Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Rylee.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In the entertainment industry, I started as a receptionist that moved on to casting assistant for infomercials. Although I had always wanted to act, I didn’t think it was realistic until years later when the industry shifted and started allowing more talent in. I worked on sets as an actress until I had to step away from the industry for a bit.
After completing grad school in Psychology, I didn’t feel very fulfilled and realized my writing skills could be a bridge back into the industry and took to completing screenplays I started years prior. This platform helped me to be able to not only tell the type of stories I wanted to hear but also shape the roles I wanted to see that didn’t fit all the stereotypical Hollywood molds.
It was frustrating as an actress to constantly see breakdowns for ditzy college students or simply ‘the girl next door.’ Women are more complex than that and we don’t all fit the same molds. It also gave me a platform to help other actors be able to have an opportunity to play roles that they wanted and weren’t seeing too.
This led to my foray into independent film, where I could be a part of the narrative, including directing and producing. Directing is my ultimate long-term goal in the industry but it has been refreshing to continue learning and growing in my path wearing many hats and on my terms.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s always a lot of struggle in this industry. There is no one right way to do things and things will not happen on any certain timeline. I think it’s important to reflect on the struggles, to continue on your path, and not dwell on them. The frustrations come in many forms and are heard in a sea of others trying to do the same.
Getting a feature project through to production amidst and post-pandemic, no matter how well-prepared you were, has been a hurdle. As soon as things move forward, everything changes. The momentum is that of ebb and flow, standstills, and lightning-speed moments too. It’s a wild ride and hanging in there and persevering with your abilities is the only part you can control.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During the past two years of our changing world, I decided to create some meaningful short films. They were a bit easier to complete logistically, finding remote locations, minimal cast, and crew, and keeping everyone’s safety in mind versus, say, a feature film when the industry was at a standstill.
You can create art at any time on your terms but to me, I think it should also reflect the best of your abilities. Anything you put out into the world will follow your career. While I could be creating short social media videos for quick views, I gravitate more toward lasting meaningful artistry that feels authentic and collaborating with like-minds.
I wanted to work with trusted people who were the best at what they do and that’s exactly what I did. Fellow filmmakers and actors enjoyed telling powerful stories while the world stood still. It’s been such a beautiful journey shaping my style and voice and realizing what sets me apart from everyone else trying to do the same thing. I’m most proud of that and hearing the feedback from people who have seen the films and resonated with them.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I have been adopted into the community of Cleveland and staying connected with filmmakers from Columbus and Cincinnati too. My favorite thing is how driven and truly excited people are to put their all into their creative works. They are unaffected by the idiosyncratic cliches of Hollywood and the industry as a whole. It’s a refreshing, different energy that operates at an independent level, the kind you feel when you first integrate as a filmmaker.
Cleveland also has cool spots downtown and I love the Hyatt Regency. What gorgeous architecture that place holds and certain magic too. It’s hard to describe to people who haven’t stepped foot in there. There are also some nice brunch and coffee spots and of course, Lake Erie. The lake is so massive and realizing Canada is on the other side is a cool dichotomy to sit and ponder at the water’s edge. But the people and their kindness are a highlight.
My least favorite parts might be the quality of the roads and how far out the airport is from actual Cleveland. It could use more vegan-friendly food options too. like immersing into the community but don’t always want to eat salads that I still have to modify.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunrylee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunryleeactress
- Twitter: @thisenvy
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/shaunrylee
Image Credits
Cinema Dandan and Steve Escarcega
