Common Lens Films. They helped craft the film's cinematic visual language and compelling narrative structure..
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, JJ received his BA from the University of Colorado, then joined Kelly and Kyle in the Multimedia Journalism graduate program at the University of Oregon. Their multi-faceted skill set enables Common Lens Films to produce high-quality, visually striking documentary content that engages audiences and elevates important social justice stories.
Kyle LaMontagne
Kyle LaMontagne brings a distinctive visual style to Common Lens Films, blending dynamic cinematography with creative editing to craft immersive documentary experiences. His innovative drone footage and rhythmic editing approach helped define the emotional landscape of Helpers, helping to earn the film Best Social Documentary and Best Student Film at the Oregon Independent Film Festival in 2025.
A Eugene native, Kyle earned his undergraduate degree from San Diego State University's School of Television, Film, and New Media before pursuing his Master's degree at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication, where he graduated in June 2025 alongside Kelly.
Kyle's work is driven by curiosity about human experience and a commitment to authentic storytelling. "I aim to tell stories that are both entertaining and profound," he says. "I believe that documentaries have the power to transport viewers into other worlds and help them see life through the eyes of another person."
Eliel Martinez
Eliel Martinez is an the latest addition to the Common Lens Films team. An upcomer in the industry, he is set to graduate from Lewis and Clark College in Spring 26' with a Bachelors in Economics and Rhetoric and Media Studies. He focuses on website development and social media management. His background in media studies offers impactful insight in our mission amplifying the lived experiences and unheard stories of the local marginalize community.
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Originally from Irving, Texas, Eliel believes in the importance of learning from within the community. "You'd be surprise how much a person can learn from a simple conversation" Martinez states. "Education isn't just in the classroom, it's in the experiences we have all gone through. If we just took the time to listen, imagine the world we'd have.". Eliel hopes to continue a career in creating impact through film.