Why Do We Create?

A couple of months ago I moved to Austin, Texas in the hopes of furthering my artistic career on KZbin. I didn’t realize that this would force me to embark on a journey to understanding what it truly means to live a creative lifestyle. What if I never make it? What if I spend the rest of my life living paycheck to paycheck as I try to make it as an artist? Is it still worth it?
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Where To Find Me:
Instagram: / ryanngfilms
LinkedIn: / ryan-ng-films
Get In Touch:
[e-mail]

[@PhillipVu]

One day, all of your videos will blow up because people will just binge the f out of your content. It's wild to think this quality is for free on this service

[@andrewdrennen4872]

yeah ive been binge watching off the first video I saw

I did that with Casey when I found about him. Just had to see every single one. Quite a story, all in all, was that, Marlan and all, everything

[@zonar_x]

As an artist, This made me emotional. As the end credits rolled, tears rolled out of my eyes. This is Art. Never stop making such movies.

[@GEN]

you’re every creators favorite creator

[@RyanNgFilms]

😭❤

[@vincyagain]

Tick tick boom is an amazing film and I loved the way you told Larson’s story. I can’t wait to witness your big break too, but until then, please keep creating the stories you want to tell, Ryan.

[@RyanNgFilms]

You're the best vincy 😭❤

[@CartoonCommotion]

I didn't even know this movie mattered till this video.

[@zodaplexofficial]

​@@CartoonCommotion bruh

[@JackyLi]

The ending about "creating isn't just another job", damn the feels. It rewards you in other ways that you may not expect or want, but it's up to us to how we handle what we receive by creating.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love Jacky ❤❤

[@annemariechase]

Incredible seeing the process of creating this, you lil genius. You inspire me 🤍 congrats Ryan. And so honored you put me in the credits 🥺

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you for all your help always 😭❤❤❤

[@withvung]

Such a sweet story and my favorite thing is the sound design! All the music choices, pauses, silence, and cuts, and the ascending ambience at the end were very comforting. Another awesome video and keep uploading Ryan!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much Vung! Hope you've been doing well :)

[@daveforz]

if you make things for fun, you're successful

[@prestongoes]

if these shots are at all inspired by inside.. I love it. even if they're not, love the video either way, great stuff my guy

[@RyanNgFilms]

They were! I mean I feel like almost all of my videos are inspired by Inside, but this one was definitely taking direct inspo from it!

[@rece3851]

im 14 and ever since i was in elementary school ive loved to make videos. this year im a freshman and i feel like i have more work than ever thats holding me up from doing what i love. but at the end of the day after all of the weeks i dont have time to create those few moments i do i bust my ass off, and in the end its satisfying to know i just did something ya know? im just rambling but i hope if anybody else is in a situation like i am just dont stop thinking about your ideas and stuff. doodle things down on homework assignments, record voice memos and write notes about your plans, and just create because you want to, in literally any way. just something to keep your spirit alive. cheesy as crap but i hope someone finds this helpful, take care ryan love your videos!

[@RyanNgFilms]

That's so great to hear that you're starting so early! Wishing you the best of luck in everything that you decide to do :)

[@rece3851]

@@RyanNgFilms thanks ryan, same for you! cant wait to see what you do next :))

[@YoFonzz]

God I’m here still sitting almost 30 minutes after watching this video in disbelief. So much work and sacrifice to then die. Fuck,,,, that hurts me

[@Mangobubbletea9898]

Your art matters! Don’t listen to anyone that tells you otherwise.

[@RealSpacial]

Ive binged your channel a couple months ago when I discovered it and was always so sad that you stopped uploading. Your channel gave me a lot (and I mean a lot) of inspiration when it comes to creating as a youtuber. This video was no different man.. simply thank you, and I wish you all the best on your creative journey.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Dang, that means the absolute world :) It takes a while for me to finish a film, but I'm always going to be here creating even if I don't upload for a couple of months!

[@RealSpacial]

@@RyanNgFilms that’s good to hear man, i genuinely look forward to watching whatever stories you have next 🤞🏾keep at it

[@bretmosley]

My god...thank you. I'm 29 years down the path. It gets really...there's no word for it. I treasure what you're creating. I'm grateful.

[@itsmanishaaa]

Isn't in unfortunate that you ARE a breath of fresh air on YT (unfortunate being the state of YT ofcourse!). PLEASE MAKE MORE FILMS, i'm tired of YT being called a pillar in a Sales Funnel. You have impeccable storytelling skills, got me through a whole journey of emotions. I'm now a stan.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much Manisha! I totally agree with you and I'm hopeful that KZbin can head towards a more artistic direction. Also I'm trying to upload more in 2024 haha.

[@itsmanishaaa]

@@RyanNgFilms yayyyy, so happy to hear this!! 💞💞

[@RyanChang]

The storytelling is on another level and the editing, pacing, sound design, and script were amazing. Keep it up Ryan, we love watching you create 🙏

[@stanley2903]

Your knack for storytelling is truly praiseworthy, and it translates brilliantly onto platforms like KZbin. Please keep up the exceptional work. What you bring to us is of great value and for that, we thank you.

[@BenjaminJaksch]

Dude. If you continue to make art and don't decide to make content - you will make the difference you set out to make. I wish you all the best.

[@david_aubrey]

I've asked myself this so many times. why do I create? I think your take on this really pulls something I always have at the back of my mind front and center. it could all just end in the blink of an eye everything you've ever known gone. I guess this means we should all live with intention. and always reach for our goals. beautiful film. if you keep making you will have you big break it's just a matter of time.

[@baigus]

This was absolutely breathtaking Ryan! You've won our hearts once again with your masterful storytelling. Keep outdoing yourself with every video

[@RyanNgFilms]

❤❤❤

[@Charlie_Smith]

what an incredible film. this story truly shows us the purpose of creating art. Art and stories like this keep us hoping for a better world and a better society thank you for sharing this story Ryan Good luck with everything. cheers charlie

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much Charlie!

[@mp3_prod]

Outstanding work my guy. I truly appreciate you making this. The drive to dream is enough for a fulfilling, successful life. More dreamers should know that.

[@SteAndRach]

Incredible story Ryan! Love your conclusion at the end- super empowering and relatable. Creating is definitely not a job like other jobs. Excited to watch you create out of love and explore yourself as an artist

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love as always guys. Thank you for supporting me every step of the way :)))

[@ColtKirwan]

One of my favorite videos from you Ryan!!!

[@erumasglue]

tick, tick, boom is one of my favorite musicals/movies of all time and seeing you use it for a film about a topic that i've wrestled with for so long, is so crazy to see

[@RyanNgFilms]

Dude same! It absolutely changed my life haha.

[@LaelieYan]

Thank you for this! I’m an artist and designer from Hong Kong and always wanted to get into film, but I’ve been terrified about taking the dive. This video confirmed I have to create. I want to create and meet people like you and create something together. Thank you for this.

[@DomBlochsUniverse]

Man. This one hit hard! I'm about to start on KZbin. You can only imagine all the doubts and fears. But I'm going for it. I cannot postpone it any longer. Creating is not something we do. Creating is a state of being!

[@mostlytrue6823]

Hey Ryan, this was amazing and beautiful.. What an amazing way to start this year :) Hopefully you get your big break as well, would love to see that and show my family and kids that is if I have some in the next upcoming years. Wish you the very best :)

[@chirag6034]

What a beautiful video Ryan

[@rainakreeger]

I love tick tick boom. The ending changed me. It really made me ask myself why I create, when there are probably millions of artists that reach success after death or perhaps, their art never becomes anything world changing. It's quite a scary thought, because most of us, probably want to create and make a living from it, so we don't have to waste time doing some random jobs, such as being a waiter at a diner lol. But there is one certainty in all of this - your love for your craft. If you enjoy the process, then happiness is already worth more than being successful in something that makes you miserable. Also nice video! 1 minute and 10 seconds in, is when I realized what this video is. Then comes up the black screen that looks all too familiar from the movie and then.. the music. I just knew haha. But good job on creating something that resembles that same style! It's funny, my last video (a message to all creatives) also features ideas and parts of this movie and just the story of Jonathan. It's hard to not mention it, when talking about creating and success as an artist. After watching the movie, you're just not the same anymore.

[@WolvePlex]

Every upload from you gives me a rush of motivation & inspiration

[@Antwannnn]

This was great! And...well, you've completed the part most creators fail at. *Cultivating a small audience that'll stick.* Eventually that audience can become a roaring crowd but none of it could be possible without the passionate few. There's a guy who used to watch Gabriel Iglesias perform in a garage. Decades later he's nearly never misses a front row seat at Iglesias' standup events. I want that. I LONG for that

[@RyanNgFilms]

Honestly this means the absolute world man. I was always insecure about whether people cared about the videos or not, but this is super reassuring. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to write this!

[@Antwannnn]

@@RyanNgFilms yep, keep it up. People care. Quality/talent can't go unnoticed imo. Under appreciated maybe but always noticed.

[@RealJamieBarclay]

This was a refreshing style of KZbin video!

[@terena_world]

loved this so much, your storytelling and the way you weave your narrative together is inspiring. needed this reminder that we don't create to make money, to be famous- we do it because we love it.

[@newworldredglobe]

i love that sequence at the opening with that music from the big short, such a good reflection of how corporate big youtube has become

[@elijonestv]

your videos blow me away every time you post- and your thoughts on creativity towards the end really got to me as an aspiring filmmaker. thank you for this

[@officialpaperbagman]

Masterfully executed Ryan 👏literal standing ovation!! This is true, genuine, authentic filmmaking!!! & although you may not be recognized by the masses, just know your talent and creativity do not go unnoticed (not to mention the rest of the new🌊)

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much Love Man :)))

[@leonardocametti]

Thank you for doing this Ryan. I can’t believe this was all about jonathan. I loved tick, tick BOOM, I’m so glad you brought this incredible person back to life. I feel deep inside myself that this man and his story really taught me to keep persevering and listening to my inner voice more than anyone else. Keep making this stuff, there are so many wonderful stories left to tell out there❤

[@jaminerodrigues]

It was a pleasure being able to watch this film at Buffer festival and now definitely not missing here at KZbin. Incredible film Ryan, you’re a inspiration when it comes to storytelling

[@RyanNgFilms]

Jasmine! Thank you so much for showing up to Buffer Fest. It means so much more than you think :) Wishing you the best of luck with everything that you're doing!!!

[@Joekhaliquebrown]

You fucking rock Ryan. Each and every video is a joy. Keep on keeping on dawg ❤

[@kelvinorsomethingrather7446]

Unreal film, I don’t know what to say👏

[@KaydinGrace]

This is beautiful. You have me in tears.

[@divineofomaja]

We love you Ryan, very soft but effective motivation🤍

[@elisthethey]

I’ve been waiting for a video from you for a while it kind of feels like you always come as a checkpoint of my life

[@RyanNgFilms]

Damn, thank you so much for the kind words eli!

[@MackXOrion]

this was so good and made me cry a bit haha. But it's true! I think being an artist isn't about success, it's about the joy of creation. Even creations that are never seen by anyone else. Maybe we'll all have a hit or so that captivates many but some people never do and being okay with that possibility I think is a part of the process. Anyways, epic film Ryan!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Yes! Thank you for such a thoughtful comment Mack :)

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Satisfaction is in the art

[@JustineCooksVegan]

So beautifully done. You are a talented storyteller and I hope you find success in that ❤️

[@transtuh639]

Thank you for this story Ryan!! Thank you for inspiring and touch our hearts with the things you create

[@isobelledger]

Spent the whole beginning wondering if the Tick tick boom music was intentional - Tick Tick boom is such a fantastic film adaptation. His life and drive was inspirational, and its mad he always felt like he was running out of time and it turned out he was.

[@sidharthdawa6681]

This gives such a warm feeling. Who says you need a thousand videos. While the passion will come through in all the videos, but it is one that will be seen and just celebrated. I subscribed to this channel after watching this video that was so heartbreaking, yet also heartwarming at the same time. I'd add though I found you on Jack Contes channel and came to your channel from there. So a bit of being on the radar of other famous people helps. And the responsibility lies with the creator to reach out to folks like Conte who can relate to your videos at an emotional level. (Some time back, Conte made a video himself, and because of that video got to pitch his idea to Casey Neistat - Casey saw that video and loved ti so much he have Conte time!

[@benjaminlacey]

Oh, we crying in the club tonight! Beautiful film, Ryan. Inspires me to create. Thank you.

[@Neyduu]

This was an exceptional video, Ryan. Keep it up! 👏🏾 Jonathan's story reminded me of Seymour Hoffman's character in Synecdoche, New York. It's a tragic one. May he rest in peace, and may you never stop creating.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

Great film, as always

[@Slingbone]

Huge shout out @shua_films for recommending you which is how I got here. Like others have mentioned this video definitely got me emotional. The story of Jon Larson is so incredible and to be honest I didn't know his story until Tick Tick Boom came out on netflix. And luckily it was also a beautiful film. As someone who came up through music academia and a patron of broadway musicals I of course knew about Rent but not the artist behind the work. You touch on so many incredible points in this piece. I just turned 30 a couple months ago, I have my bachelors and masters in music, and now work full time in admin at the university I went to. I'm getting by okay and very fortunate to have support from my wife, but as a creative I'm grappling with the reality that every day is a fight to continue hanging onto "the dream" and the obsession with wanting to create something that affects people and can stand on its own in a meaningful way. "Maybe we don't have to change an industry or make a living to continue. Creating isn't a job like other jobs. It doesn't always reward the most talented or the hardest working." Spot on. And despite all that, like you said, it dares us to dream. Thanks for this

[@star22lic]

beautifully made

[@MarsDorian]

wow, impressive, Ryan. Inspirational and emotional, especially the end of the video. Love how colors and gleamy feel of the retro way of shooting. I'm glad I discovered your channel. Please keep on going.

[@julianinlaw]

This was so well done. A beautiful recounting of Larson’s life & how it connects to being a creator at a spiritual level. 👏👏👏 great work Ryan

[@therealjacksheridan]

The end had me in tears, amazing work Ryan. What a needed reminder :)

[@ThatGuyBiGH]

My favourite KZbinr, you give me hope to be a creative. I can't wait for your next piece

[@manjaes]

Just discovered your channel, this is great! Keep making videos and telling great stories. Fun fact I once started watching the movie Tick Tick Boom but I'm not quite fond of musical movies, so I quit the movie after 20 mins. This meant I never got the full story about Jonathan. Now I did and this in a way I like it the most, thought a KZbin video. You told the story of Jonathan in your way, on a platform filled with creatives and aspiring creators. Even though a story might already been told or a format has already been done, the person telling the story will always add a unique touch to it. Thank you for making videos on KZbin!

[@sweetermanfilms]

Absolutely amazing,events like these are truly inspiring for artists. It shows us as a reminder to never give up. To keep throwing that bulletin dart into the unknown until it sticks somewhere. SOMETHING WILL gravitate to what you are making. Beautifully made video Ryan, it’s just the reminder I and I’m sure a lot of upcoming artists need to hear or learn. Time shouldn’t be a damper on art, just keep creating, keep making it your joy and one way or another you will win or find what you are looking for. Sweet

[@Ady.B]

First, gonna watch this later. But im so happy uploaded ryan

[@ZACCCHEN]

I love this, it’s been incredible seeing your journey Ryan :)

[@sāmtscn]

great film, finished a final today and felt empty questioning the process this film gave me freedom

[@CinemaRepository]

If this well made piece says one thing that may be the opposite of what it’s trying to say; don’t wait. Make something viable today and figure out a way to get eyes on it. Any one of us could die tomorrow and nobody ever see our work. Everyone is so worried about long form and perfection, nobody focuses on telling good stories even if they’re 5 minutes long. Tell your stories and don’t wait, don’t let no, be an answer to your creativity because if ya do, your big break may come post mortem.

[@nicktygesen]

Such a great storyteller. You tell it in such a captivating way

[@ashleyTay_0]

after watching some of ur video, some how I visualized myself , kicking and breaking open a door , and found a box on a table which is full of most valuable things are stored !! . I guess I opened a door to the rooms of story tellers !. and creators . !!!!

[@joshsfilmjournal]

Wow man, this made me tear up in the best way possible. Thank you, Ryan

[@DesertPunks]

This is still one of my fav channels and I just dug through my subscription list to find you again. Looking forward to your return friend.

[@MayYean]

Another incredible video Ryan :') Thank you so much for sharing the way you tell your stories on the internet. Honestly keep doing you and like everyone we can't wait to witness your big break, and cheer you on from the sidelines! 💕

[@itsdavidmora]

Deep & thought provoking, thank you, Ryan.

[@AbelKleinblatt]

What an amazing video, Ryan! I love how you take things from outside KZbin to the platform through your stories!

[@isightstwo]

man this video was beautifully made, loved every second.

[@AntonWongVideo]

Yo, Ryan! It was great watching this at Buffer Festival this year and great to finally meet you in person! I think you got on lots of grievances by creatives Great work!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love Anton! So grateful to have met you this year at Buffer. Sad that it was only for a short amount of time though :(

[@Elomentoplayz]

Completely forgot about this channel I'm glad you're still uploading

[@thedanielaros]

Amazing storytelling and can't wait to see what you do next!

[@Anjemivas]

Even though they're so short, every video feels like a movie

[@sanchito]

beautifully poignant, subtle, and quiet. amazing work ryan, as always.

[@KronzekFilms]

Your videos really inspire me to keep going so thank you for that.

[@shuapau]

Genuinely curious: is one’s dream of KZbin right while the other’s dream is wrong? You mentioned two types of KZbinrs.. the business tycoons/biggest creators and the og KZbinrs who make skits, parodies etc. While I understand what you’re saying and feeling, I personally enjoy both types of KZbinrs and what they create. But is it wrong to dream of being the next MrBeast, Logan Paul, David Dobrik, Kai Cenat? Or should we all aspire to be like the og’s? Is one “good” while the other “bad”?

[@LukaLukaLukaOfficial]

I miss your videos Ryan! I'm looking forward to the next one and hope it comes soon :) Your style is very unique and what you make is very inspiring. I think everything you're doing will be worth it in the end :D

[@AnimaOrphei]

Thanks for making me cry a**hole! -but seriously, thank you for your content!

[@SabrinaDelosAngeles]

Thanks Ryan...that's all I'm gonna say..thank you.

[@ducktv8729]

Great video, and a beautiful ending that really makes one reflect

[@blazinbao5637]

I love your work man. Keep the dream going.

[@JessKaplan]

I actually didn’t know anything about Jonathan and I’ve never seen Rent, but I couldn’t help but watch until the end because your story telling is so compelling. ❤

[@pakwd.]

Thank you for making this and keep up the good work

[@TheManiaakz]

Beautiful, as always, but better each time

[@jiemanoshyoung5415]

a guy suggest me to watch your film.So I come.Your film really shack me and it is really perfect.

[@Ady.B]

you're such an exceptionally beautiful storyteller bro! keep it up

[@OllieConnorsFilms]

You’re a fresh of breath air! Love your work. Keep it up

[@BlocksandBoroughs]

Beautiful work - your videos always make my day

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love dude. I also wanted to say thank you again for mentioning me and the KZbin New Wave in your latest video. You might find this interesting, but I was hanging out with Van a couple of weeks ago and the topic of your video came up. He told me that he watched half of it, but was saving the other half to watch haha. He was super excited and grateful that somebody told the story of NYC in the early 2000s

[@BlocksandBoroughs]

@@RyanNgFilms Thanks so much for sharing that Ryan, made my day. My pleasure, I hope I did the youtube new wave justice. I'll share a cool story in exchange: I got a nice email from Sam Lisenco at Elara saying they all enjoyed the film. Its cool thinking the Safdie brothers got their first taste of the youtube new wave. Just wrapped up a few projects so hoping to contribute some meaningful work to the movement in '24 :)

[@AngelFX21]

Everything in this video makes it seem like a documentary or movie, so inspirational man. I just got my Sony A7 IV, can’t wait to make stuff like this😊

[@CarlosRosario]

This was awesome. Did not know the backstory to Rent, but wow. Hope you get everything you want out of life.

[@kay923]

You’re such an amazing storyteller keep it up man

[@Shanodd]

Damn, wonderful video this got me thinking fr. Can't wait for the next one!

[@OurComfortSpace]

ryan you are so cool & this is amazing.

[@RyanNgFilms]

No, you guys are so cool

[@TobiasTheGrim]

AHHHHHH HE"S BACK

[@bluemarshyy6205]

This is actually amazing thx for sharing mahn

[@TrueG_Channel]

Really enjoyed watching this👏, top class Ryan🎬🔥