OUR STORY
About Manitou Films
A Michigan-based production company dedicated to telling stories that matter.
Who We Are
Manitou Films is a Michigan-based film, television, documentary, and advertising production company founded in 2022 by Keith Patterson.
We are dedicated to producing high-quality content that connects audiences with compelling stories — from documentary films that explore Michigan's natural and cultural heritage, to television series and advertising campaigns that inspire and engage.
Our work spans documentary film, television, and advertising production. We bring a cinematic eye and a storyteller's heart to every project, working with clients and collaborators who share our commitment to quality and authenticity.
LEADERSHIP
Keith Patterson
CEO | Executive Producer
Keith Patterson founded Manitou Films in 2022 after 15 years in Los Angeles as a producer on drama and comedy television series for ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, the CW, USA, E!, Lifetime, ABC Family, Nat Geo, and Disney XD. He has directed and produced advertising campaigns for brands such as Mars, Meijer, Johnsonville, Toyota, General Motors, Pure Michigan, Hope Network, LPGA, American Greetings, Family Promise of Grand Rapids, The Arc Kent County, MyNorth Media, Turtle Creek Casino, SheFit, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Safe Haven Ministries, West Michigan Compounding, Lilu, Ladder 34, The Mitten State, and the Leelanau Historical Society. Keith served as Board President of the West Michigan American Advertising Federation in 2020-2021.
AWARDS
Awards
- 2026 State History Award for Media, Historical Society of Michigan – Frontier to Freedom
- 2026 Best Director, Silver Screen International Film Festival (Prague) – The Spirit of Sleeping Bear Dunes
- 2025 Best Feature Documentary, Royal Starr Film Festival – The Spirit of Sleeping Bear Dunes
- 2025 Best Feature Documentary, Central Michigan International Film Festival - The Spirit of Sleeping Bear Dunes
- 2024 State History Award for Media, Historical Society of Michigan – Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake
- 2021 Webby Award, Branded Corporate Social Responsibility – Hot Corner Hand Sanitizer
- 2020 Best of Show, West Michigan ADDY Awards – Love Shouldn't Hurt
- 2020 Judges' Choice, West Michigan ADDY Awards – SheFit Behind the Scenes
- 2020 Gold ADDY Award, Corporate Social Responsibility – Love Shouldn't Hurt
- 2020 Gold ADDY Award, Branded Entertainment Campaign – SheFit Behind the Scenes
- 2019 Gold Telly Award, Branded Documentary – Sisterhood Stories
Let's work together.
Have a story to tell? We'd love to hear from you.