About Ryan
Full Biography
Ryan Kane is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience, specializing in the film distribution. He has worked on 6 Oscar-nominated campaigns and over 40 theatrical releases, in addition to popular repertory titles — most notably The Studio Ghibli Collection and the beloved works of Hayao Miyazaki. He is a creative at heart and gets no greater satisfaction than building collaborative relationships with others, and takes this passionate approach into all of the work he does.
Early Experience:
He obtained his Bachelor’s from The School of Visual Arts for Film & Video, and spent his first year in the professional world learning the ins-and-outs of production (from on-set to post). Sparking his love of championing titles (dating back to his days as a video store clerk/neighborhood cinephile), he shifted his focus to his passion of film distribution. His experience began with assisting in non-theatrical sales and outreach for an Oscar-nominated documentary company Anker Productions, followed by interning at the renowned Criterion Collection/Janus Films.
Ryan next served as an account manager for Cinehost, where he assisted 12 international distributors as they entered into the (then-)new frontier of content streaming. On the side, Ryan continued to take part in film festival production, working as a Technical Director for the Brooklyn Film Festival and projectionist for other NYC-based film festivals and the SVA Theatre.
Film Distribution:
His primary experience is with GKIDS Films, where he brought the finest in international animation to North America for over six years. Starting as a small company, Ryan built out an extensive theatrical and non-theatrical sales plan and exhibitor marketing initiatives as he built relationships with some of the finest arthouse cinemas, film festivals and institutions.
Partnerships included: The Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, The American Cinematheque, the IFC Center, Film Forum, the Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago Critics Film Festival, AMC Theaters, the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, Scarecrow Video, the Austin Film Society, the Harvard Film Archive, The Museum of Modern Art, the Embassy of Japan in the USA and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
He has been a frequent attendee of top industry events and conferences such as Sundance, Cinemacon, TIFF, Arthouse Convergence, New York Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, American Library Association Annual Conference, and the National Media Market.
Global Adventures:
Ryan's journey isn't just confined to the film industry: in 2022, he embarked on a worldwide travel sabbatical, visiting 20 countries on five continents. His proudest memories include trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal and the Patagonia region in South America, stargazing in the Atacama Desert of Chile, immersing himself in the Spanish language in Oaxaca, Mexico, and trying all the street food he could get his hands on in Hanoi, Vietnam. This experience led to an increased global understanding and desire to work across cultures in his next chapter.
Whether it’s planning an extensive distribution strategy for your independent feature, or assisting your organization with copy writing and marketing for an effective outreach plan, Ryan is excited to learn more about your upcoming project and how he can best collaborate with you.
Carrying over a decade of film distribution experience, including 6 Oscar-nominated theatrical campaigns, Ryan Kane is excited to bring his expertise to your project. His roots lie in a foundation in film & documentary production, and now carries a world citizen’s perspective after almost two years of traveling the globe in 2022 and 2023.
As an Impact Producer, Ryan’s mission is to represent films from all corners of the world that inspire, spark meaningful conversations, push the boundaries of film-making, and amplify underrepresented voices. He aims to champion filmmakers and production companies that are committed to addressing environmental issues, shine a spotlight on marginalized communities worldwide, and celebrate Earth’s rich cultural diversity.
As a Distribution Strategist, Ryan is an avid cinephile with a passion for connecting great films to their rightful audiences. With an in-depth understanding of the theatrical, non-theatrical and streaming landscape, Ryan will craft inspired marketing campaigns tailored to your key audience, and foster relationships with those who will lobby your work in their respective markets. A people person at heart, Ryan will give you the honesty, insight and key support you need to successfully get your film out into the world.