This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Miami (OH) chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
“If you can play, you can play.”
This phrase filled his video about player equality, respect, and safety for all athletes, disregarding their sexual orientation.
You may have seen it beaming up the jumbo-screen at a Miami University Hockey game.
You may have seen even more videos like this on a social media site or around campus – all produced by a Miami student.
His name is Colten Kidwell and he is a producer and director for Openview Cinema, an LLC he started along with three other Oxford men.
This Miami senior, originally from the Oxford area, came to Miami with one goal in mind: to develop himself into a business professional.
“Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to grow both as a business leader and as a professional cinematographer,” Kidwell said.
He began by majoring in business economics and minoring in political science, and soon found a group of young professionals that would support his aspirations called Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE). While in PSE, Kidwell has served as the Vice President of Public Relations and created promotional videos for the business fraternity.
He started Openview Cinema the summer after his freshman year at Miami.
“I have always loved producing videos, but I had no intentions of starting a film company,” Kidwell said. “I have never taken a film class, and had no idea it would play such a large role in my life.“
After graduation, Kidwell will serve as the PSE Alumni Advisor, as well as continue to manage Openview Cinema with his three other partners.
He will also work for Procter & Gamble in their Consumer and Market Knowledge division.
Now, as graduation peeks from around the corner, Kidwell was able to answer some of my questions related to his work, and to the time that he has spent here at Miami:
Looking back on your time here at Miami, what are you most proud of?
I’m proud of making a difference through my video production company Openview Cinema. I’m thankful that I have been able to promote change and action through my videos like “You Can Play” and “Pantene Beautiful Lengths.” I’m also proud of the work I’ve done for PSE and winning the Top Public Relations strategy in the nation at the PSE National Convention.
What inspires you to create your videos?
There are so many amazing organizations out there that do great things, and it’s an honor to be given the responsibility of producing a video that embodies their mission. It’s an awesome feeling to come into an organization, become friends with the leaders, and actively work with them to accomplish their goals. I have been able to work on so many unique projects, like raising awareness for needy animal shelters, helping women with cancer, or promoting equality among our athletes.
Which is your favorite video that you have made?
The “You Can Play” video is by far my favorite. The video has a very important message and amazing cinematography. It was a real honor and privilege to produce such a film.
Now, just for fun!
- Your Idol: Ronald Reagan! He embodies my two passions: movies and conservatism
- Favorite Bar in Ox: 45
- Favorite Restaurant: SoHi
- Favorite class you’ve taken: ECO 201 (yeah, I’m a nerd)
- Best Miami Memory: Having my “You Can Play” video shown at Miami Hockey games
- Single or Taken: Wouldn’t you like to know.
- Favorite Brand: J. Crew
The Her Campus Team at Miami (OH) wishes Kidwell a great last couple of weeks on campus, and the best of luck after graduation. If his camera lens could zoom into the future, I’m sure he would see that his is bright.
Check out Kidwell’s video “You Can Play,” along with his other videos on his YouTube Channel.