Milwaukee native and graduate of UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, Ryland attempted his first feature film in 2017 with "Lake Michigan Monster". Having only his good friends to help him and his girlfriend’s dusty old camera to use, Ryland funded his nautical passion project off pizza delivery tip money. Due to the super micro budget, the movie opted for a black and white, 16mm film aesthetic. This allowed for a unique old-timey feel where bolder, do-it-yourself effects reign supreme. Ryland subscribes to the idea that you can make any shot more interesting if you shove the camera into someone’s face or simply, “Dutch it up”. Currently Ryland is a waiter.