Ryan Combs

Compton, California, synonymous with violence and drugs, has chewed up and spit out many of its inhabitants. Suffering loss is not uncommon for families in this area, but writer, director & producer 'Ryan Combs' (qv)' story is an exception to the rule. By the age of 11, Ryan had lost both parents to the drug trade, even hearing of his Mother's brutal death on the evening news. Grandmother Catherine Riggs took took sole custody of Ryan and his older brother Lamont, until just a few years later when she had a heart attack at work and died. Ryan was forced to live with families of friends from the neighborhood, and as the years passed he continued to suffer the repercussions of drugs and violence as he witnessed many life-long friends being shot to death, including Lamont. At age 20, Combs began working for Home Depot, while pursuing his dream to work in the film industry. In 1999, at 23, he was the owner of a motion picture company where he had written, directed and produced his first independent film entitled, "Straight Out of Compton." As life was beginning to look more positive for the young entrepreneur, he moved away from the dangers of Compton and continued to further his career with his second film "Dirty Kopz". Combs spent his Home Depot earnings to purchase camera equipment, and then turned his investment into profit by renting the equipment to other production companies. Combs began to get calls to work and show off his directorial skills, and during this time of success, he directed, wrote and produced three of his own independent films "Gangster Party"," Rhythm And Honey" and " I Accidentally Domed Your Son" (Lions Gate). Combs then directed his next films "The Hit," starring Blair Underwood (Madea's Family Reunion), and the multi-million dollar film "Animal 2" starring Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction, Mission Impossible). While taking a break from directing, Combs wrote "Phantom Punch" for director Robert Townsend. Shortly after, Director 'Ryan Combs' (qv) signed a two picture deal with Ving Rhames, making "King Of The Avenue" and "Wrath Of Caine". Combs continued to write and direct, with his marshal law action flick "Double Tap". Being a fan of the 1970's blaxploitation films, Combs teamed up with Pam Greer to do "The Consequence Of Renzo Wes" (AKA "Mafia"). Unlike his family, Combs has beaten the odds by escaping death, and succeeding in the Hollywood film industry. He has managed to rise above stereotypical views that many associate with African-Americans born and raised in Compton. His current work, "Stranded On Death Row", written and to be directed by Combs, is the fascinating tale of Suge Knight and his record label with Dr. Dre, Death Row Records, the beginning for many of the biggest names in Hip Hop. This is the only biopic with Suge's authorization, and tells the gritty story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records and it's key players, and is sure to be the next success story for Director 'Ryan Combs' (qv).::CLO