We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan J. Downey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan J., what are you inspired by?
I’m most inspired by a point of view. The art I connect with most is the art that has something to say. It doesn’t have to be a political or social message. I just want to feel that the filmmaker, author, musician, comedian, playwright, etc. have something to say. And that they must say it like their world would stop if they couldn’t get it out of their system. This is the most meaningful kind of work to me. I don’t judge folks who make things for purely commercial reasons or even those who pander shamelessly. But things that are made for the artist themselves first and foremost, and then perhaps connect more broadly, are what get my blood moving. The idea of making that kind of art, and working with people who operate from a similar state of mind, is at the core of almost everything I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a journalist, I’m most excited by conversation and storytelling. Establishing trust, finding a rapport, and building a narrative is an absolute joy, in multiple mediums, from print articles to newsletters to podcasts to broadcast TV.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The ArcLight Hollywood was my favorite place in LA for many years, and the site of many wonderful film and TV premieres I was able to cover and/or attend, to boot. The Getty Museum is a must for any out-of-town visitor.

I’m also fond of visiting famous and familiar shooting locations from iconic films. Griffith Observatory (Rebel Without A Cause) , Union Station (Blade Runner), The Office exterior location in Van Nuys, The Last Bookstore (Gone Girl), the house from A Nightmare On Elm Street.

Restaurant-wise there are fantastic plant-based eateries: Real Food Daily. Crossroads Kitchen. Gracias Madre.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother raised two kids on a secretary’s salary while battling an illness and still took the time to share art, music, film, and TV with me, and to have bigger conversations about life’s big questions and what it all means. Her determination, creativity, resilience, and humor was the singularly most formative influence for me growing up. I lost her from this world when I was pretty young, but her spirit stays with me, always.

Website: https://www.ryanjdowney.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjdowney_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-j-downey-1119499/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryandowney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanJDowneyRJD/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgSXn4dj0-0vFrT46pTxDMA

Image Credits
Photo with Tony Iommi: Orestes Gonzalez Photo with Sleeping With Sirens: Grizlee Martin Just those two.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.