Exploring Life & Business with Ryan & Richard Taylor of I.F.B. Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan & Richard Taylor.

Hi Ryan & Richard , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
This year is a special one for us because we’re celebrating five years of I.F.B. Studios, which officially opened its doors on March 7, 2021.

Looking back, it’s funny because the idea didn’t begin with a business plan. It started with curiosity. While Ryan was working as a First Assistant Director on productions around Los Angeles, he was constantly walking through different studios and quietly taking mental notes. What worked? What didn’t? What kind of experience did filmmakers actually want?

One afternoon he invited his brother Richard to visit him on set during lunch, and after seeing a smaller independently owned studio, the conversation became, “What if we built one ourselves?” That simple conversation eventually turned into a dream neither of us could let go of.

By 2020, while the world seemed to be slowing down, we decided it was time to bet on ourselves. We found a warehouse in Glendale, rolled up our sleeves, and with a lot of help from our family built I.F.B. Studios from the ground up.

Five years later, it’s incredible to look back. What started as two brothers chasing an idea has grown into a creative home for filmmakers, photographers, brands, artists, and event hosts from all walks of life. Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to build lasting relationships, watch our clients grow alongside us, and create a space where creativity and community come together.

More than anything, we’re proud that I.F.B. has become a place where people come not just to create, but to feel supported while doing it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Since opening, we’ve had to survive the COVID 19 pandemic, the Writers and Actors strikes, a fire inside our own studio, and even the Los Angeles wildfires. There were plenty of moments where we had to ask ourselves, “How do we keep moving forward?”

The answer was always the same, pivot & adapt.

Those challenges pushed us to expand beyond traditional production rentals and grow into the event space as well. Today our studio hosts everything from music videos and commercials to birthday celebrations, weddings, movie premieres, album release parties, networking mixers, and corporate events. That willingness to pivot has played a huge role in keeping our doors open.

We’re also completely bootstrapped. There were no big investors behind us, just family, faith, and a willingness to work. Everyone has pitched in at some point, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. When people ask how we’ve survived five years in an industry that’s constantly changing, the answer is simple. We work together as a family.

As you know, we’re big fans of I.F.B. Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
While there are a lot of studios in Los Angeles, what people remember most about I.F.B. Studios is how they’re treated.

Hospitality has always been our secret sauce. As filmmakers ourselves, we know firsthand how stressful production days can be. That’s why when someone books I.F.B., they’re not just renting a studio. They’re gaining a team that’s genuinely invested in making their shoot or event a success. One of the Steampunk Brothers is almost always on site to answer questions, troubleshoot, or simply make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Our signature steampunk aesthetic gives the studio its own personality, but what really sets us apart is the experience. We want every client to feel like they’ve found a creative home where they can focus on bringing their vision to life.

Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of working with brands including ABC, Disney, CNN, and Vans, while also welcoming artists and personalities such as John Stamos, Jordin Sparks, Lance Bass, Blac Chyna, and many more. Whether someone is producing a national commercial or creating their very first short film, we believe every client deserves the same level of care, attention, and support.

Our 3,500 square foot studio has become the perfect home for midsize productions, including commercials, music videos, interviews, photo shoots, podcasts, and branded content. The space is also incredibly versatile, allowing us to transform it for weddings, birthday celebrations, movie premieres, networking mixers, album release parties, and just about any creative event you can imagine.

What we’re most proud of, though, is that we’re still a true family business. If it isn’t one of the Steampunk Brothers greeting you at the studio, chances are you’ll meet our mom, Lynda, our dad, Richard, or even our niece, Amber, helping out. That family atmosphere isn’t something you can manufacture. It’s part of who we are, and we believe it’s one of the biggest reasons so many of our clients keep coming back.

Any big plans?
The goal has always been bigger than simply owning a studio.

We’re building a brand that we hope creatives around the world recognize, a place that’s known not only for producing great content but for genuinely investing in the creative community.

Part of that investment starts with us. Ryan recently returned to the University of Southern California to pursue his Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Marshall Business Program. The goal isn’t just earning another degree. It’s becoming a stronger leader and building the knowledge needed to help guide I.F.B. Studios into its next chapter of growth.

One of the things we’re most excited about is opening submissions for our 6th Annual I.F.B. Film Festival, where filmmakers have the opportunity to win free studio time to help bring their next project to life. Supporting independent creators has always been part of our mission, and we can’t wait to see what this next group of filmmakers creates.

We’re also developing more original in house content while continuing to expand the experiences we offer at the studio.

If we’ve learned anything over the last five years, it’s that success isn’t just measured by how many productions happen inside your walls. It’s measured by the relationships you build, the creators you help, and the community you create. That’s what we’re most proud of, and that’s exactly what we plan to keep building for the next five years and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ifbstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifbstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/IFB-Studios/100069574023273/
• Twitter: https://x.com/IFBStudios
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@i.f.bstudios9851/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ifb-studios-glendale

Image Credits
Dario Tejada

Justin Ward

Kat Seibert