Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Seif. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

From CS grad to Hollywood storyteller: A journey fueled by passion

My path wasn’t linear. I excelled in computer science at the University of Malaysia, then pursued a pilot’s license in the US. While successful in both, something felt incomplete. Photography, a long-held love, beckoned. I started small projects while working as a computer engineer.

A chance encounter with a friend who saw my Facebook photos changed everything. He recognized my talent and offered me a photography gig at his company, encompassing weddings, commercials, and music videos. Photography ignited a passion that spread to videography and editing. I devoured knowledge, fueled by an insatiable creative fire.

This newfound love led me to a tough decision. I left my stable engineering job and embraced photography full-time, even with a significant pay cut. The trade-off? A sense of fulfillment that money couldn’t buy.

Following this passion further, I moved to LA to chase my Hollywood dream. There, I had the privilege of working with icons like Stan Lee, Enrique Iglesias, and renowned Persian artists such as Googoosh and Shadmehr.

The journey hasn’t stopped. My last two short films garnered awards at film festivals. This is the power of pursuing your passion. When love for something burns bright, take the leap, embrace the risks. It’s these risks that have shaped me into the storyteller I am today.

Ryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Breaking into LA’s film scene was a hurdle. Starting at $50 a day, sometimes even for free, I soaked up knowledge on real sets, learning from the masters. Financially tough, I used video editing to stay afloat. To expand my skillset, I mastered Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve. It was a demanding grind, but patience is key.

Today, I’m proud to say I’ve edited over 100 music videos and 10+ films. I’ve served as DOP and AC on numerous sets. Looking back, the journey is humbling. It’s surreal to have collaborated with prominent names and even directed an award-winning film.

The road ahead stretches long, but I’m grateful for the incredible experiences. Here’s to continuous growth!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

There’s a gap in the film industry I yearn to see filled: the mid-budget movie. Today’s landscape feels dominated by low-budget features and mega-blockbusters. Mid-budget films offered a vital proving ground for a generation of talent. They allowed actors, directors, and countless other artists to showcase their skills on a larger scale than micro-budgets, but without the overwhelming pressure of tentpole productions.

This sweet spot nurtured creativity and fostered the careers of countless individuals who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to shine. I believe a resurgence of mid-budget films would lead to a wealth of captivating stories and the discovery of the next wave of amazing filmmakers.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Artists hold an immense power to shape the world. Throughout history, art has served as a mirror reflecting our society, sparking conversation, and inspiring change. For me, art transcends career; it’s a perspective, a way to contribute to a better future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12323693/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.seif
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ryanseif