Ryan Monolopolus
Director | Storyteller | adventurer
My full CV / Resume is right here.
I was born and raised in the small city of Buffalo, NY; it was there that I developed a passion for storytelling. While in university I launched a boutique media company, and graduated with a degree in Media Production and Sociology. Inspired to see the world, I headed straight to Ukraine for a stint, and have been creating content ever since.
My primary work is in writing / content development, directing narrative films and experiences, and leading teams. I have a life mission to bring positive energy on and off set, and to use media to inspire the world for the better. I have a unique skill set including stunts, practical effects, puppetry, and film technologies that helps me tell stories in unique and innovative ways.
Major directing work includes the Sci-fi GROBB (2019), the dark comedy 19 Covid Lane (2020), the Amazon TV Pilot 64/8 (2016), the American Civil War epic SHENANDOAH (2017), Action Directing for Migos music videos (2017) which garnered 100 million+ views, and two pilots for Playstation TV. Commercially I’ve collaborated with brands like Reebok, PGA Tour, World Organization, Act on Climate, Rescue Me! and many more. Internationally, I’ve directed and designed immersive content for HARDSKILLS, a global education brand based out of Berlin and Singapore.
My work has been distributed worldwide, commercials nationally broadcast, and I'm grateful to have been awarded at many festivals and events; including Best Director at the Holiday 48 Hour Film Festival in NY, best of Show at Indie Film Loop, and a nominee for The Georgia Rising Star Award. I’m also the co-founder for Film it 4 Fun, an artists collective in Atlanta, GA. Since 2018 I have been with represented by RiTE as a narrative director.
In 2014 I launched an action design company On Camera Combatives, which trained more than 2500 actors and performers in its first year of operation for fight movement for film. The same year I joined SAG-AFTRA after an appearance on the TV Pilot The Grand Prince of Moscow. Since I’ve acted and performed stunts on shows like SpiderMan: No Way Home, Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, The Resident and more.
What else... I travel often, am mildly conversational in four languages, and spin fire dragon staff. I am a former member of the USA sports martial arts team, and teach and train Filipino Martial Arts - all while trying to be the most authentic and inspired human I can be.
Currently based in Atlanta, GA - but I travel for work often.
Be well friends,