Michael Rich Started Lindbergh's Annual Film Festival

Michael Rich, 17

School: Lindbergh High School

What makes him awesome: As a sophomore, Rich organized a Film Festival for the high school. This March was the 2nd Annual Film Festival. He also writes, edits, directs and shoots his own videos.

"I'm just a student who picked up a camera one day and my love for moviemaking just blew up into a film festival," Rich said. "I typically makes movies on my own time with friends and-or family on the weekends."

What's his new movie?: Paranormal Investigators by Mike Rich.

More interests: He also runs cross country and is active in Boy Scouts. He takes a video class at school.

Some movie faves: Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, The Evil Dead, 28 Days Later, Raiders of the Lost Ark

Favorite movie directors: Sam Raimi (Spiderman) and Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction)

His secret:  "The editing program I use is called Magix Movie Edit Pro. It has the basic functions and that's all I need. I'm not into special effects. I mainly focus on camera techniques to make a good video rather than special editing software."

Another secret: Good equipment is a big plus in the shooting phase— he recommends a good video camera with a professional shotgun mic.

What the future holds: "I'm going to attend film school for college, though I don't know where quite yet," Rich said.