Actor/writer/producer and occasional director, Ryan Barrett, stumbled into the film industry while attending a small preproduction meeting for an 'ultra' low budget film entitled DESPERATE SOULS in the late summer of 2001. Having attended the meeting to assist as a crew member, Barrett was surprised and honoured to be offered the lead in the film, which he gladly accepted, and subsequently began his on-set, practical film school. The film went on to international distribution through Lions Gate/Alliance Atlantis, and has appeared on TMN and IFC in numerous repeat rotations.

Though the film's creators all admit it is no masterpiece, the entire experience cemented Barrett's love of the art form and all its facets. He went on to play a principle role in KILL, directors Chad Archibald and Philip Carrer's follow up to 'DS', a role in the Lions Gate/Maple release PSYCHO WARD; as well as the lead in the upcoming NEVERLOST from Black Fawn Films, and principals in the soon to be released I CHOOSE CHAOS; IF A TREE FALLS; DEAD GENESIS and FAILING LIGHT.

Barrett has acted under a variety of very talented up and coming directors in the Canadian film industry, ranging from said features, to a long list of music videos and short films.

A born cinephile, his love of film and dissecting their methods of storytelling, and visual presentation paired with his ever long love of writing, amalgamated into screenwriting; which in turn sparked his venture into directing. Beginning with music videos, Barrett stepped up to co-direct alongside Philip Carrer, a project they also co-wrote and produced, the yet to be released feature film FAILING LIGHT. In summer of 2008 Barrett again teamed with Carrer, writing and producing the upcoming feature IF A TREE FALLS, premiering summer 2010.

Ryan has graciously enjoyed much tutelage, practical experience and has observed varying talented sources over the years. His goal as both actor and filmmaker is to create, convey and inspire.