Ryan J. Smith, a talented 25-year-old filmmaker from Blackpool, is receiving international recognition as his films reach global audiences via streaming services. Despite being made on a fraction of the budget of a mainstream television episode, Smith’s debut feature film, Lottery, garnered praise from American filmmaking outlet Film Threat, who commended it as a production that rivals those of major studios. His follow-up film, Talking To Ghosts, is being hailed as “a well-crafted thriller in dramatic clothing.”
Reflecting on his achievements, Smith expresses his hope that his success inspires other aspiring filmmakers: “I want people to see what I’m doing and realize that they can do it too. Making movies and getting them out there has never been easier or cheaper, and the same goes for any form of art. Lottery and Talking To Ghosts were made for around £7000 each, funds raised independently through various day jobs. The success of these films on streaming platforms has now allowed me to pursue filmmaking full-time. In today’s world, nothing is impossible.”
Talking To Ghosts features talented actors such as Nina Holland-Smith, Neizan Fernandez, and Grahame Edwards, known for his role in The Dark Knight. The film follows a young woman entangled in a black market arms deal gone wrong, presenting a unique love story amid the backdrop of gunfire.
Smith explains that Talking To Ghosts evolved from an initially aggressive revenge film into a more hopeful and emotionally complex story: “At the start, I was seeking revenge, but by the end, the film became much more hopeful than I had envisioned. It’s a raw movie and certainly the most emotionally nuanced story I’ve told.”
Nina Holland-Smith, the star of Talking To Ghosts, praises working with Smith, stating, “Ryan was great to work with. He has a clear vision and knows how to bring it to life. He works tirelessly! On set, he made me feel relaxed, and we had a lot of fun filming as a cast and crew. The film itself is dark, but we found moments to lighten the mood and have a laugh and a cup of tea!”
Despite his young age, Smith runs his own studio, the Skint Film Company, overseeing the development, production, and global exhibition of his movies. He collaborates with friends and talented professionals such as Adam Bentley (visual effects), Alisdair Pickering (music), Lewis William Robinson (sound recordist), and Meredith Grace (production designer). Smith aims to expand his studio and provide opportunities for emerging talent, fostering creative work for those who may not have had such opportunities before.
Harry Mclafferty, an actor who starred in both Lottery and Talking To Ghosts, describes the enjoyable atmosphere on set: “It’s always a great laugh on set. Despite the small team and limited budgets, the projects Ryan produces are consistently impressive, and as an actor, I am proud to be a part of them.”
Smith’s commitment to showcasing unique locations is evident in Talking To Ghosts, filmed across the Fylde Coast in November 2022, featuring lesser-known Northern locations. Smith shares his passion for being the first filmmaker to explore new areas, stating, “It’s become my duty to put the Fylde Coast on the filmmaking map.”
With a full roster of feature entertainment planned for 2024 and beyond, the Skint Film Company, led by Ryan J. Smith, shows no signs of slowing down. Smith teases his next project as a comedy-drama that will delve into a wider range of characters and locations, presenting an exciting challenge for the budding filmmaker.
Ryan J. Smith’s current feature films, Lottery and Talking To Ghosts, are now available for digital viewing.
