Russell Friedenberg is a world-class filmmaker, historian, and creative architect who joins CO\\OP Studios as a Senior Advisor and Executive Producer for the upcoming series Damn Yankee Gold. An Idaho resident with a deep-seated connection to the American West, Russell acts as a vital bridge between the nuanced traditions of heritage storytelling and the industrial scale of modern entertainment. His career is defined by a commitment to intellectual honesty, balancing his background as a historian with a visionary approach to film that centers on the authentic human experience.

​

Russell’s professional pedigree is marked by critical acclaim and a fearless exploration of genre. He has written and directed three feature films: the audience favorite AMONG RAVENS (starring Amy Smart); IBID, which debuted at SXSW and earned a Cinevision Award nomination; and the genre-bending thriller WIND WALKERS (starring Glen Powell), which was acquired by Fox. His documentary work is equally prestigious; he wrote and produced TRUDELL, which premiered at Sundance, played over 100 festivals, and was recently inducted into the National Archive. From writing and producing for ESPN (Out of the Blue) and Showtime (First Circle) to developing episodic content for Amazon Studios (Shasta, Encounters), Russell has spent over two decades mastering the craft of high-impact narrative.

​

At CO\\OP Studios, Russell leverages his vast experience in film finance and production to help architect the studio's "Creative Industrial Solution." As an Executive Producer on Damn Yankee Gold, he brings a unique lens to the intersection of Idaho’s industrial legacy and global media, ensuring the production removes traditional gatekeeping while maintaining world-class quality. His expertise in navigating complex creative workflows is currently at the forefront as he prepares to direct his original script, THE BULLFIGHTER, starring Don Johnson and William H Macy, which is slated for production in the Spring of 2026.

​

Beyond the director's chair, Russell’s work is deeply influenced by his belief that storytelling is an act of preservation. He views filmmaking as a natural extension of community, often collaborating with his wife, producer Heather Rae, to create stories that possess both depth and resonance. He believes that how we remember our history shapes our future, and he is dedicated to creating content that honors the land and the people who inhabit it. When he isn't architecting new worlds for the screen, he is a dedicated father and advocate for the arts in Idaho.