A Midwestern transplant splitting his time between New York City and The Hudson Valley, Ryan began studying as an actor before making the transition into the prolific director of largely independent films, editorial documentaries and short-form web content like 'The Really Cool Show (an early YouTube web series with over 20 million views). Additionally, he is an award-winning cinematographer, having shot as many films for other people, as he's directed on his own. His work is recognized for it's authenticity and beautiful, organic cinematography. His feature films are largely improvised focused on the every day lives of people in and out of love. In between films, he makes commercial food videos. Ryan was the co-founder of Robel Films, an NYC based independent film production company and works under The Balas Brothers moniker.