Muleskinner

Issue date: 11/3/05 Section: Features

Kyle Wallen

When thinking about people who contribute to the community, it may be easy to overlook a student at Central. He isn't working with charities or school organizations, but simply following his passion, and in doing so, is beginning to create quite a buzz about the school on other campuses and among professionals.

As a student, Kyle Wallen may not be well known. His quiet demeanor among unfamiliar faces may not make him stand out, but his accomplishments, talent and aspirations certainly do. This broadcast media major has been involved with four films in less than a year; acting, directing, writing, filming, editing and composing music for the various student films.

The work of Wallen and his friends has attracted the attention of film students in Missouri, as well as professionals in the movie industry.

At first glance, Wallen doesn't seem like a typical filmmaker. Lounging on a futon, he talks quietly. He is very casual with his feet propped up, gesturing lightly with his hands throughout most of the conversation, rarely elaborating on any subject.

But once the subject of movies comes up, there is a change in his eyes. They brighten and he becomes fully immersed in the conversation. It doesn't take long to tell this is a passion, something that brings utter joy to his life.

Wallen didn't always think about a career in films. He said it hit him in his freshman year of college.

"I watched 'Reservoir Dogs'," Wallen said. "I said to myself, 'Wow, that was great. I should do that'."

During his sophomore year, he began work on his first film, "Fear." He cast students from Central, mostly friends who had acting experience and recruited another student to run sound. "Fear" was entered into a film festival featuring filmmakers from all over the state.

"It wasn't a normal student film," said Ben Bloss, a friend of Wallen's. "There is more vision. It isn't just a carbon copy of every other film."

Those working with Wallen could tell he was a natural. Wallen's casual attitude allowed everyone to relax since none of the crew had any experience. He was constantly joking around between takes, trying to get the cast to laugh and was very understanding of all the difficulties that arose during the process.

"I'm really more of an actor than a director," Wallen said. "I like to work with the actors, because I understand what they're going through."

Continued...

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