Our team
The ripples and pools team is a dynamic group of artists, creatives and visionaries.
Robin Burke
producer/ director
ripples and pools is Robin’s second independent documentary film directorial outing. She has been producing films about interesting people in the margins, music, and community for 30 years. Her independent producing credits include Dangerous Music, Night Waltz: The Music of Paul Bowles (winner of Truer than Fiction Independent Spirit Award), Music Makes A City, When the Spirits Moved Them, They Moved directing, living lightly, among others. All have enjoyed festival screenings and recognition. Robin worked as Program Assistant for the Speed Art Museum Cinema with Film Curator Dean Otto developing audience and programming at the premiere art cinema in Kentucky. She also has a long history of youth advocacy guiding large-scale built-environment projects for Bellewood Home for Children and YouthBuild Louisville.
don lenzer
cinematographer
Don was a natural collaborator; ripples and pools is a full-circle cinematic return to the style of living lightly, which Don shot with Robin in 2007. He partnered with Ben Newkirk and the camera crew for seven days on location in Louisville. Don is a legendary documentary cinematographer whose credits can be found on five Academy Award–winning feature documentaries since 1971. He also shot Emmy Award–winning documentaries: The Fiddler's House, Into the Arms of Strangers, Woodstock, Say Amen, Somebody, and Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan.
ben newkirk
cinematographer / associate producer/
editor
Ben captured exquisite images on location, and worked side by side with Robin to edit a few key original sequences that anchor the film. He experimented with equipment and committed to beautiful visuals in the midst of a challenging environment. Ben’s operations professionalism supports commercial projects and collaborations in Louisville, Kentucky, with his company Uproar Films.
The ripples and pools team on location at the Home of the Innocents. Image by Allison Dimick.
bonnie cutler
senior editor
Bonnie joined the film at an auspicious time and worked with Robin to distill the essence of the story. Bonnie spent 16 years editing over 50 programs and Specials for National Geographic Television, then working with independent producers for DISCOVERY, FRONTLINE, NOVA, and other PBS programs. She was assistant Editor for CBS News and Bill Moyers in NYC, editor on the first “magazine” show on network TV, and the recipient of an Emmy Nomination for a quirky short piece called “The Foley Artist.”
Eugene friesen
original music
Eugene is a four-time Grammy winner. He is active internationally as a concert and recording artist, composer, conductor and teacher. Eugene has worked and recorded with Dave Brubeck, Martin Sexton, Toots Thielemans, Betty Buckley, Dar Williams, Will Ackerman, and Dream Theater, and has been featured in concerts with the Paul Winter Consort and with Trio Globo. A love for children and music education led Eugene to create his popular program for young audiences, CelloMan.
emily miles
associate producer of engagement
Emily joined the ripples and pools team in 2020. She works alongside Robin in coordination, communication, and development. Her work in web design and social media supports outreach and community partnerships. Emily is passionate about art and community wellness, and is working with Robin to spearhead the film’s strategy and impact campaign.
claire krüeger
editor
Claire is the film’s offline editor and graphic artist in Louisville, Kentucky. During Covid, she received files from Ben and continued archiving and offline sequencing. Claire’s editing and animated visuals brought the story to life. Her work takes the form of videos, textiles, illustration, and zines, and she is passionate about community arts, printed matter, and accessible media.
peter miller
sound recordist
Peter did not shy away from one of the most challenging locations for sound recording, given the conditions of water, hard surfaces, and activity. Peter brings natural sounds to our audience, enveloping everyone in ripples and pools. Peter is recognized for 40 years of documentary contributions including Afflicted (TV series), Mstislav Rostropovich: The Indomitable Bow, Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold, No Stone Unturned, numerous Frontline episodes, and Hate Rising.
mark escott
sound designer
Mark and Robin work together intuitively, and have worked together on many projects. From his studio in San Francisco, Mark engineered the nuanced, immersive sound of ripples and pools. Mark is a senior engineer that has mixed and sound designed many programs that have won 19 Emmys, multiple Peabody and Sundance Awards, dozens of Cine Golden Eagles, and numerous other awards. Mark works with elaborate special-venue surround sound presentations, documentaries, and video game trailers.
sarah heintz
assistant to the editor
julie schmuckie
production assistant
allison dimick
location production coordinator
jamie lejeune
colorist
As is true with all labors of love, we are grateful for the hundreds of people who have contributed to our success. We will be updating as others come aboard. Click below to watch the film’s full credit roll.