Filmmaker Shane Ryan

Writer/Director Shane Ryan first hit the scene in 2007 with his shocking debut feature faux snuff film "Amateur Porn Star Killer." The film, made for nothing and shot in a single night in one take, was so successful it spawned a trilogy and a 3D parody. The film instantly deemed Ryan as a ground breaking, thought provoking, and controversial filmmaker. His follow up to the "Amateur Porn Star Killer" series was met with so much criticism, debate, and controversy, it even got banned by many places not for the content, but for the title and storyline. Ryan has been acclaimed by every place from the Los Angeles Times, to MTV, to Mr. Skin, to the underground blogger, and hated by every level of critic as well, proving his voice speaks louder than most filmmakers in the industry today, always sparking an incredibly strong opinion and emotion. His latest film, "My Name is A by anonymous," will most likely do the same. Taking on the challenge of figuring out how to tell the story about a killer far before her trail begins in real life, Ryan mixes fantasy, reality, fiction, speculation, and personal beliefs to create a film unlike anything you have seen before. And soon, he'll take on the underground sex trafficking epidemic with "Abducted Girl, an American sex slave." To learn more about Shane and his work check out his websites below.

Shane Ryan's Films and Company web sites

Abducted Girl an American sex slave - http://www.youtube.com/SexSlavesAmerica
My Name is A by anonymous - http://www.youtube.com/MyNameisAbyanonymous
Mad Sin Cinema - http://www.youtube.com/Madsincinema
http://madsincinema.blogspot.com/
Alter Ego Cinema - http://www.youtube.com/AlterEgoCinemaFlix
http://www.alteregocinema.com/

What is the current project you are working on?

Got several things going on in many stages of production. I recently finished my new feature called "My Name is A by anonymous", wrapped a Japanese short film a couple weeks ago called "Tag" for a film contest, re-cut, or re-imagined a film from a couple of years back now called "The Girl Who Wasn't Missing" which I just got back this morning from its World Premiere in Vegas. Finally, I have several films I'm trying to get off the ground, one being the film we talked about called "Abducted Girl: an American sex slave."

What did you decide to make this film?

Many reasons. I'm still probably not aware of them all. I've always been drawn to true crime. I've always been drawn to the dark side of humanity and the dirty side of sexual behaviour. I have no problem with films, like say, American Pie, which treat it lightly, but I always saw the world in a different way I guess. I've known so many people who were raped, and heard enough stories about it, among other things, that I guess I wondered how people could take something that could be so beautiful and precious, something that creates human life of all things, and treat it so horribly wrong. The film that hit me hard that really made me want to explore the evil-ish side to sexual nature was Tim Roth's The War Zone. I was so affected by that film I immediately wrote a short version of it for a class I was taking. But I instantly changed it into a feature script with my own ideas. From there I couldn't stop exploring sex in film in it's nastiness form. I eventually finished a feature which tackled the idea of snuff films. I made several of those snuff features before making another feature which questioned pedophilia, at what point was somebody a pedophile or just expressing love, at what point is it rape, etc. It was after my first snuff feature, however, that I became aware of human trafficking. I was really shocked and scared after seeing a film about it. I couldn't believe this type of thing happened in America, and as much as it was, and that people consistently were getting away with it.

I believe the reason it hit me harder than the other ideas or films I made was because I could relate more to it. I know what, the beginning at least, part of it feels like. Being kidnapped, put in a place you don't know, with people you've never met, who don't even speak your language, waiting for it all to end, being told everything is okay when you're scared shitless and know it isn't, wanting nothing more than to escape and run home, or just run, even if it's in the wrong direction. That comes from being put in foster homes when I was 5 years old. I was in a perfectly good household. I was completely happy. But because of somebody misinterpreting a picture I drew (a picture a 5 year old drew) police stormed into our home and dragged me and my 1 year old brother (who they dropped on his head during the chaos) away screaming and crying, separating us when all we had were each other. Now, of course, that's not the same as being put in a brothel. But the initial reaction is the same, and it sticks with you forever. At that age I thought I was being kidnapped. And people were telling me I had been abused or molested, putting these horrendous thoughts in my head. I was with a family in a whole neighborhood whom barely spoke English. I didn't know what the hell was going on. I couldn't sleep. I cried constantly. I was seated next to terrifying criminals when they first took us and for whatever stupid reason placed kids in the same room as handcuffed criminals. These memories are more implanted in my head than pretty much anything. It wasn't until people who knew of this brought it to my attention that that's maybe why I have the need to know, explore, or why I connect to things like people being taken away (and for some times sexually based reasons). I know how they feel. I also dated a lot of girls in foster care when I was a teen, probably for the exact same reasons, I knew what they were going through, I felt the need to "rescue" them or something. It never seemed to work so maybe that's why I thought I could make films about things like that. Although sadly enough, most people think my films are meant to fulfill a perverts sick fantasy.

How do you handle rejection?

My life has been just one rejection after another so it just feels normal I guess. Then again being slapped in the face never feels great, you never get used to it, so being rejected is the same. It always hurts. You just keep pushing and hope. You hope for something better. And you try for it. Again. And again.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

Sort of. I always wanted to be in film, ever since I was 5. But that was as an actor, I always loved movies but I wanted to be on camera, and be the characters I loved. When I was 7 I started making films to fulfill this dream and just never stopped.

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I guess it'd have to be the film I mentioned earlier, The War Zone. During those two hours I went from wanting to be in movies, to realizing I wanted to make them and tell stories that would be so devastating you wouldn't forget. To tell things I've let burn inside me and get them out. Of course, I'm not always 100% serious about things, it would be great to do fun entertainment films at some point.

What is the best thing about being one?

Lots of some times things. Some times getting to see your film on the big screen, some times getting a great poster or trailer for your film that makes you go "wow, look at my film coming out", some times getting free things like limo rides, trips, etc. Some times it's getting a really great review where people say you're "a genius", and other things you never thought of yourself as great enough to be. The best part is when you get a great reaction out of an audience member, or a random message from a fan who was completely moved by your film. Bringing somebody to tears really feels great (when it's for the right reasons). When people saw it helped them in some way, a good way, that's the best feeling.

What is the worst thing about being one?

People threatening to rape my mom, murder my family, rape me, slit my mom's throat, burn my house down, kill my dog, etc. All of these things are because I'm supposedly sick, which is the funny part; the people saying these things aren't? And of course being rejected. Spending money I don't have. Being ripped off. Losing friends because they didn't understand what you were trying to say, or simply didn't like it. Hearing "get a real job" and much harsher shit words from certain friends and family members to the point you feel like a complete pathetic loser and forget how much god damn years you've tried at this. Feeling like a total failure. Being so upset you want to grab everything you've ever worked on, including all the originals, and throw it out and burn it. Making people cry for the wrong reasons.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

At least 100 films if you count acting and directing/producing/editing.

Who is is your favorite filmmaker?

There's lots of great filmmakers, I don't have one favorite. I'm more on a film by film basis. Say, I absolutely loved The Limey and Out of Sight but not much of Soderbergh's recent films. I loved Broken Flowers but just liked Coffee and Cigarettes. I was floored by Wendy and Lucy but not so much with Meek's Cutoff. Same with A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, the first blew me away, the second I just really liked but nothing to really wow me. Point being I don't know a filmmaker who's made at least, say, 5-10 or more films that I thought were incredible every single time (well, Darren Aronofsky's doing pretty well with that). Lots of people have ups and downs, though I definitely prefer some filmmakers over others but not just one.

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

Well, I've basically been one my whole life so I have no idea. I didn't have any other goals (aside from acting).

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

Man, it's so tough now I'd say find another career now and don't waste your time. But if you insist then my advice is give it your all. All or nothing. Have something to say and say it screaming. There are so many films out now that everybody with a camera phone and beyond thinks they're a filmmaker so don't throw more garbage into the bunch. Really find your voice and scream it. And don't give up. Even if you're fucking amazing and have that voice you're always going to face rejection. Film is completely subjective. You might be 90% loved but the person who keeps getting your film to judge or review or whatever might keep falling into that 10% who don't get what you're saying or aren't impressed.

And respect other filmmakers. When you go to a festival don't come to just your film and then ditch the other people especially when they're playing in the same block as you. Leaving in the middle of films is so rude and unless you have a damn good reason it's not going to get you on anyone's good side. I was just at a fest and even though I sat through about 20-25 hours of other people's films I still felt bad when I had to walk out of a film because I desperately needed a break. But I can't tell you how many filmmakers came just to watch their 10 minute film or whatever and then jetted out and didn't watch anything else but their own stuff. In my book that's incredibly uncool.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

Watching movies. Ha, why my relationships all end. If I'm not working on a film I'm watching one. I just love movies.

But aside from that I really like dogs. Just hanging out and playing with dogs or watching animals, so fun to try and figure out what they're thinking or feeling.

I'm really into health and fitness. Working out, but not just that, overall health. It's a big hobby, too, and takes time learning. Into eating organic and raw foods. I don't smoke or do drugs or even really drink, fitness and health is a pretty big part of my life. Although I really love espresso. Like, really love it. I was just in Vegas and since I don't gamble, and as I said smoke or drink, when I wasn't watching the films there I was looking for new espresso places to try and one day kicked it with some employees and talked about espresso drinks for an hour. I just love a good bitter mocha.

And I'm sure plenty of others things. The beach at night, I spend lots of time just listening to things like the ocean, the wind, water falling, people, whatever. I'm a pretty big loner if you can't tell.

Things I'd really like to do if I had the money to spend all the time doing it is actually getting involved with organizations that help trafficking victims and causes like that. But I live dime by dime and there's nothing like that near where I am so it's something I'm hoping I'll have time for when I do start making enough money to do the drives or move closer, etc.

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?

Well being a filmmaker I can't say is a job, I made more at Domino's than I did off of my films. But I've had tons of jobs. Delivering pizzas, working at clothing stores, doing infomercials, helping restore old silent films (those were the fun and inspirational jobs), coffee shops, fast food shops, waiting tables, working at gyms, amusement shops, daycare, and more I can't even think of. The only job I tried to do as a career was fitness training but only did it for a year and I hated it. I thought since I loved doing fitness and health I'd love teaching it but I couldn't stand it. Film is all I wanted to do.

What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

Rocky, Taxi Driver and Swingers are probably my 3 favorite American films, not only because I think they're simply amazing but they're some of the only films I can also watch any time, whenever, all of the time. Lilya-4-Ever is one of the best foreign films I've ever seen, along with Martyrs, Old Boy, Irreversible. And on a completely different note I've always been an insanely huge Jean-Claude Van Damme fan.

TV is hard, I'm not big on TV. I like cartoons. Home Movies and King of the Hill I think are the two best shows ever. As far as live-action, Curb Your Enthusiasm. I'm more for comedy when it comes to TV, and drama when it comes to movies. The only drama show I really love is Lie to Me. It is all about what I've always loved doing in films ever since I saw The War Zone, and funny enough stars War Zone director Tim Roth. It's all about exploring and understanding peoples facial expressions, and how they tell everything without having to say a word. I'm big on showing emotion without having to say anything and this show is about just that, on a scientific basis.

How would you describe your film education?

I learned a little bit from my dad when I was young which is what made me want to start making films. But mostly, aside from technical things he's helped me with, my education was mainly teaching myself, or what I learned working on other films. I never really got schooling aside from a few classes at a community college which I hardly ever attended.

How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

Non existent. Alexander Payne came in to shoot Sideways at one point about 8 years ago, other than that I never see a film being made here unless I'm making one. There are a couple of people I'm sure, but this is a small town. Most people just leave, or get stuck here and turn to meth, or the bars, or stay in and get high all day. Not a lot of creative ambition.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

I think in a real bad way. You have to reinvent yourself every week. Every time you figure out a new website a newer one comes along. You don't even have time to make the film, you have to spend all your time promoting yourself in 100 different ways for every network of sites, it's ridiculous. There's so much out there now, it's just one big mess in my opinion. I really hate it. I was trying to read something on some site and they had a twitter feed or whatever right next to it. It just looks like ramblings of numbers and user names and it was being updated every 2-3 seconds so I couldn't even read the damn article because the twitter images kept moving, it was too damn distracting. I'm not a big computer person, I like magazines, posters, DVD's, VHS. I always say I think I was born in the wrong time period. I'm not big on technology these days. I like the basics. I still have a tube TV and I fucking love it. Though there are some good things, don't get me wrong. I've made friends with people in the industry without ever meeting them because they're in other states or countries, doing interviews like these, etc. These are things that are great, I just think humans, like with everything else, abuse our resources and always want more, more, more. Now it's too much damn clutter.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

If it works go for it. I haven't had much luck but I'd do it more if I could make it work so if a filmmaker can make it work then do it. It's part of that internet stuff I say is too cluttered but that's why, probably, it's not been my thing, but I don't see a problem with raising money that way.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

I think they're merging a whole lot these days, underground film is the new independent. In that sense everything is different. We do what we want, when we want, but without any help, backing, resources. We break laws to get things finished, we risk all we have and ask others to join the crazy ride. Our life is at stake every time we pick up a camera. It's like being a journalist and covering a war zone. We don't know from one second to the next where we're going to end up.

You could go back in time and see any film being made. Which film would it be and why?

Metropolis. To see something so visually extraordinary and for that time I don't think anything could blow your mind like that.

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

Oh, I don't know, I'm not big on quotes just the movie in general. Almost anything said in Swingers. Or probably Rocky. Actually I think it was only said in Rocky Balboa. Rocky says something along the lines of "it's not about how hard you can hit it's about how hard you can get hit and get back up." That's how I pretty much live life and why I think I always loved Rocky so much. I take an awful lot of punches and always get knocked down. Yet I've never been knocked out, I somehow always find a way back up and try again.

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

I hate that we're bombarded with them, that's for sure. But sometimes they're okay. Some times they're great, just depends. We have The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo coming out and because it's David Fincher directing I'm very interested. But if it had been another director I might have been terrified and furious. It depends on who's making it, who's cast in it, it all just depends. I don't think they should be remaking some of these great character pieces from the 1970's though, like Straw Dogs for instance. I can see remaking a foreign film to get another country interested, or a film from another time period if it can be better visually because of the effects, or better resources. But a film that is all about character, those have no reason to be remade in the same language. The film is already perfect. Why remake it if you can't change anything for the better? But that goes for most remakes. If you can't match the original, or beat it, then don't even try.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

I'm not a big reader of novels so doesn't really affect me. I guess I would hope they don't screw up the author's story, to keep the soul of it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Think we covered quite a bit. Thanks.