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With a massive social media following of 2.9 million on TikTok, Ryan began by describing the distinct rhythms of each medium, saying, “Books require time and patience from both the writer and the reader. Movies generally have a setup and work towards a climax or conclusion, while social media is very different; arguably for the first time in media, and it normally starts with the climax or hook and works towards a ‘pay-off.’ Social media that doesn’t have the pay-off is commonly regarded as ‘click-bait,’ and this type of content is the fastest way to destroy your reputation and have your viewers never returning,” he joked.
To illustrate these concepts, Ryan led an interactive activity where participants split into groups of three and were tasked with writing a scene for a movie. The task was simple: one character wants something, and the other refuses. This exercise highlighted the importance of conflict and tension in storytelling, and also how to not only grab the attention of the audience but to keep it and have them invested in where the story is going.
Reflecting on how stories have transformed in the digital age, Ryan noted, “Once upon a time, stories only lived in books or were delivered in person. Now, they trend, they go viral, and they live in the spaces between our screens and our lives.” Drawing from his own experience, Ryan recounted his early days on TikTok, where he posted three videos a day—two comedy skits and one book review—until he found his unique voice. “I didn’t know what I was doing at first,” he admitted. “But I kept going, and I learned that being consistent was more important than perfection. The act of creating, of putting something out there, is what builds confidence and momentum.” He encouraged the audience to experiment and embrace the process of learning through doing.
Ryan’s journey has made use of his many multifaceted talents, and being born to a creative background, he has added many skills to his ‘bag of tricks’ along the way, especially when it comes to storytelling. Since stepping into content creation in 2020, he has created hundreds of videos and become a respected voice on the platform’s publishing-focused BookTok. His work spans filmmaking, writing, and comedy, with notable short films that have earned critical acclaim.
In 2024, Ryan published his debut novel, A Comedy of Nobodies, a collection of short stories written in a wry, comedic style that favours intelligence over gags and perceptiveness over punchlines. It follows a unique fall semester in the lives of four Ivy League students with enormous aspirations, blending humour and poignancy in a 21st-century narrative that resonates with both literary and internet audiences.
In 2025, Ryan made his feature directorial debut with Two Sleepy People, a modern romantic comedy set to release this month, further cementing his reputation as a filmmaker. His session at SIBF left attendees inspired, reminding them that creativity is a journey of discovery, experimentation, and authenticity.
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