Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Lovell.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in what’s wildly considered the greatest city on earth, Kansas City, I spent my youth making skate films in KC’s urban core. That’s where my obsession with filmmaking started. But I quickly realized it wasn’t the cameras or the tech that pulled me in as much as the people, places, and stories.
After graduating from UMKC with a film degree, I knew it was time: either settle into a 9–5 in my beloved KC, or move to the big, bad Los Angeles and see if I could make the dream real. And, believe it or not, I did. One year after moving, I landed a job at Vans Shoes as a director of skate media.. Living the dream is an understatement! I traveled the world nonstop for nearly a decade, directing and editing everything from commercial spots to full-length skate films.
Eventually, though, I knew it was time to come home to what really matters: family. So I left my dream job, packed up with the wife and pup, and moved back to KC in late 2020.
Since returning, I’ve worked across a wide variety of projects, mostly rooted in commercials, short-form docs, and the occasional sports/action sports piece. I’m constantly living in this funny intersection of work, one day it’s dramatic pharmaceutical stories, the next it’s professional athletes. In a way, I’m finally meshing my two loves: action and storytelling. Now I get to make work that actually impacts people… and somehow I’m having an absolute blast doing it. 🙂
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve kind of seen this coming for a long time, but one of my biggest career challenges has been not getting pigeonholed as “the skate guy.” And I get it. The first half of my career was deeply rooted in skateboarding, and a lot of my earliest work that took off lived in that world. But the truth is, I have a strong portfolio beyond action sports. I’ve done commercial work, doc-style storytelling, branded content, and projects that have nothing to do with skating, and I’ve had to be really intentional about making sure people actually see that.
The other challenge has honestly surprised me, which is finding my place in the Kansas City market.
I moved back home thinking it would feel natural, and in a lot of ways it does, but professionally it’s been kind of weird. I’ve been able to make a living and grow through bigger outside markets, and those relationships have kept me busy. But getting into a real groove in KC, has been tougher than I expected. It’s not for lack of trying. It just takes time to build trust, and get the right people to understand what I do and how I work.
And I’m not complaining. I’ve got a crew here that I love, and I genuinely want to keep building something in KC. It’s just been one of those humbling reminders that coming home doesn’t automatically mean things click immediately. You still have to earn your spot.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Ryan Lovell is a Director / DP built in skate culture and obsessed with real stories. After a decade making global work for Vans Shoes, he now brings that same grit, heart, and cinematic energy to commercials, short docs, and sports-driven films. Work that hits hard and moves fast.
What’s next?
First and foremost – Continue raising my beautiful daughter and loving my family.
Secondly – Make work that I’m proud of.
Third – Enjoy it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanlovell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_lovell
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlovellkc/
