Ryan Huffman is a Los-Angeles based producer and the founder of Huffman Creative. His dedication, entrepreneurial instincts, and innate creativity have earned him a versatile and reliable reputation among his peers. Ryan began his career in entertainment as an Associate Producer for National Geographic, then as a producer for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ music television network, Revolt TV. After two years at Revolt, Ryan transitioned to freelance producing, gaining skills and experience on over 150 projects. Eventually, Ryan began his own company, Huffman Creative, and has worked with brands and artists like Drake, Bad Bunny, Ariana Grande, Audi, Nike, and more.
We spoke with Ryan for expert advice on succeeding in entertainment. His greatest mission is to help brands and creators fulfill their visions and make an impact. To help anyone who aspires to work in film, music, and television, Ryan shares these ten tips:
- Be a big fish in a small pond.
Smaller production companies and startups can give you more opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities. You have the potential to make a more significant impression on a small team and work right beside more experienced people. In turn, you often get more responsibilities and can grow exponentially fast.
- Be irreplaceable.
No matter your job, be the best at it and consistently seek to improve your position. Ryan started at Revolt as a Production Associate and created new systems that improved existing methods and boosted efficiency. These became permanent additions to the show’s production and eventually earned him a promotion. When you become irreplaceable, you’re also much less likely to be let go and have a greater chance of being given more responsibilities. Be versatile and adaptable, and learn new skills. Do all you can, even if it is “below” you.
- If you never ask, the answer is always ‘no.’
Ryan asked for his first three promotions. Even if the answer is ‘no’ a hundred times over, it’s always worth asking. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and telling your employers what you want to achieve allows them to help you in return.
- Be a ‘Yes’ person.
Ryan got to where he is by saying yes to every opportunity, never saying I can’t. Taking the chance and pushing your doubts away is an excellent way to learn. Everyone has to start somewhere. Never be afraid to take the first step or make a mistake.
- Be persistent.
Follow up with people, chase opportunities, keep growing, work longer, and work harder. When you’re down, think of the goal and what can come from it. You will remember the achievement, not how tired you were. Be polite, professional, and a problem solver. Show people that you care.
- See everything through.
You will be better at your job and all you do if it’s complete. Do what you can to get it done, and finish strong. If you work hard for weeks and then phone it in at the finish line, that is how people will remember you, not how you started but how you finished.
- Aim to do the job of the person above you.
One great way of earning a promotion is to be the best candidate for the job when it becomes available. Help everyone when you can, no matter their position on your team. By aiming to do the tasks of people above you, you will be given more opportunities and skills to work upward. When the position becomes available, you will be the best candidate for the job.
- Communicate your goals to your supervisor.
Never be afraid to tell people what you want and where you’d like to be. Employers love to hear that you’re willing to take on additional responsibilities and grow into new roles. Communicating your wishes and dreams to those above you helps them understand your trajectory and make it happen. Sharing this as a collaborative initiative, as opposed to making demands, can help build strong relationships.
- Be organized.
Nothing can bring peace and clarity quite like organization. Entertainment is a fierce and competitive space, and staying on top of things gives you a clear edge. People will rely on your speed, resourcefulness, and consistent performance and will come to you with more opportunities.
- Work as a team.
Productions are nothing without the collective efforts of people. Be someone that people want to work with. That means you’re professional, reliable, resourceful, and respectful. Be willing to go out of your way and support the process from top to bottom. Success never happens alone.
To learn more about Ryan’s production company, Huffman Creative, visit their website.
You can also connect with Ryan personally on LinkedIn and Instagram.
