In a robust mix of extracurricular activities at Arcadia High School (AHS), students shine in various endeavors that reflect their passion and talents. One standout individual is sophomore Cody Htet, who seamlessly combines his love for photography and videography with the vibrant sports culture at AHS. 

Htet’s job goes beyond mere documentation of game moments for Apache sports teams. He passionately dedicates his time and skills to craft captivating videography and cinematography edits that extend beyond visuals alone. Through his work, he manages to encapsulate not only the sights but also the sounds, helping to transport the viewer back in time, as if they were experiencing the highs and lows along with the team. 

Often, sports events generate a large amount of footage, especially when capturing multiple shots or angles, turning it into an uneasy feat to edit. Fortunately for Htet, who has been engaging in this line of work since he was young, his early initiation into cameras and editing has equipped him with a broad depth of experience. 

“I’ve been studying filmmaking since I was 12. It was a hobby and skill I kept in my back pocket, but once I got to high school, I really started taking it seriously,” stated Htet when asked about how long he has pursued this hobby. 

Building upon his early passion for filmmaking, Htet’s journey started when he decided to reach out to a few football players for photos. Through these initial interactions, an opportunity emerged for Htet to pitch the idea of becoming the football videographer for Coach Kevin Mills. 

“Coach Mills brought me in and gave me an opportunity to work and improve my skills hands-on. I would have never been in this position if I wasn’t allowed by him; I am very grateful,” said Htet. 

Reflecting on Cody’s appreciation, Coach Mills expressed his appreciation for Cody’s extraordinary contributions, “His dedication to his craft and the way he inspires everyone around him to excel is truly commendable. I believe Cody is destined for greatness in the world of videography.”

While expressing gratitude for the opportunity provided by Coach Mills, Htet acknowledges the demanding nature of AHS. AHS is known for its rigorous curriculum, demanding a substantial commitment of time and effort from its students. Despite the academic challenges, Htet always manages to carve out time for his passion in videography. 

“I try to make time; a lot of my freetime is spent on trying to monetize my skill. I’ve started a business where I do videography with local businesses,” stated Htet when asked about how he manages school work with his editing hobby. 

This dual commitment showcases not only his time management skills but also the unwavering passion that drives him to excel both academically and creatively. Despite the challenges in managing his time, Htet’s work ethic is attested by numerous athletes.

“His videography has boosted morale amongst all of our players,” shared Varsity Football player junior Keyon Mills. “His [videos] made the players want to play better and to share the videos with friends and family across the United States.”

Mills further emphasizes that Htet excels in capturing game clips and highlights.

“[His videography] brought the games to life [as he] takes multiple videos and pictures,” imputed Mills. 

As the lens captures the spirited moment of AHS athletics, Htet’s work emerges as more than just footage–it’s a dynamic storytelling force, The impact of Htet’s videography reverberates through the testimonies of athletes like Keyon Mills, who attests that each video not only immortalizes the highs and lows but the collective spirit among players and fans alike. All in all, Htet’s work helps to paint a vivid picture of AHS’ numerous award-winning athletic programs. If you would like to learn more about Htet and what he does, you can visit @ptbcreatives on instagram to see athletics through his lens.