Ryan Michael is a writer, director and producer from Cincinnati. After moving to Los Angeles, he began studying at Brooks Institute of Photography where he became an awarded graduate of their Motion Picture and Video program. While in school, Ryan wrote and directed the 16mm short film, FORTÉ, which screened at Sundance Film Festival and was selected by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s new filmmaker initiative. Under his new company Byrdhouse Films, he enjoyed a successful run on the international festival circuit with his directorial feature debut JOSEPHINE DOE.