Documentary Filmmaker: Ryan Johnson

Over the past ten years, Ryan's work has taken him to six continents and 40+ countries, telling stories in some of the most remote and challenging environments on earth. Ryan’s career has been an unpredictable journey: from reality TV and independent filmmaking to disaster photography, the common thread has always been telling true stories. In 2008, fresh out of college with a film degree from TCU, Ryan bounced around as a freelancer and assistant producer for media companies, reality TV, and faith-based organizations. From there, he would go on to become a lead news photographer for CBN News, many of his stories airing on major television networks. Frustrated with broadcast news, Ryan made a dramatic career change and took a job with Operation Blessing International, a disaster relief organization. For a year, Ryan lived and worked in active disaster zones, telling heartbreaking stories of loss and tragedy. In 2012, Ryan moved to Colorado to lead a documentary filmmaking program for Compassion International. In 2015, Ryan completed a Masters of Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Regent University. Currently, Ryan leads a team of world-class storytellers for Compassion International, a humanitarian and child development organization. Ryan's work has been featured on a variety of news networks and print/digital publications: FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, CBN, The Weather Channel, the Christian Post, Christianity Today, USA Today, and Mission Network News. Ryan has received numerous recognitions for his work: national ADDYs, Bronze and Silver Tellys, and multiple awards from various film festivals. Ryan also routinely speaks to high school and college students about storytelling, content marketing, and photography. When he’s not traveling, Ryan can be found exploring the mountains of Colorado with his wife, son, and daughter. https://ryanjohnsonfilms.com/