Anthony Ryan first found a love for acting while watching ET of all films at a young age. He remembers how that film moved him. Anthony’s love for film grew and he became actively involved in Drama and Theater teams throughout High School. Anthony Ryan‘s first ever film role came in a short film called Scarlet Letter.
indieactivity: Did you study what you do?
Anthony: I study films. I study study study and then I study some more. I am at the theater at least 2-3 times every week watching films. I go by myself as I fell I gain the most out of a film when I can truly focus. I study the shots, the angles, the directors style, everything.
indieactivity: What is your filmmaking process?
Anthony: Well as an actor I am very much a method actor. I like to get into character and stay in that character. It helps my performance stay authentic on screen. As a filmmaker I work on only one project at a time so that my whole being is wrapped around the project at hand. I don’t like distractions.
indieactivity: Tell us about the work you have produced?
Anthony: I have produced only one film at this time and it was a film called BlindED which I also directed. I loved getting to pick and choose between so many talented actors. The actors that stand out the most to me are those who show commitment and passion towards the script or the story at hand. They are true lovers of film.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Anthony: I have taken online courses from Amy Jo Berman and a course titled friends in film which teaches how to build connections with people. Networking is the only way to real success in this industry.
indieactivity: How do you combine acting, directing and writing?
Anthony: Writing and Directing is my passion. I set a directors schedule first and foremost and then I plan my acting gigs around that schedule. You have to figure out what you are most passionate about doing and prioritize that first, and then build your schedule around those things that are your priority.
indieactivity: How did you get into the film business?
Anthony: I auditioned haha. I just happened to land a role and I’m pretty good at connecting with people. Social media is your friend
indieactivity: How do you turn an idea into a screenplay?
Anthony: It’s a process. The moment you get an idea put it on paper or on your laptop RIGHT AWAY! Write down all of your thoughts and emotions and ideas and then go back to it daily and trim and fix and mold away until you have a script that makes sense and is worth telling.
indieactivity: Explain your writing process?
Anthony: I write as things come to me. You can’t force good writing. The best ideas just hit you, and then you begin to write them down.
indieactivity: What writing tip or idea can you give young writers?
Anthony: Don’t let ideas just sit in your head. Write them down. Don’t give up if your idea goes nowhere. I’ll write out 9-10 concept scripts sometimes before one really catches fire and I can turn it into a full screenplay and than a film
indieactivity: Tell us about the directing work that you have done?
Anthony: I recently finished directing a short film called BlindED. It’s a very dark and artistic look on what we call LOVE in our world today. I love being able to put my vision on the camera screen.
indieactivity: Tell us about the directing work that you have done?
Anthony: I recently finished directing a short film called BlindED. It’s a very dark and artistic look on what we call LOVE in our world today. I love being able to put my vision on the camera screen.
indieactivity: What do you want to change about the film business?
Anthony: Film has the power to change people. Less films that are made with fluff and fun and more films that change hearts and minds. That’s what I would like to see.
indieactivity: What do you want to be remembered for?
Anthony: For being a man with vision. I want people to look at my films and go WOW he really had a voice in his films. Each project sounded an alarm.
indieactivity: What do you want from an actor during production?
Anthony: A teachable actor who is flexible with my direction. He is okay changing things up a little and listening to direction. I love actors who leave nothing of themselves in their performance, they get lost in their character.
indieactivity: How do you prefer to work with a producer during production?
Anthony: I love to have my producer on set with me and very involved with promotion and pre-production of the film.
indieactivity: What can a director do to get into the film industry?
Anthony: Film film film. Keep on making quality films. Short films are great. Get them into as many film festivals as you possibly can. Somebody with power just may notice your talent.
indieactivity: Who is your favourite director?
Anthony: Darren Aronofsky
indieactivity: Why?
Anthony: He is SOOO out of the box. His films are like no other director. I love his use of dark art and metaphor
indieactivity: What advice would you give directors?
Anthony: Be different. Have your own unique and powerful voice. Don’t just make films that have already been made before a million times. Be different.
indieactivity: Briefly write about yoru career?
Anthony: I have been involved with several feature films, one called Epiphany which starred Burt Young from the Rocky films. I was in an incredible production titled Vault of Souls in Tampa which was put on by an amazing director named Scott Swenson. I have also began directing films now with BlindED and now have an upcoming docudrama film coming out that will deal with the ME TOO movement and raising a voice against sexual crimes.
