From Grand Rapids to Hollywood: Ryan Stephens Shares Lessons in Creativity, Perseverance, and Storytelling
The 2024 Mosaic Event welcomed students, educators, and industry leaders to explore the power of storytelling as a pathway to exciting careers. Among the highlights was a keynote presentation by Forest Hills Eastern alum Ryan Stephens, a Grand Rapids native turned Hollywood producer, who shared his remarkable journey and invaluable lessons for aspiring creatives.
Ryan, who has worked on over 150 episodes of television for Netflix, Warner Bros., Apple, and Disney, reflected on his early days in Grand Rapids, where his passion for filmmaking began.
"Almost 20 years ago, I was an awkward, slightly goofy kid with no connections to the industry—just a dream to someday make Hollywood films and TV shows," he told students.
His path from writing stories in grade school to producing major projects is a testament to the power of perseverance and creative exploration.
A Lifelong Love of Storytelling
Childhood films like The Lion King, Jurassic Park, and The Fellowship of the Ring ignited Ryan's passion for storytelling. These cinematic masterpieces fueled his imagination and inspired him to start creating films with friends. By high school, his talent began to shine, earning him accolades, such as a student Emmy for his short film I Too Have a Dream, which reflected on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
This early recognition, Ryan explained, "legitimized something I thought was just a hobby" and set him on the path to a career in film.
Lessons from a Hollywood Journey
Ryan offered practical advice for students considering careers in creative industries:
Explore widely: Try different things to discover what you're passionate about, what you excel at, and what can sustain a career.
Stay adaptable: Be open to unexpected opportunities that might lead to growth in ways you didn't initially plan.
Foster relationships: Building connections with kindness and respect is essential for collaboration and career advancement.
Learn from failure: Early in your career is the best time to take risks and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
Focus on the journey: Success comes from enjoying the creative process, not just chasing accolades or financial rewards.
Hollywood Success and Michigan Roots
Ryan shared behind-the-scenes stories from his career, including working with film legends like Harrison Ford on the Apple TV+ series Shrinking. While he joked about Ford's gruff demeanor, Ryan emphasized the rewarding experience of collaborating with one of Hollywood's most iconic figures.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ryan's story is a powerful reminder of how far passion and dedication can take you, regardless of where you start. By sharing his experiences at the Mosaic Event, he provided students with a roadmap for turning their creative dreams into reality.
As he concluded, Ryan left students with a call to action. "Try, fail, and grow. Learn to love the process and take the risks that will shape your journey. I can't wait to see the amazing stories you'll tell."
The Mosaic Film Experience thanks Ryan Stephens and all the workshop speakers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 2024 Mosaic Event an unforgettable day of inspiration and learning.
