How I Became a Fulltime Filmmaker - From Beginner to Pro

Over the last few years here on KZbin we've come a long way. I think it's time we break down how we got here...
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Did you actually read the description?

[@RyanKao]

Thank you all for being apart of the journey. I’m forever grateful to have such an amazing community of creators 🖤 What projects are you working on?? I want to check out some of your guy’s work!

[@paanggala1749]

Please watch my videos too 😊 🙏🏼👍🏻

[@frubo_ssg]

Nice to see your path of success. I am building up my content creation channel planing to publish in 2021 - coming from a lecturer side…

[@StretchYourself]

Hey Ryan, I’m a Portland KZbinr as well and I have a fantastic content idea you and should collab on! Please let me know if you’d like more info. I promise we would have a blast making it! 🎥🚁💰🍺🍺😎

[@justarijones3403]

Your journey is crazy bro and i appreciate you sharing it with us all! Once i find the time i really want to make some content that is just real and vulnerable. Allowing people into my life a bit. I enjoy vlogging but feel like i missing something to grow an audience.

[@Alexander_Hartung]

Your perfectionism video is still one of the best videos I have ever seen on KZbin. I am working on the project... to start... and to defeat the doubts not to produce the best video every week again. It's hard.

[@YCImaging]

Idk what this is, but I’ve been waiting for it haha.

[@RyanKao]

🖤

[@DSLRonabudget]

Yoo YC!?! So dope to see you here

[@madimakes]

Big facts

[@RahiemThompson]

Yo man this is it. Feeling super inspired. Great work Ryan 🙌🏾

[@ayrtons1572]

algorithims 🌈

[@Carlito_MD]

The shocking part was that after describing all those life experiences you say “I’m 23 years old..” Dude, WHAT?! good for you. You got a lot coming for you.

[@montanavlog]

Motivational ! 4 moth ago I worked for Amazon. One day i said to myself: I want to make my dream come true ! I eant to make a movie. And I did it ! 4 episodes. And it is a succes ! Live your dream ! One life, one love !

[@PhanMotion]

Love that

[@abbdiego]

I just started at amazon but I also want to do this full time,its my dream :) glad to know that you have made yours my friend.!

[@savageshutter7211]

I just wanna watch amazon

[@CaseyHardman]

“I feel like I’ve almost lost my character in search of the story.” Damn.. that hit hard man. Loved this!

[@gauravm.]

Yeah man, me too... Literally felt chills and goosebumps.

[@kaiwan]

Man, I admire your storytelling, So much inspiration in this video! Thank you for making this!!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you for the support man. I appreciate you

[@KYLERHOLLAND]

Love seeing your progress man! Totally had the same mindset!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks big bro. Appreciate you

[@chandrassubba3667]

@@RyanKao What a good inspiration person for such people who wanna be film maker. Hatsoff bro, from small himalayan country called The Kingdom of Bhutan.

[@sterproduction]

@@RyanKao hey sir in need your help

[@CreativeTechLab]

You're a natural storyteller, so keep at it. As someone who's older than you, I can tell you you're doing all the right things at this stage of life. Can't wait to see what you do in the next 5 years.

[@RyanKao]

Really appreciate this! Thank you

[@ThisIsTechToday]

So stoked to hear your story and watch the journey!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks Brandon.. appreciate you man

[@BlackapinoTheTechGuy]

*I started back when KZbin first was created back in..2006 i think but didn't upload my first video until 2009 which gain 42K views and although i wasn't sure what that meant I just thought it was a cool video on something I liked to Do and so I uploaded video just because...then I didn't start getting REALLY into KZbin until around 2017 and that's when I heard about Vidcon and ThinkMedia I attended Vidcon and THAT'S when I decided to start doing videos and all I needed was a niche and since I loved Tech That's what I did and just shared my passion for tech and what just flowed, and I went from 35 subs to almost 500 subs which I wasn't even expecting until next year BUT..I've learned alot in doing my channel, and one of those things was to stop trying to imitate other youtubers who were doing big things and Learned that I can't do that and Had to do what works for me in My way and I'm Grateful because I've learned alot. Congrats on your success. *

[@tripnigrey]

@@BlackapinoTheTechGuy cheers to us mate

[@Ben_here_b4]

This really hit home with me, especially the part about perfectionism holding you back from doing anything.

[@SurajBoddu]

YO THIS WAS SO SO SO SO GOOD. Can only imagine how much time, effort and planning went into it.

[@RyanKao]

Yoo thank you bro. Was a crazy fun project to bring to life...

[@toosharp4417]

Life happens and changed drastically. I can’t even imagine the person I was 2 years ago. Embrace the change you have and move on with the creativity you got. Excited for new moves!

[@Tushar-pi2qf]

You've come a long way... & absolutely loved hearing about your journey so far. I gotta admit the video was so fluid & well structured

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate this a ton!!

[@modo.frescolita]

I’m watching this vídeo three years after and the story continues to be so inspiring 🔥🔥👏🏽👏🏽

[@legend240891]

I love how you refer yourself as a filmmaker instead of another selfclaimed "cinematographer". Keep doing what you are doing mate and all the best!

[@joenicklo]

Good to hear your story. Really nice to see that you saved videos from your childhood and earlier in your career.

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate this! Looking back, I'm extremely happy I did too...

[@OliverJanShD]

I actually gained a lot of inspiration for my own channel from your video on how you filmed your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@KevinLoganShim]

I literally just dropped everything I was doing to watch this and just finished the video. And holy. You literally KILLED this video dude, the shots, story, montages, everything was done so well. I'd love to potentially see a breakdown of this video or of your "Stop being a perfectionist" video (since that was the first video I ever saw on your channel after it showed up in my recommended and felt it resonated with me on a deep level), but other than that so impressed with this man! Crazy inspiring!!

[@dylanjohndickerson]

Absolutely loved hearing your journey brotha. It’s a shame that people may click off early on, because this whole video was true quality stuff. The big takeaways were that not only does it take thousands of hours of practice to get where you want to be (you shooting constantly throughout your life), but also the courage to follow your passion (you quitting jobs and moving to achieve why you want) and having your eyes open to acknowledge when an opportunity could really be beneficial for your career (your journey with the pro-athlete across the country). I hope everyone watches this because although it’s personal, the messages throughout are so crucial for every creator to hear. Thanks for the reminders brotha 🤙🏼

[@RyanKao]

Truly appreciate the feedback man, much love!!

[@MikeChudley]

Great video Ryan! It's nice to hear someone else's story, it helps put things into perspective and showcase the fact everyone is on their own journey.

[@RyanKao]

Thank you Mike 👊🏼

[@KnivesMonroe]

Where has this been all my life? I mean I know it was uploaded this week. But I needed this.

[@emmahstory7024]

you literally gave me courage to continue doing what am doing. Your story really hit me hard and i almost thought that I couldn't do anything but with this, I'm over whelmed. When I finished watching the video, I almost dropped into tears. Hey Ryan, just continue doing what you are doing, you are destined for greatness at such a small age.

[@007Nameless]

Yo this guy has skills. That hangover thing was crazy

[@Lifeprobe]

This is so encouraging, I am from Kenya and recently after long time thinking about it quit my job and now I am a content creator mainly on KZbin, it ain't paying yet but I am feeling so happy and fulfilled. Thanks for this.

[@JusstGeo]

This video brings back memories from when i first started watching you when you had that job at the camera store bro. Crazy journey you went through and theres still more years to experience new things as well. I miss you brotha. Hope to see you soon🥺❤️❤️

[@RyanKao]

Yoooo! What a journey it’s been bro. Hope all is well

[@emmanuelsanni5802]

We came here to say a big HELLO from Nigeria 🇳🇬. Seeing those Nigeria clips just made me smile 😊.

[@lukepalms_]

When the Mac Miller beat kicked in I legit teared up

[@dir-gk]

dawg forreal i was like nah i know he didn't bring out mac for this.

[@omardominguezobando5741]

This is the first time I’ve seen this guy. I Definitely will be in your journey men as a creator, your work is Amazing

[@RyanKao]

Happy to hear this. Thanks so much Omar!!

[@barryreijne5499]

Hey man, your doing great. You chase the thing you want to do in life and thats something many people arent able to find in the comfort zone of thear paying the bil job. For your age you came a long way. I have so much respect for what you did. You can be proud of yourself and dont let the perfectionism stand in your way. There is always someone or something to look up to, you have allready won when your doing the things you love to do. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@jyhoke]

Ryan, You are an amazing creative. I was following you back in 2018 and was very inspired by your work. I am really stoked that you are back

[@MaxNovakTutorials]

Love these vids man I respect the courage you have to voice your passions / struggles. Subject matter that's on everyone's mind but not talked about enough

[@CyrusAgbo]

Your honesty has earned you my subscription. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[@GabrielJThomas]

What a journey! You are a true storyteller.

[@biniyamgetu9146]

Thank you all for being apart of the journey and love u

[@SalvageFilms]

Damn bro... you gotta take me to Vegas

[@RyanKao]

Pack your bag we’re going next week

[@ChaceMcLees]

Can y’all actually do that so we never have to greenscreen this again 😅

[@RyanKao]

😂

[@DSLRonabudget]

Yooo babin bro you gotta collab with ryan

[@keith-knittel]

Love the honesty and way you've laid out your journey. Thanks for sharing it

[@Meami_ami]

This is so dope keep grinding famo

[@theregularchipz7011]

Bro what u doing here

[@thewillharrisonn]

You're incredible man. Keep up the awesome work!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you Will!!

[@TheNurseSpot]

Your storytelling is really great. Im hoping to incorporate more of this into my own videos. I think vulnerability is a major factor in creating a loyal following.

[@RyanKao]

Thank you!!

[@thomvanalphen2777]

Broo, The reason i'm subscribed to this channel for a few years now is that your content is amazing! I love the honesty and the realness of your video's and I can really emphasize with your video's. I feel the same things a lot of times. I have the same problem with perfectionism that I overthink everything to much and want to do it perfect only. I end up doing nothing and get demotivated. Its really hard to get out of this loop! I wish you all the luck and will follow you along the way!

[@byjovanmedia5212]

Saw this on my home page, even though I'm at the beginning of my journey this feels very relatable. I want to see more, Subscribed 👍🏾

[@RyanKao]

So glad you connected with this. Happy to have you along for the journey bro 🙏

[@DSLRonabudget]

Same!!!

[@byjovanmedia5212]

@@RyanKao 👊🏾

[@reed84z]

Ryan! I've loved watching your journey. I remember meeting you as an 18 year old kid, visiting my Verizon store with an Acai bowl in hand from Jamba Juice. I never knew if you were actually going to buy anything from me but I always appreciated your curiosity about technology and just enjoyed conversing with you about life stuff. Happy to see things are going well and always look forward to the project. Cheers to you my dude!

[@RyanKao]

This means a ton, Reed. Your support from the sidelines has always been deeply appreciated man. Let’s catch up soon!

[@xBigHx123]

Great video my guy! I found you when you posted your "small" video and watching it over and over, I can relate so much. Keep it up and achieve great things!

[@missykaymoments]

As someone over twice your age, you have lived an amazing young life. I was inspired by your struggles with perfection mindset. It encourages me to address my own struggles with it. Look forward to learning from you as you continue to grow on your journey.

[@SebastianDylag]

Really enjoyed this video, not gonna lie it's inspiring while being informative about You 😄

[@BeckyStewartwestcoastknitter]

I’m so happy you are back! Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your story. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter of your journey takes you and I’m so grateful that you plan on sharing it here!

[@kingstonjunn9645]

i saw this on my reccomendations and when i clicked saw i already subscribed to this channel.. must have been an amazing vid from a while back lolz

[@NickHaigh]

👌 you have a talent, you have followers behind you, believe in yourself man, I love that you haven't given up...this video is a true representation of what its like to find your way in story telling or to be a content creator, there are many people out there that have made it but make it seem too easy, but for the rest of us, we struggle, I have barely started and failed. I wish you all the best on your journey man and look forward to seeing more from you.

[@phucmapvlog]

Awesome story man, just subscribed

[@RyanKao]

❤🙏

[@itsgabrielgao]

I love your work and I'll continue supporting you no matter what content you are uploading. You're this young and brave with talents, whatever you are shooting it's turn out to be incredible piece of art that everyone love watching. Shine, you are the light for some who's livin' in darkness. Keep safe, Ryan.

[@ConnorNewell]

Yo - well done my man!! Loved hearing your story, and that Hangover scene was too good 😂 Ryan is back!!

[@RyanKao]

So much to come man...

[@abbdiego]

Your video made sense on so many levels , it was amazing because you were your true version with out the wall;s. I get it, its scary but that's what makes you you and which is why people want to join your adventure . Thank you so much for sharing this, I am in the middle of the battle between creating content and thinking that I am not ready and this helped out a lot.

[@HouseofCreators]

Hey Ryan, still remember when I've discovered you 2019 or so and then you suddenly stopped publishing videos. I was sad and you just made me happy :p I really feel you and I resonate with your story as I'm in the same place you were, when you had this job in Las Vegas. When you said that it helped you to not have the creative decisions and just work for a company, it made click for me. Funny enough that I was working 2 years as a freelance marketer and content creator on my own thing, and now I look for a job because I feel the same. It feels like I need a break to adjust where I want to go or so. However, thanks for the story and that you open up yourself, really appreciate that bro! 🙏 Btw, yes, I read the description :D

[@RyanKao]

Really glad you connected with it man. Feels good to finally share the story. Thank you for the support ❤️

[@HouseofCreators]

@@RyanKao Happy that you shared it, sometimes we have to talk about it to get better, and hey, people subscribe because they like the person on the other end. We would always want to help you if you have a hard time :) It's my pleasure man, looking forward to your first million subs ❤️

[@dramorsantiago]

RYAN!!! Stumbled on your video from now 2 years ago... exciting to see your journey until this point. Looking forward to following and learning from you. You're starting out and I'm old but curious about telling stories. Cheers!! Hope you'll continue to share your backstory.

[@mlegrand]

Long time no video. Hope all is well 👌

[@JackRay]

Didn’t expect I’d see you here 😂

[@mlegrand]

@@JackRay - Oh yeah, Ryan is from Portland and I'm a big fan of all of these cinematographer youtube channels!

[@JackRay]

@@mlegrand You and I watch like all of the same channels😂

[@marcbollmann]

Just do what you love!

[@damiesdiary]

Left the video I was editing to watch this 😃. It’s interesting to know you came to Nigeria 😁 .Your content is quite inspiring

[@PrinceAkpa]

Wow a fellow Nigeria!!!

[@innocentkboateng]

This is what just happened to me lol

[@ogs3721]

After 3-4 years you are going to look back at this video and be proud how far you have come 👍 I'm watching from India btw, so your content has slowly started reaching here too.

[@itsprestonchen]

Dude I’ve been waiting for ages clicked faster than the speed of light

[@ChaceMcLees]

Get this man a Nobel Prize in Physics right now

[@antoaripe]

Thanks man, very inspiring... Keep up !!

[@ChaceMcLees]

The deepfake absolutely destroyed me at first

[@RyanKao]

Thank god someone noticed lmao... the amount of effort that took 😂

[@aspireachievemedia]

You're an inspiration man, thanks for being transparent and keeping it 100!

[@anthonymorales6797]

You should make a movie brotha 🤙🏽

[@RyanKao]

That’s the goal 🤩

[@anthonymorales6797]

I see you making movies I’m calling it rn you will trust lol

[@nexvisuals]

Loved this, really inspiring! Keep up the great work!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you!!

[@magneticinteriors8530]

great to see the hard work you have put in - keep it up and wish you well

[@noelmccartan]

Great insight. And my man you are so young. You have 10 years on me and I've only just started pumping out content on Instagram this past 8 months. Fair play to you for all those changes and I wish you all the best moving forward! New subscriber in me

[@ChrisMcKiernan]

Dude, you have some heavy hitters following you! YC, Brandon, Kyler, Kaiwan to mention just a few... I was always amazed at how good you were with a camera for your age, looking forward to more amazing vids.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for your support my man!

[@ryansnaadt]

Cool hearing your journey the past few years. Sometimes the destination isn't clear but you are doing great! Keep it up brotha

[@AceTrader]

Hey my man...incredible story. I'm not a film maker but have thought about getting into it as a hobby. After looking up some information on filmmaking, the algos brought me here and I'm glad they did. I taught myself how to trade the financial markets which was not an easy skill to acquire, so your story has a lot of similarities as to my own. It's not easy following your dreams but it's what makes life worth living. Keep up the good work and don't ever give up doing what you love. You are talented and your work is brilliant. God speed to you.

[@alishasparkle9532]

Stories like this need to be told thank you for beeing authentic. Many people want to speak on this but are afraid, we pheal the pressure of everything plus the world and begin to lose ourselves in the midst of our creation. It’s not easy and we all have a story one way or another and grow through phases and don’t always have it figured out so thank you for sharing it lightens the load

[@gabrielt721]

Bro... you're a beast. From one storyteller to another, I'm trying to find my way to your level.

[@RyanKao]

Wow thanks Gabe!!

[@care4antsphilippines72]

I salute you sir! You're a good example for me. I am a 30 year old content creator beginner as of now, as usual as a beginner few people would believe you and this is what I want and thank God I found your story so I will push it until I become known like you and will evolve my craft👌🏻 best of luck sir👍🏻👌🏻 a fan from Philippines🇵🇭 surely will follow you

[@TCKPROINC]

Bro, you're not even 30 yet. Still so much to come. I'm 42 started when I was 15, and work with a bunch of guys in their 60's and 70's there's levels

[@wumaomao3337]

Thank you for shared your story! That was encouraged! 👍

[@dakinee]

the introduction to close off the entire character building theme was such great placement man

[@EthanBares]

I have a very difficult time organizing my thoughts to put them into a video format so I can appreciate your creation of this video. Man you're creating great things and will continue to for a long time.

[@markprofeta3197]

You're an inspiration, Ryan. Keep up the strong work, brother

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton Mark.

[@SofiaVanzellerTraveller]

This inspired me a lot to not give up on my own journey to become a filmmaker/youtuber/photographer... it takes time and effort to figure things out. I'm so happy you are figuring out yours, you make amazing videos and you are a great storyteller, I hope one day very soon to be able to make a video with this quality! Keep it up

[@JetboyCo]

This is dope! I’m in the not knowing what todo, but still believing in myself stage. Thanks for indirectly tellin’ us to keep at it because some how some way things will pop off eventually no matter how many left turns come up!

[@LukePollack]

Dude I relate to this so much, this is so inspiring! I'm also 23 and I started making videos in 2016 while in college. It was so hard to create consistent content, and I'm only now realizing that my eye for perfection has only really hindered my growth not only on the platform but also as a person. I'm trying to move out to LA to pursue my passion for filmmaking, and it was such a breath of fresh air to hear you share similar experiences, and challenges. I haven't watched a video that I related to on so many levels, it was like you were saying my own thoughts. Thank you for making this, it was incredibly encouraging!

[@_avi]

Love it when you share an intricate part of yourself, authenticity is rare these days, so thank you for sharing your journey up to now. Looking forward to your future work!

[@VuTech]

congrats bro, you deserve more 💚

[@osvfilms]

Die hard Mac Miller fan so when I heard the track at the end, I immediately stopped paying attention and had to rap the lyrics in my head and then rewind the video to hear you out! Hella dope video though man! Seriously keep at it. I only pursued videography because exactly like you, I ran into someone the world knows who wanted a videographer and everyday is part of the journey to what we do- Telling a story.

[@luifalcon]

Hi, I’m Lou, I love your honesty and appreciate your story, you are an inspiration to a54 year old guy who wants to be a film maker but has no idea where to start, so I’ll be watching your channel for continued inspiration. Peace

[@DylColeman]

Very inspirational my friend. Thanks for letting us in on your journey! 🙏🏾

[@TypeOneTalks]

What an awesome story!

[@torenreksnis9579]

totally understand what you have been through, I didn't make a video in 1 year. I kept on deleting them because they were not "good enough". I also moved to one of the coolest places in Norway because I thought I needed something"new". But I still didn't create anything... I also agree with the fact that we a lot of times sacrifice our personality for the story, which just makes it more generic, but we think to ourselves that it a "better story". Its probably a problem we will face now and then. Thank you for opening up! Really helps:)) and good luck on your journey!

[@vjlogs2490]

it's ok to be who you are... And it's okay for the random uploading. Just Keep making what you can and wanted!

[@lgnwvr]

I love this dude. So raw and honest.

[@SuperJokers7]

I know this video was about a month ago so give or take if you see this comment, but wow you honestly blew my mind I am a beginner film maker videographer and everything was so crisp, clean, well edited, and shot.. you clearly know what you’re doing the point of this comment is for you to see people like I is you inspired me honestly through this video and this was the first video I’ve ever seen from you.. I’m a perfectionist as well and it gives me so a road block to film, edit, or even post anything.. you have extreme talent and Portland is a beautiful place keep up the work please!!!

[@WaniHasyim]

Im still studying my media course, and you give me a lot of inspiration 🤍🥺 thank youuuu !

[@djcolindale]

......you really know how to tell and story and how to get viewers hooked. At just 23 you're doing well and with your skills I'm sure you'll reach your goals.

[@mar_celll]

your story is so inspiring man! and the part about losing sight of yourself looking for stories hit home hard 🙃

[@MarcusCostanzo]

currently in the midst of your current situation man. Balancing my channel with the demand of paid video projects for other people. This video has made me feel comfort in knowing that no matter what I choose to focus on most, my skills and passion to return back to the other option will only grow. Thanks for this man.

[@studybraek]

daaaaamn I remember those days. Your beginning days. Great to see you here

[@taylorcano7100]

This video is amazing! It flows so smoothly and I was engaged the whole time! Incredible work!

[@charithforestperera2948]

Congratulations Ryan.... You deserve this 🤗❤️💯🌹..... Wish you great success.

[@bysuave6737]

Man your lowkey one of my favorite channels that I thought was a secret gem since you didn't have a crazy amount of followers..i truly like ur energy and you inspire me. This whole video was great and that last Mac Miller beat playing made me kinda emotional..regardless your young and as a 30 year old I just gotta say do it all. This is the time to try and even maybe fail so you don't regret it at an older age. Keep being dope fam. Welcome back.

[@Adammedias]

Ryan i can't say i completely understand how you feel when you talk about having a perfectionist mindset eating away at your soul but man.... as an amateur creator i feel like i havent heard something so relatable before. Especially with your passion for storytelling. It's almost like im listening to my own thoughts. Hope one day we can work together and create amazing work to put out there for the world to see. It would be pretty dope. Cheers to creativity bro! #stillwatching

[@justinarndt7147]

Dude I’m so glad seeing you again on KZbin.