Five years ago, Philadelphia area native Ryan Downey was sitting at dinner with his cousin, two ex-girlfriends, and a future love interest, maxing out another credit card in what was the first of many desperate weekends attempting however vainly to complete his first independent film. He would run out of money long before Souvenir City, a fun, energetic dramedy following two best friends at the beach on a fool's errand, would ever be finished. Four years ago, he would be forced to give up on yet another, more modest project when his partner informed him she was parting ways. Several higher concept projects were never even attempted. And while the skit videos funded through his start up company, Buncha Haxe Films, would achieve a collective thousands of hits, they failed to provide the momentum really needed to jumpstart his career.
Out of money, out of a partner, and out of patience, he turned to a project he never put much weight in. A one-off idea that had hit him one night and somehow stayed in his stream of consciousness for years. With no better options and a great idea, he did what any self-loathing, misanthropic, substance abusing, Irish American would do. He wrote a book.
Born in Darby, Downey was raised in the small town of Aldan and attended high school at Monsignor Bonner where he began to establish himself creatively. There he appeared in plays, was lead anchor on the morning news, and wrote his first full length play. His college career saw him star in several works, including Synge's Riders To The Sea and led him to Temple University where he graduated with a B.A. in Communications and Theater and a minor in History. He has devoted countless efforts and funds towards conservation and environmental causes, one of his truest passions. And he has worn out his welcome in the restaurant industry. His love life may have never led him down the aisle, but it led him to create his greatest work yet.