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

Hi Kate, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the many talented and passionate creatives I’m lucky enough to call friends in this city. From magazine creators, filmmakers, podcasters, actors, writers, and interior designers, seeing each of them pursue their craft despite the challenges they face is what helps me keep going with my own projects. It’s so easy to have an idea and never take action on it, but watching them actually do the hard work reminds me that I can too.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been interested in nonfiction storytelling, and spent most of film school at CalState Northridge making documentaries and filming behind-the-scenes for my friend’s films. After graduating, I decided to make a documentary about a story I was curious about learning more about – the racism that the Roma people in Eastern Europe face. I didn’t realize that making my first feature film in a foreign language would be as challenging as it was, but in 2013 I premiered my documentary, Welcome Nowhere, at the Raindance Film Festival in London. It went on to win multiple awards, and Ethan Hawke graciously lent his voice to the narration.

From there, I decided to focus more on editing, and have spent the last 10+ years working on short documentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and marketing materials for all the major studios. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a few collaborators I work with on a regular basis, who have all been very flexible with me once I became a mom.

Most recently, I’ve stepped back into the producing seat at Monkey Deux, Inc., creating Inside the Episodes for AppleTV+’s Severance. I’m excited to see what’s next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite things to do is show people how amazing Los Angeles is! When I have friends in town for the weekend, I typically take them to El Matador Beach in Malibu, The Academy Museum, Griffith Observatory, Huntington Library, and of course eating incredible food the entire time. My favorite places are mostly in NELA: Checkerhall, Arroyo Club, Nativo, Scoops, Triple Beam Pizza, and Sticky Rice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing husband who is both my creative partner and biggest fan. He keeps me going when I want to give up, and makes sure I have the time to get work done while we both juggle raising our son. He was the model for my senior thesis film poster almost 20 years ago before we were even dating, and he is still my sounding board for everything I’m working on.

Website: https://www.kateryaneditor.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-ryan-editor/

Image Credits
Personal Photos: Lavender + Honey Photography
Welcome Nowhere Poster: Photo by Niki Crosby
Welcome Nowhere Laurels: Photo by Mirella Contoli

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