The Meld of Western & Eastern

The Meld of Western & Eastern

So say you had a project shooting all over Japan and that you needed a director who not only had a decisive handle on the Queen’s English, but who was also fluent in Japanese as well.  Sure, translators could help bridge the gap, but you recognized how far more fortuitous it would be if the person directing the show was able to personally convey his vision to both his English and Japanese speaking crew.  What would you do?  Why, you’d ring Cyber City Films director Bernie Ryan.

Although Ryan’s career path may appear to have been a well thought out one, finding his niche actually turned out to be a natural, organic progression.  Originally focusing on the world of music videos, he transitioned into commercials after spending time in Los Angeles working with Limelight Productions and later with UFO on the pilot that would garner worldwide success, namely The X Files. Following on the heels of this endeavor, the director made his way to Tokyo, where, for nine years, he immersed himself in Asian production and culture with guidance from teacher and mentor, Kazuhiko Hasegawa.  Returning to Sydney in 1997, it would be a short four years before he would open the doors of his own production company, Cyber City Films. 

Now, with over 20 years experience in the business, Ryan’s flexibility in both the western and eastern worlds certainly gives him latitude that most directors aren’t in possession of. Yet, no matter the marketplace, Ryan insists that the main objective is still about the idea.  “Every job is different,” says the director, “but what works best for the product sell always comes down to concept.  Yes, there are definite regional differences, but there is no hard and fast rule about what works best where.”  Perhaps the biggest difference between the two worlds is that Ryan finds Asian clients wanting to see more variations on a theme.  “I understand this regional thought process,” states Ryan.  “We usually end up where we originally started, but I appreciate that they want to be sure that it is the most creative and efficient route.”

With a number of projects keeping him busy these days, Ryan’s most recent work for the Olympics was from a directing and editing standpoint, a delight. Shooting for clients Telstra and Channel 7, the director was able to utilize his creative freedom, excelling at compiling the luxurious visual components and translating them into narrative.  “There were very few restrictions placed on me,” says Ryan, “and I felt I had time to develop the different approaches instead of hurrying the process along.”  Shot with a RED high-speed digital camera, the director found that he had exact control of the process.  “The beauty of this camera,” states Ryan, “is that it’s four times faster than HD and comes very close to film.  Not only can I shoot at a high rate of speed, I can also play it back on set.  It may not have the dynamics of film, but I can manipulate what I need in post.  There are no film expenses, and I can reduce the cost of telecine.”

It is this kind of methodology that continues to get the director noticed. Armed with an arsenal of disciplines, Ryan’s ability to use more than one trick has enabled him to shoot and execute for an array of products such as Bridgestone, Canon, Sony, Toyota, Qantas, and Xerox.  “I find that the agencies want me to pigeonhole myself,” says Ryan, “but my reel shows a variety of clients, everything from cars and people, to understanding and executing the use of special effects.”   

Making fast use of the technology already available, Ryan agreeably looks towards the future and undertaking longer concepts specifically designed for the web.  Already straddling a rare and unique demographic, the western and eastern markets both beckon to him, but for different reasons. “I would love to see more Australian agencies think outside the box and embrace the opportunities found on the internet,” muses Ryan.  “And I would like to apply my skills in developing web content for the Japanese, since the younger generation is so intent on interacting only with their mobile phones.  Both lifestyles offer two totally distinctive approaches.”

In an already highly competitive arena, Ryan is also setting his sights on opportunities outside of the commercial realm.  Currently working on a couple of film projects as both writer and director, he’s ready to apply his years of experience into the feature foray.  “I think I have a different aesthetic,” says Ryan, “and living and working in two totally different worlds has given me an atypical take on storytelling.  I think it’s important for me to experiment with what I know.  With all the technical possibilities available, I’m ready to start shooting now!”