Recounting how he got his start in the film industry, Ryan Harvey ‘20 said eight months after connecting with another SSU alum – working in the business in Los Angeles – he learned of an opening as a post-production assistant.
“I interviewed on a Wednesday for a Monday start. I had two days to quit my job, pack up a car, and move to LA,” he said.
That was three years and about 15 professional credits ago. Most recently, Harvey was a Stereoscopic Assistant Editor on Marvel Studios’ 2024 release, “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
Harvey shared his story and his career-building tips with Sonoma State students and alumni during the October 29 segment of the “Industry Insights” series offered by the SSU Alumni Association and SSU Career Center. Each guest appears in a live webinar with a Q&A component that is recorded and available afterward on YouTube.
“I am where I am today because of Sonoma State,” he said, attributing both his personal development and professional opportunities to the university.
Harvey said his interest in film started at 7 years old, and he completed all class projects through middle school by making stop-motion movies. In high school, he took a class in live-action filmography and began editing videos for various clubs.
“I wasn’t convinced I could make a career in film, though,” he said. So he chose communication studies as his major at Sonoma State, hoping to use his film/editing skills in a marketing role.
Partway through his first year, Campus Movie Fest (CMF), known as the world’s largest student film festival, came to Sonoma State. Movie Fest challenges students on each campus to make a five-minute film in seven days, from which judges select the top 16. Three days before the deadline, a friend convinced Harvey to join him in creating a submission. At the awards ceremony, he received their first win with the festival. By the time Ryan was in his senior year, he had received five separate wins, and won Best Comedy on the national level for his final film, “Citrus Dawn.”
“I thought, maybe there’s something to work with here,” Harvey said. He joined the Studio Blue class as a sophomore, was elected its general manager in his junior year, and worked in video production for Seawolf Living.
It was after graduating, while on a Studio Blue alumni panel, that he met one of the many SSU alumni presently working in the film Industry
“While on the Zoom, that person messaged me in the chat and said that if I had any interest in moving to LA, I should email her. I jumped at that opening,” he said, adding he emailed her many times.
Harvey told current students and alumni interested in the field to reach out to the many SSU alumni who have made careers in film, and suggested they look up profiles on LinkedIn.
“In film, 90% of leads come from people you know. I’m at a studio right now that has 10 to 11 different Sonoma State alumni at it,” he said. He cautioned newcomers to have humility before approaching anyone.
“Treat every conversation like it’s a big favor and you are appreciative of them and their time,” he said. “And regardless of what you have done, or how many achievements you have had, assume that with your first job you are starting over.”
Most of all, Harvey advised job seekers to be clear about exactly what role they want to land in the business.
“Don’t aim for someone at the top of that category; find someone who is just one level above where you are right now,” he said.
Keys to Success
Harvey said he was diligent about getting the skills and credentials needed to land jobs, including teaching himself relevant editing software and taking the time and steps needed to join the Motion Pictures Editors Guild. He attributed his success on the job to interpersonal skills that he developed and honed while at Sonoma State.
“In the film industry, you are dealing with people from all over the world and with huge personalities,” he said. “Because of SSU’s tight-knit community, I learned how to get along and work with those with different backgrounds from my own.”
As a freelance editor, Harvey said having a reputation for being easy to work with and maintaining a good attitude – especially under the stress of long hours and tight deadlines – has served him well.
“Studios keep a tight network of people,” he said. “How you are on the job determines whether you will get the next one.”
Behind Harvey as he spoke from his office were posters of movies on which he has worked, including “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3,” "Thor: Love and Thunder,” and “Deadpool and Wolverine.” A webinar participant asked if working on films was still exciting for him.
“Seeing your name in credits never gets old,” he said.
Watch the full video of Harvey’s Industry Insights webinar.