Meet Caden Butera, a Coeur d'Alene filmmaker, photographer and karaoke enthusiast. If you run into him on the streets, you’ll probably find him either trying to make a movie or watching one.

Generation:

According to Google, I am Generation Z, although to be perfectly honest, I’ve always been more of a "Next Generation" type of guy. Even then, I always prefer Kirk over Picard.

Career and community involvement:

I am a local film director and photographer in the area. My main mission statement right now is to make pieces of art I enjoy while simultaneously showing off the other talented people in this area. The Pacific Northwest is full of amazing places and people, and I love getting to showcase them in my productions.

1. What drew you to filmmaking?

I grew up in a pop culture-loving family. Enjoying movies with my family/friends was always my favorite childhood pastime. As soon as I was old enough to figure out a camera, I began my own movie-making trials.

2. What do you think makes a good movie?

A good movie to me is whatever gives you an experience outside the space of the theater or couch you’re sitting in. Whether that’s sparking your imagination and transporting you to a new reality, or hitting close to home with a relatable character or message, a good movie should make you forget you are experiencing a manufactured, 2-D image.

3. What film trope makes you roll your eyes, and what storytelling device do you think is the most useful?

My least favorite recurring trope in a movie is when a character has just stolen or snuck away with something, and they have to take a moment to open their hand and look at it for two seconds to let the audience know they have it. The most useful storytelling device to me is conveying complex information to the viewers via dialogue between characters. All movies have exposition, but if you can give it in a way that feels natural to the narrative and characters, that’s an absolute win.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I can quote almost the entirety of "The Incredibles" screenplay. That movie is one of the best animated films of all time, and I’ll always consider Frozone a role model.

5. If you had to be stranded on a deserted island with one famous person, who would it be?

Jeff Goldblum. No further explanation required.