Black and white portrait of a man with glasses and a beard, seated on a chair against a dark background, wearing a plaid shirt and jeans.

Not just my story to tell…

Born and raised in the Steel City, Ryan Rust is a Director and Executive Producer with a deep commitment to cinematic, community-rooted storytelling. With over 11 years of experience spanning the corporate, agency, and independent film worlds, Ryan brings a unique blend of creative vision and strategic leadership to every project.

As the founder of Venture Road Pictures, Ryan has built a reputation for blending raw authenticity with high-end production value. His films have won several awards and are currently streaming on WQED / PBS, reflecting his passion for honest narratives and visual excellence.

Ryan’s work is defined by a collaborative spirit, often leading a trusted network of local composers, cinematographers, and editors to bring complex stories to life. Whether directing an intimate documentary or leading a large-scale production, his focus remains on creating compelling, multi-platform content that resonates deeply with audiences and honors the diverse voices of the region.

Best Documentary Short - Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

Best Documentary Short - Arizona International Film Festival

Awards

Behind-the-scenes shot of a restaurant filming scene, with actors seated at booth tables, crew members operating cameras and equipment, and a crew member with a clapperboard in the background. The restaurant has brick walls, hanging lamps, and colorf
People standing and sitting in a pizzeria, with a sign that says 'La Rossa's Family Pizzeria' in the background.
Video camera monitor displaying a scene with four people in conversation inside a restaurant, with framed photographs on the wall in the background.
Behind the scenes of a food shoot in a restaurant, with a camera crew filming a woman and another person at a table, various lighting equipment, and a brightly lit set.
Film crew shooting scene of a woman holding a dog in a living room with three women observing
A man and a woman sitting on a sofa being filmed by a crew member with professional lighting and camera equipment in a cozy living room with sunlight and houseplants
Behind-the-scenes of a film or TV show being shot in a living room, with actors seated on a sofa and crew members working around filming equipment.
A man standing on a wet stone pathway outside a house, surrounded by professional lighting and filming equipment, holding a spray hose with water, with a smile, during a video or photo shoot.
Filmmaking crew filming a scene with a young girl sitting at a table in a studio. Crew members are adjusting equipment and guiding the girl, who is speaking or acting for the camera. The studio has a large white screen, framed photographs on the wall
Film crew filming outdoors with a large camera, the crew members are conversing, with a fire truck and greenery in the background.
A man and a boy are in a blue-lit room, with the man operating a film camera on a rig while the boy stands on a small platform at a sink, washing his hands.
Crew filming a man looking in a bathroom mirror with colorful purple and white walls, modern lighting, and a small sink.
Two men are having a conversation backstage at a performance venue, with one man wearing a colorful, patterned shirt and glasses, and the other wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic, wearing glasses and a headset.
A man wearing glasses and a colorful short-sleeve shirt standing indoors with a space-themed background and purple lighting.
Two young men, one with glasses and short brown hair, and the other with curly dark hair, are brushing their teeth together in a colorful, modern bathroom with purple and blue walls. There are round wall lights, shelves with items, and a water bottle
A woman wearing a pink headband applying makeup while seated in front of a green screen set, with studio lighting and filming equipment around her.
A man operating a camera rig outdoors in front of a wooden shed with a colorful sign, surrounded by greenery.
A man with glasses and a black cap with a yellow 'P' logo, smiling and engaging with a child sitting near a window, in a casual indoor setting.
A firefighter in full gear being interviewed by a film crew on a residential street.
A firefighter in uniform and helmet shaking hands with a young boy holding a firefighter helmet, while a woman and another man look on in a yard outside a house.