This week, Spectrum is spotlighting Senior Kendall Veasey. For this year’s Film Fest, Kendall wrote and directed “Of Max and Men,” her first film.

Tell us how you got into the process of making a film.

I knew that I wanted to make a film, so I pitched an idea, and then had to write a script.

What made you want to get into film?

I started taking video classes when I was a sophomore, and I knew I have always been interested in it, and why not? It’s my senior year, I wanted to have the opportunity to do it before it was too late.

What’s one of the biggest struggles of filmmaking?

I didn’t realize how much work it would be, and I didn’t plan for things to go wrong.

What type of film did you make?

A comedy.

How did you get your idea for the film?

All summer I tried to come up with an idea but I couldn’t think of anything; and I literally didn’t think of anything until the day before script pitch. I wanted something simple but unique at the same time.

What’s the plot of your film?

It’s about a kid who goes to high school who’s really plain and ordinary. In the beginning, he realizes this so the movie is really about him trying to break out of his shell and trying to do something really extraordinary with his life.

What advice can you give to a first time filmmaker?

Try not to second guess yourself because when you’re in the process it’s really easy to lose your ideas and doubt yourself. Try to keep true to your original vision and try have confidence that what you think is right.

What do you think is good about the WB film program?

I just think that it’s really cool that West Bloomfield offers this as an opportunity since it’s really unique. We get to use such good equipment and a ton of resources that they actually use in the industry.

 What is your favorite movie?

Anything with Emma Stone in it. I also love any rom-coms, no matter how bad they are, and suspense/thrillers.

What other activities do you do?

I am the Vice President of Student Government, I also do a lot of of things for leadership and I am on the board for that. I’m on the Poms team, and I do dance.

Do you have a favorite director?

I do not know a ton about movie directors, but when I watch movies I can see the styles of each director and I think that’s really cool that you can identify the styles.

How would you describe your directing style?

I would say that I am still trying to find my style, but I think that my style could be described as simple and I draw inspiration from my life. Since this movie is about high school, I draw inspiration from a lot of the classic movies about students and I try to take what I like from other movies and try to combine that into my own thing.

You can watch Kendall’s film: Of Max and Men here.

Know anyone who deserves to be in Spectrum Spotlight? Leave his or her name in the comments below!