Lindbergh Senior Finds ‘Magic’ in Filmmaking

Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch recently spoke with Michael Rich, son of Ed Rich, news director for Channel 5. Michael, a senior at , works daily on the Lindbergh Lookup news site and organizes a student film festival each spring. During the festival students submit films and local celebrities are asked to judge. He started shooting video in middle school.

Michael also received the Bruce Schneider Memorial Scholarship at this year's Sponsors of School Publications Conference. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a St. Louis Area journalism student who has made a difference in their high school journalism program. Michael plans on continuing his filmmaking legacy by attending Chapman University in Orange, Calif.

Patch: Can you talk about your work on the Lindbergh Lookup news site?

Rich: It was created this year, but I’ve been doing videos for the school for 3 years now. I build and maintain it. I update it every day with stories, video and pictures.

Patch: I’m assuming your dad has been a big influence?

Rich: I used to look at what he did and thought it was kinda cool and it was magical almost I guess. I guess I kinda had sort of an influence and I didn’t know it at the time. It’s magical, the reason behind everything (referring to being behind the camera).

Patch: What is your favorite part of filmmaking?

Rich: The audience’s reaction once you are done with it—if they are entertained or if they laughed. 

Patch: Do you have a certain style or topic that you find yourself gravitating toward in filmmaking?

Rich: I’m open to a lot of stuff but really I’m moving more toward comedic.

Patch: And how did the student film festival get started? When is it?

Rich: Sophomore year I came in one day and told my teacher that I wanted to do it. I did one a long time ago but it wasn’t organized very well. I’m the only one really behind it. We get usually six-seven submissions a year. (This year the film festival is April 20.)

Patch: What are your future plans?

Rich: I’m for sure going to Chapman University in Orange Calif. Majoring in film production. I don’t know what kind of movies if I want to be an editor or a photographer. I just know that filmmaking is something I love to do, and I want to make movies out in California.

Patch: How do you try to make a difference in the Lindbergh journalism program?

Rich: It’s something fun to do; I don’t know that I’ve made a huge difference. It’s just fun to meet new people and have new experiences.        

To view Rich's work, click here.