Ryan O'Connell
Assistant Professor
Biography
Ryan David O'Connell is an accomplished filmmaker specializing in comedy and magical realism. Having written, produced, directed, and/or edited over 60 narrative shorts, he is especially adept at guiding students through the process of crafting an impactful short film on any budget. As a former contributor to Life Teen International's YouTube channel, his entertaining, faith-based content has helped amass over 25,000 subscribers and millions of views. Most recently, he worked as a supervising editor for Riding Phat on Crackle. As an actor, his clients have included Wells Fargo, Honda, and The Texas Rangers. He’s also appeared in Paranormal Witness on SyFy, and as a young Charles Manson for Inside The Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes on Fox. When he’s not in the classroom, Ryan enjoys screenwriting with his wife Amy, and being a goofball with his four young kids. He’s also has a passion for songwriting and music production - recently winning “Funniest Music Video” at the Portland Comedy Film Festival for his production “Let Me Poop In Peace”. ‍
Education
  • Master of Fine Arts
Programs Taught
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Broadcasting and New Media
  • Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music
  • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Editing and Visual Effects
  • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Production
  • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting
Classes
  • COM-120: Creativity, Calling, and Communication
  • DFP-101: Introduction to Cinema: History & Aesthetics
  • DFP-111: Digital Video Production I
  • DFP-115: Acting for the Camera
  • DFP-201: Cinema and Self-Expression
AI master’s student working on a computer at a desk

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