Ryan Mercatante is an award-winning director based in Los Angeles. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, he has worked on hundreds of short films, music videos, commercials, and independent productions as a director, writer, producer, cinematographer, and actor.

Ryan began making films at sixteen, when he directed Disconnect (2013), a documentary examining violence in media and featuring Steven Ogg (Grand Theft Auto V, Better Call Saul, Westworld). He later directed music videos for artists including Danezion Mills and Taylor Alexander before turning his focus toward narrative filmmaking.

His work has received recognition at festivals across the United States and the world. His short film Concrete won Best Student Film at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award for Suspense/Thriller at the SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival. His latest directorial work, Dolores, is currently on the festival circuit, with selections including the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival and the Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival in Slovenia.

Ryan, a true multi-hyphenate has also worked as a cinematographer on several narrative projects. Sunshine, which he co-wrote, produced, and photographed, is currently beginning its own festival run.

His experience extends in front of the camera as well, with recent appearances on Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home and Netflix’s John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s Live. Working as an actor has given him a deeper understanding of performance and continues to shape the way he communicates with and directs actors on set.

Ryan continues to make and develop new films while working toward directing independent features and episodic television.