Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Penny.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up I’ve always been creatively inclined. I’ve participated in multiple bands, singing and songwriting, and playing a multitude of instruments. When I was in my early twenties I became a bit lost and I started going down the wrong path. I went into a program called No Longer Bound that aims to help men regain their future and heal the wounds from their past.
While I was in the program, I was given a chance to help work on their main fundraising film for their big yearly banquet. I’d never worked with cameras before but quickly fell in love with the artistry and the creative storytelling elements.
When I graduated from the program, I began working in an office furniture supply warehouse. I worked there for two years to save up enough money to buy my first camera.
Shortly after that, I took a job with a production company as their lead film editor and cinematographer where I was able to continue sharpening my craft and gain more real-world experience. After three years with that company, I was ready to take the leap into becoming a full-time freelance cinematographer with the eventual goal of starting my own business.
For the first year, I took any and every job opportunity I could find. Sometimes I would film and edit an entire project for only $20. Other times I would go a week or two without any work at all, but I kept at it and I kept practicing and trying to improve. Slowly, I was able to build a larger and more diverse clientele. Eventually, I was able to buy better equipment. Next, I was able to start my own business. Finally, I have now been able to build a team of talented individuals that keep Ryan Penny Video performing at its best.
It has now been over five years since I left the production company to start out on my own and I’ve had more success than I ever dreamed of. It all started when some people took a chance on me back when I was in treatment and it never stopped. For the following ten years, I always kept going, setting goals, and pushing to steadily keep things moving forward.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think with any business there will always be potential setbacks. My first challenge was leaving the treatment center and having to essentially start life over. I was 27 at the time and I’d never tried to be a functioning member of society before. I knew I enjoyed working in film production, but I had very little experience, no equipment, and no connections to anyone in the industry.
With no other real option, I started working in a warehouse. It was really hard at times to feel like I was still moving in the direction I ultimately wanted to be in. I had doubts that I would be able to achieve my dreams, but whenever I could, I would set aside a little money into savings. It took two years to save enough money to buy a starter camera. It wasn’t great, but it was good enough to start filming smaller projects and practice on my own.
My second big struggle was going from a full-time employee at a production company to being a freelance cinematographer with zero clients of my own and having to start over again. I had steady income and job security but ultimately did not feel like I was at my final stop. I learned a lot from them and we were all sad to part ways but everyone understood that I needed to see what I could do on my own.
After that, I went from having 1-2 responsibilities to having ALL OF THEM. Not just filming and editing but customer service, finding and securing projects, invoicing, accounting, project managing and so much more. I felt completely in over my head and at times I was terrified. The only way I was able to succeed was by not giving up, even when I was barely making any money, and from getting so much support from my girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife. She believed in me and supported me through the lowest times and helped me feel like I wasn’t crazy for trying to start Ryan Penny Video.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I help purpose driven businesses reach more customers through cinematic storytelling. I’ve been honored to work with some amazing Atlanta based brands and help them reach a wider audience through film.
What sets me apart from others in my industry is my genuine interest in each business I work with. To me, it’s never “just another job”. I love getting to know each client and the excitement I witness as they see their customer base grow. It fills me with a real sense of purpose.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I learned my craft through real-world experience as opposed to film school.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ryanpennyvideo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanpennyvideo/
