Meet Ryan Mendoza | Filmmaker & Actor

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

Hi Ryan, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I draw inspiration from many things: movies, shows, paintings, and my own life experiences. My content usually revolves around horror, so I usually find myself getting inspired by movies like Scream, Halloween, and Friday the 13th. But I think what most inspires me to make content is my friends, family, and the people who support me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, I just finished a short series called Film Club, which is a mockumentary-style sitcom following the daily lives of a dysfunctional film crew as they make their next hit movie. The series can be streamed on YouTube with new episodes every Sunday starting on August 10th, 2025

I feel like what sets me apart from other filmmakers is my way of directing. Other directors forget that it is not about being in control or being a leader because it is so much more than that; it’s about creating a safe environment where you can let your crew members and actors create movie magic. I’m proud of my perseverance because it wasn’t easy getting to where I am today, but with every challenge that came along the way, I learned a valuable lesson, like getting the right lighting or camera angle for a specific scene. With every new project comes new challenges that are unavoidable, so I have no choice but to continue creating and finding different methods to complete my projects. This is why I am proud of every film I release, as the finished product is a representation of the challenges I faced. I’m excited to continue to create more content for people to enjoy. The films I make are my way of expressing myself, with every line written, and every camera shot I choose is done on purpose to represent my own unique way of filmmaking.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely starting the day off with a brown sugar matcha from my favorite local coffee shop, Coffeeholic in West Covina, before going on a little beach trip to the Santa Monica Pier. Maybe even go for a walk near Big Bear Lake.

We would then go to a drag show in WEHO, and I`d show them the amazing nightlife here in DTLA.

If we’re talking food, then we have to visit Dave`s Hot Chicken for so great chicken sandwiches, and for dessert, I am a big fan of Afters Ice cream.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely would dedicate my success to my family and friends, and of course, my actors. My family and friends have always supported me through my career. As a content creator, it is easy to feel like you’re wasting your time following your dreams, which can leave you in a “creative rut” you can say. But to have the support of my friends and family can pull me out of any negative headspace I may be in during production. And of course, my actors, I could not call myself a filmmaker without them, because they are the ones that bring my stories to life,

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/king.ryan01…

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yngproductions1?si=Lx0tQM3ZUMuDB9jT