Ryan shared with us an overview of his film projects and other acting challenges.
A voice power
Sabina: Ryan, can you tell us about your acting beginnings?
Ryan: I have always had a burning desire to create and it seemed to begin from school plays where I realised my voice had the power to move an audience emotionally. Although I had no idea what I was doing back then my curiosity brought me to Australia where I studied various Drama courses at WAPPA where I learned basic acting techniques. After two years studying in Australia, I returned home to Ireland where I spent another two years honing my craft intensively at The Gaiety School Of Acting and Momentum Acting Studios.
Sabina: Where do you think is the best place to be as an actor and why?
Ryan: I think this varies depending on the type of acting career you seek. However, in general, I think it’s a place where you can live a happy balanced lifestyle and yet still be able to make it to the audition room logistically and on time. As a TV/Film actor, it's extremely important for me to Live In London as most auditions take place in the city centre and only provide me with 24 hours casting notice. Although I live in London I take specific steps to ensure my life is not stressed by the busy city lifestyle e,g gym, short breaks, walks in a park, watching quality TV and a healthy diet.
Male lead in film 'Gone'
Sabina: What are your best projects to date?
Ryan: Having the opportunity to play the male lead in Gone which was an independent feature film created by a small number of passionate film makers from Belfast, I play a politician who has had his daughter kidnapped and his struggle to get her back and to his family and city. It was an amazing opportunity to show my range as an actor and work with some amazing Northern Irish Actors.
Shooting Gone allowed us to explore and find some of the most beautiful locations and landmarks that Belfast has to offer. Gone has gone on to win awards in La Cinefest Belfast Film Festival and the Barcelona FILM FESTIVAL.
Sabina: How did acting change your life?
Ryan: Acting allows me to explore myself and others and connect with the world better.
I struggle with anxiety in everyday life and acting provides me with a platform and lifestyle to empty myself emotionally without the judgments or consequences of real life. It allows me to study human behaviour and go deep bringing characters and feelings to life. Acting allows me to be free, have fun and be a kid while keeping the discipline of an adult. It gives me breath, energy, and life.
His next adventure
Sabina: Do you have any interesting film or TV projects coming up?
Ryan: I have recently just finished filming a few commercials for Johnnie Walker Whisky and The National Lottery. I have been working hard on a new show reel over the past two months with some fine London and Dublin Actors and have just received back the footage which I am very proud of.
My next venture will be an Independent Feature Film set in London in the 1950’s where I play Paul Fallows, a gangster and perpetrator of the organised crime in East London in that era who had a close relationship with the Kray twins. It tells the story of his success, vices, family life and eventual downfall. Production kicks off early August and I am already counting the minutes until I’m back on set doing what I love.
