Hey everyone!

I’m Richard, a screenwriter and filmmaker, preparing to graduate from Cleveland State’s School of Film and Media Arts this spring! I was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, where I attended Lorain County Community College to attain my Associate of Arts. Recently, my student film CHARGER screened at the 49th Cleveland International Film Festival, which was a huge milestone for me. I am currently in post-production on my senior thesis film, What’s My Sign Again?, which is an astrological Y2K-inspired high school comedy.

My filmmaking journey began when I was eight years old, and I would steal the family camcorder to make YouTube videos in the backyard. What started as my cousins and I recording our wildest imaginations turned into a passion for storytelling. The films I draw the most inspiration from are rooted in this campy, child-like whimsy. Films like Josie and the Pussycats, The Toxic Avenger, and American Movie have always been some of my all-time favorites. The “do it-yourself” mentality of those films constantly pushes me to test the boundaries of what I am capable of creatively.

I decided to intern with GCFC because of how deeply I connect with their mission: to help bring film to Ohio. I am extremely proud to live in Cleveland, and every time I see or hear a character on-screen mention the city, it feels like a personal shoutout. Being involved and contributing to the film industry in any way possible is extremely fulfilling for me. By interning here, I hope to find my niche, outside of writing/directing, and become more involved in Cleveland’s film industry.

Once I graduate, I want to write as much as possible and pursue a career in screenwriting! My next long-term goal write a feature-length script and see it get filmed! If you would like to keep up with my filmmaking journey, you can follow me on Instagram at @richardjbryer or www.richardjbryer.com

Lastly, I would like to thank the Greater Cleveland Film Commission for allowing me to shadow for the day. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and am thankful for all of the kindness and knowledge they shared with me.

Thank you so much for reading!
-Richard J Bryer