Check Out Kye Popham’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kye Popham

Hi Kye, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, just off the coast of Seattle. Growing up, I had always been inspired by music videos, films, photography, paintings, all kinds of visual art. I remember walking home from school and making videos in iMovie on my phone. That euphoric feeling I had just stuck, I guess.
When I turned 21, I made my first trip out to LA, just before the pandemic. I think I had made three trips before the lockdowns were in place. It was eye opening. I remember thinking, “What would it take to actually live here?” I had a Canadian friend who was living in LA at the time. He was moving to Europe and had offered me his room. I knew it was a crazy idea, but I decided to take it. During this time, I was spending every day with my friend Zia, who had the same dream as me. I remember convincing him to make the move with me in the late fall. At the time, it felt like there weren’t any other options for us, isolated on an island in Canada. Zia and I were on the last flight out before the border closed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel pretty lucky to have such a supportive circle that surrounds me. There have been times when the finish line feels so far away, and others when I can see it right in front of me. I think I’ve always had a hard time taking no for an answer. As I’ve come to learn, it’s a pretty common thing to hear: “no.” Over time, I have realized that art needs to be created for yourself. “The opinion in the mirror is the only one that counts.”

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a filmmaker, self-taught. Right now, I direct music videos and commercials. I’m stoked about a recent project we did called “Gentle.” Zia and I have been able to identify a visual tone that carries throughout our work.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry changing a lot. For better or for worse, however you interpret it, the shift is already in motion. Tools will always be tools, but tools taking over creative only devalues artistry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kyepopham.work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyepopham/

Image Credits
Larsen Sotelo took all of the portraits of me. other images are screen grabs from projects.