Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan J. Dennis.
Ryan J., let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got my start as a production assistant in commercial production while also doing an apprenticeship for the TV station at my college. While in school, I got to create original content for the school’s student-run network. This included producing blocks of episodic content that included cooking shows, DIY-inspiration, and a music variety show. Not only did I produce the shows, but I produced built-in commercials/and PSA’s for students to promote within the show.
During my senior year, I got my first job at FOX 29 in Philly, where I eventually became Senior Web Producer, In between that time I’ve independently worked as a multimedia consultant with major retail brands, start-up companies, and produced content for various networks, and sometimes appearing on shows like Lifetime’s “Rap Game” and Bravo’s “Married to Medicine”.
In 2016, I followed my real passion, which is telling stories about behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. From there, I’ve developed Atlanta’s premiere destination for news about Georgia’s booming film and television industry, The A-Scene, an Emmy and Murrow award-winning TV segment and digital news platform.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but even after a few bumps along the way, I always take the high road!
For one, television news is not an easy industry to break into and have longevity in. When I got into the business, we were entering the break of social media.
Newsrooms changed forever, companies started doing more with less. And for me starting out, working at a major network in my hometown, was a dream come true and an uphill journey of learning about what goes on behind the scenes of the world.
News never stops, and when I covered breaking news as an Assignment Editor, I had to discipline myself to command the ship of our news operation for the day. I was put in a position to be in charge of what production crews worked on, and the kinds of stories that would end up on the news.
Fresh out of college being groomed in the business came with its growing pains, but I learned that everyone has their own paths. Some people come in with experience, while some are fortunate to know people who can put them in positions without qualifications.
I also learned that in times where I was the only Black person in an editorial meeting to speak up about what’s going on in the community, beyond images of poverty and crime. I always wanted to spread the good news.
Please tell us about 11Alive’s The A-Scene.
The A-Scene is NBC 11Alive’s entertainment franchise. While cities like New York and Los Angeles have magazine shows for entertainment, our platform spotlights not only boasts the cultural impact of Atlanta’s Black Hollywood, but we also dive into the economics and impact of the billion dollar industry, which includes blockbuster productions like Avengers: End Game, popular streamed shows like “Stranger Things” and “Ozark,” and how it trickles down into local communities throughout the entire state.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is rich with history and culture. The land is blessed with so much groundbreaking energy that if you just stay consistent and plug away, you’ll bloom where you are planted. In my short time here, I love to see my friends that I meet along the way manifest their dreams and opportunities. It’s incredible to be part of the new history in the making.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ryanjdennis
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