Kyle Swartz, Videographer
To most, Kyle Swartz, senior, is just another student at West Linn. What most of those people don’t know, is that Swartz isn’t exactly what he seems. Behind those glasses and long hair, he has a dream to become a filmmaker and he has the skill set to make that dream come true.
With over 1000 subscribers on YouTube, a video premiering at the Clinton Street Theater, and an editing credit on IMDB, Kyle is ready to take on the big leagues and journalism. In addition to the private film classes he’s been taking on the weekends, his participation in West Linn’s broadcast team and his YouTube channel, he hopes to use journalism as a way to continue working on his cinematography, writing and editing skills. All this while at the same time making an impression in the community.
“I see journalism as a way for me to have even more practice with the skills I already have, making my filmmaking better.” Swartz said. When asked about why he wants to get into the filmmaking profession he responded, “When it comes down to it, I want to make movies that matter to me. Something film buffs and film aficionados, like myself, would enjoy watching. I don’t want to make the next Avengers movie. I want to make meaningful films; films that people will resonate with people.”
Even with his high hopes, he still acknowledges the highly competitive nature of the business. “I hate the idea of never being able to make my own movie, but I do realize that it’s a possibility,” Kyle states. “There aren’t all that many big budget movie directors. I could end up being an editor or a cinematographer for the rest of my life, but I’m not going to let that stop me from at least trying to make this dream of mine come true.”
![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
