Ryan Dean is an entrepreneurial British producer and the founder of the global creative production agency RD Content. In April 2022, he expanded his business portfolio by launching RD Studios, a £20 million state-of-the-art independent film and television production facility located in Park Royal, West London. He has been instrumental in the launch of The 2 Day film and has worked with LAMDA and The London Film School to bring it to fruition. For more info on the competition click here.
Q and A.
1. How did the competition come about?
I came up with the idea of launching the competition because when I was a younger film maker there were a number of sponsored 48 hour competitions. I met lots of people who would later become collaborators in the early part of my career through this. I realised that most of those competitions have fallen by the way side and I felt, now I’m in a position to support, I would try to make one happen.
I approached LAMDA and LFS because it makes sense bringing together the actors who are on screen, the school that is producing the talent behind the camera and ourselves, a production company and studio who ultimately look to offer people full time employment in this industry.
I’m pleased to see so many people taking part! It seems there was a desire for such a competition.
2. What made you choose the main judges?
They were invited to take part through their affiliation with LAMDA and LFS and very kindly offered up their time to judge. The UK is fortunate in that we have both world class schools, world class talent and world class facilities and companies in the creative industries. I think this competition is a great reflection of that.
3. Are you hoping to appeal to new film-makers with this competition or happy for seasoned professionals to take part?
On a purely selfish level I wanted to use this as an opportunity to meet other storytellers. We have had submissions from young and old and all around the world. It has been wonderful to be a part of it.
4. What is the most important criteria for the film?
The story, all of the craft that goes into making a film has to be there for the singular purpose of serving the story.
5. What are you hoping to find through the competition?
I am putting up a meaningful prize to the winners to support their short films. RD is now the largest independent studio, production company, post house and equipment business outside of the major studios. I want to meet the next generation of film makers so I can partner with them to make the next wave of incredible films, documentaries, commercials or whatever other platform comes next to tell stories on.
RD Studios features over 45,000 ft² of studio space and a 36,000 ft² yard. Each stage door features a 4.5m wide by 6m entrance, enabling large set constructions to enter and exit the stages with ease.
Prizes include:
Cash awards for top-placed films
£20k worth of access to studio space, edit facilities and production support
Fast-track pathways for applications to the London Film School
Industry networking opportunities at the gala event
The Prizes are fantastic and offer a great chance to all the finalists with the industry networking. The finalist judges are Mike Leigh, Benedict Cumberbatch, Col Needham and Indira Varma
Over 300 entries entered with 100 going through to the next round and 20 the round after that.
