Biography
Joseph Ryan Laia is the product of small town America - raised outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, and then in a small farm town in northern California. Raised by a PhD scientist, and an artist, the two created an environment that fused together intellect, art, history and culture. His exposure to Spanish and indigenous culture eventually manifested itself in his work, both on the screen and off.
After obtaining a degree in Latin American History at the University of California, Ryan continued his studies, taking classes at New York University, University of Southern California and San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking, building a core curriculum of film classes, focusing on: screenwriting, cinematography and 16mm filmmaking.
His intrigue into storytelling eventually led him to London where he received a Masters in Screenwriting from the London Film School. Upon completion of his studies, Ryan collaborated with fellow LFS graduate, Marti Dols, in directing the film Mon Germa, which has played in festivals both in the US and abroad, including Marfa Film Festival, East End Film Festival, Alcine International Film Festival, Il Corto In Spiaggia, and others where it has received numerous awards throughout Europe.
After the success of Mon Germa, Ryan moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Following in the footsteps of his favorite actors, Ryan studied Method Acting at the Lee Strasberg institute.
Currently, Ryan lives and works in Los Angeles as a screenwriter, writing consultant and actor.
