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Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Ryan Kapowich, 14, has been directing his father, Pat's, real estate show for the last year. Ryan, a freshman at Homestead High School, films the show at De Anza College.
Local teen directs public access TV show
By Melissa Matchak
Although he may not have dreams of being the next Spielberg or Scorcese, 14-year-old Ryan Kapowich has earned respect as the director of "Silicon Valley Real Estate," which airs on public access Channel 26 on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. in Cupertino.
Kapowich began working on the show's set at age 12 as a camera man, and quickly worked his way up through the ranks of floor manager and technical director to become the lead director.
The show was created two years ago by Ryan's father, Pat, who asked Ryan if he wanted to help out.
Ryan, a Sunnyvale resident and freshman at Homestead High School, said the job is fun, but he's not sure if he wants to make a career of it. He is also considering a job in the computer or video game field.
"It's fun, once you get used to it," Ryan said. "It's cool to boss adults around."
The show, taped twice a month on the De Anza College campus, is a risk-management real estate show that educates viewers about avoiding the pit falls of real estate. Pat Kapowich said the show has a large following in the real estate community.
The crew Ryan directs is made up of volunteers, fulfilling a requirement for film classes. Pat said there is a new set of volunteer staff at each taping.
"Ryan does a phenomenal job, and the staff has great respect for his opinions," Pat said. "The volunteers can't believe they're taking orders from a ninth-grader."
The orders Ryan gives include making sure the camera shots look good, and giving instructions to the technical director in order for the taping to run smoothly.
Ryan said there was one taping in which none of the volunteers showed up, and he had to play all the roles of the crew for the day.
"The hardest part of the job is making sure all the volunteers show up," Ryan said.
Pat said having his son as the director adds to the show as a whole.
"I'm obviously very proud of him," Pat said. "When the guests and volunteers arrive and I introduce him as the director, they light up."
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
