Meet Ryan Zaragoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Zaragoza.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a Mexican-American filmmaker originally from El Paso, Texas. I grew up working on my uncle’s no budget indie films doing every job that no one else wanted. But by the time I started looking at college, I thought a career in film just wasn’t in the cards for me. It felt more like a pipe dream than an actual career I could pursue.

So after a long detour exploring my other interests; mostly philosophy, logic, and immigration law, I finally ended up writing a feature script on spec for a friend who was aspiring to be a director. After writing the script, I knew I had to pursue filmmaking with everything I had.

So, I taught myself production, started freelancing, and eventually opened a small boutique branded content production company. After learning these technical skills, I started writing and self-funding shorts for me to direct. My first short “The Painter,” played at some respectable festivals and gave me some confidence to keep trying.

So I put every last penny I had into my second short, “bebé,” which got picked up by HBO for distribution. Shortly thereafter, I was accepted into HBO ACCESS’s directing program, where I was 1 of 3 directors selected every two years to direct a pilot for them. That pilot will premiere at SXSW 2019. After the program, I received a fantastic opportunity to shadow Dan Minahan on the Deadwood feature film

I was also selected as a Ryan Murphy Half Initiative Mentee in 2018, where I was fortunate enough to shadow the remarkable Brad Falchuk, on Netflix’s”The Politician.” I’m currently developing several projects to shop around town, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me next!

Has it been a smooth road?
If you read my above description of how my career got to where I’m at now, it might sound like a smooth, easy ride, but I can assure you it wasn’t. I think this is important to point out, that for all the moments of success I’ve had, I’ve had countless rejections and failures along the way.

As someone who’s always had to save up and invest in themselves to prove that I can do this, I think it’s important, to be honest about how difficult a career choice this is. You will get turned away a lot! And even though it never feels like an important part of the journey while it’s happening to you, it always is.

I’m grateful for all the struggles in my career because it makes me truly appreciative of the good things that have happened. I still have a long way to go to accomplish what I want, and I know I’ll continue to face obstacles along the way. But it’s all part of the journey, and the feeling of accomplishment after persevering through those setbacks is definitely worth it.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m a filmmaker. I write, direct, and produce films that I want to see about people and stories that don’t get the representation they deserve.

As a Mexican-American filmmaker, I want to create stories that give voice to the communities I know. I want to accomplish this by creating films that are universally appealing.

My goal first and foremost is to entertain, and if I’m able to promote a little compassion or a little more understanding of people from a different walk of life, then I’ve done my job.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love Los Angeles. It’s the only city where I’ve ever felt at home. The people, the mix of cultures, the food, the entertainment, and the possibilities are all countless and amazing.

My least favorite part is probably everybody’s least favorite part: the traffic. But it comes with being such a great place to live.

Contact Info:

• Website: ryanzaragoza.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjzaragoza/

Image Credit:
Ford Theater Photography by Timothy Norris

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