Originally from Blackpool, this MetFilm School graduate has just completed his third feature film, Kid, which has been selected for the prestigious Manchester Film Festival, a BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying event.
An early experience with the DVD extras of Pirates of the Caribbean ignited Ryan’s passion for filmmaking, and by age eight, he was directing stop-motion animations with LEGO, one of which premiered at the Blackpool Odeon cinema in a national competition. It was Ryan’s first ever credit on the big screen – ‘Directed by Ryan, aged 8’ — the film won the competition, too.
By 16, Smith had managed to produce more than ten short films, a music video, a documentary and a feature film — all made through DIY filmmaking methods and for no money. These early years were marked by a combination of self-taught technical skills and an unrelenting drive to create. After completing a Diploma in TV and Radio Media Production at Blackpool and The Fylde College, Smith secured a place at MetFilm School, London at just 17.
Finding a voice in film
MetFilm School is well-known for its emphasis on hands-on training, and it became a place of inspiration for Smith. “You’re taught by professionals,” he notes, citing instructors who had worked with filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick. “The school’s focus on practical filmmaking meant we were always creating, learning by doing, and working in a real-world environment.” His graduation project, Red Light Solo, was a feature-length music documentary shot in Amsterdam. Made on a shoestring budget, the film went on to win multiple awards, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker to watch.
Smith credits MetFilm School not only for honing his craft but for its supportive community. “MetFilm has been important in helping to shape my career,” he says. “It’s a place where you’re encouraged to experiment and develop your own voice as a filmmaker.”
The Making of Kid
Smith’s newest feature, Kid, is an 80-minute coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of a gritty Northern town. The story follows an ambitious music producer navigating the pressures of completing his debut album under a make-or-break record deal while managing a tumultuous family life.
With live guitar and vocal performances, original songs, and contributions from indie band, Good Health Good Wealth, the film’s musical elements bring a unique authenticity to its narrative. Long-time collaborator and college-friend Alisdair Pickering provides the original score for the movie.
Filmed across Blackpool, Lytham St. Anne’s, and Salford, Kid holds a personal connection for Smith, who wrote, produced and directed the film. Many of the locations, including his childhood park and a local nightclub, were part of his upbringing. Remarkably, the movie was shot in just eight days, demonstrating Smith’s ability to work efficiently and effectively, a skill he attributes to lessons learned from his previous films.
The film is produced by Silent D Pictures and Smith's own production company, Skint Film Company. The film stars a roster of new British talent, including Harry Mclafferty, Rhiann Millington and Neizan Fernandez, along with accomplished talent Nicole Evans (“Captain America: The First Avenger”, “Blackbird”) and Ryan Davies (“Sky Monster”, “HellKat”).
Producer Djonny Chen of Silent D Pictures (“Welcome to Paradise”) says: “It’s great to be playing at the Manchester Film Festival. “Kid” is a unique movie made by a group of talented cast and crew members - both on and off-screen. Special mention to Ryan J. Smith for the drive and hard work it took to make this film into reality. I’m sure audiences are going to love it.”
Ryan ended: “Kid” is a deeply hopeful movie filled with original music and great talent. I’m excited for the movie to be premiering at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, and it’ll be great for audiences to experience it on the big screen. Hopefully it can help inspire more kids and young people to get into filmmaking however they can. Everyone starts somewhere.”