Full Name
Paul Ryan
Job Title
Producer
Company
57 Films
Biography
Paul Ryan is an accomplished producer, director, and executive producer with over 30 years of experience in the film, television, and documentary industries. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Paul is the founder and CEO of 57 Films, a production company known for creating compelling factual entertainment, documentaries, and television series with both local and international appeal.
Paul's impressive portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects. Notable works include This is Port Adelaide, a celebrated feature-length documentary capturing the legacy of the Port Adelaide Football Club, and Chef Exchange, a cross-cultural food series featuring renowned chefs Jock Zonfrillo and Qu Jianmin. His projects frequently target global audiences, such as a 25-part series introducing AFL to the world and Speed, a groundbreaking 32-part series on underground racing for Chinese viewers. In recent years, Paul has documented the reconstruction of the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and developed wildlife documentaries, including one focusing on koalas featuring Jane Goodall.
In addition to leading original productions, Paul has facilitated international projects in Australia, including the Chinese drama series If Time Flows Back and the German telemovie Barefoot Through Australia. Recently, he collaborated with the UK’s Mammoth Screen and Stranger Than Fiction on scripted and documentary projects, including the feature Deeper. Paul has a number of collaborations in place with Richard Harris, famed for his Thai Cave Rescue, recent example My Underwater World (2024) TV special broadcast Nationally.
Paul is a passionate advocate for community-focused filmmaking. His contributions include mentoring emerging First Nations filmmakers through South Australian Film Corporation initiatives and producing culturally significant documentaries with Indigenous communities, such as the Narrunga and Kokatha peoples. His commitment to storytelling extends to environmental and cultural topics, including the legacy of explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins and wildlife conservation.
Earlier in his career, Paul honed his skills producing beloved children’s programs like Here’s Humphrey, C’mon Kids, and The Curiosity Show. He also managed Foundation Studios, specializing in educational content for women’s and children’s health, and served as Manager of Government Film at the South Australian Film Corporation.
Paul’s academic background in teaching and marketing complements his expertise in crafting engaging narratives that resonate with audiences. His work bridges cultural, environmental, and community themes, demonstrating a dedication to impactful, factual storytelling.
Paul's impressive portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects. Notable works include This is Port Adelaide, a celebrated feature-length documentary capturing the legacy of the Port Adelaide Football Club, and Chef Exchange, a cross-cultural food series featuring renowned chefs Jock Zonfrillo and Qu Jianmin. His projects frequently target global audiences, such as a 25-part series introducing AFL to the world and Speed, a groundbreaking 32-part series on underground racing for Chinese viewers. In recent years, Paul has documented the reconstruction of the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and developed wildlife documentaries, including one focusing on koalas featuring Jane Goodall.
In addition to leading original productions, Paul has facilitated international projects in Australia, including the Chinese drama series If Time Flows Back and the German telemovie Barefoot Through Australia. Recently, he collaborated with the UK’s Mammoth Screen and Stranger Than Fiction on scripted and documentary projects, including the feature Deeper. Paul has a number of collaborations in place with Richard Harris, famed for his Thai Cave Rescue, recent example My Underwater World (2024) TV special broadcast Nationally.
Paul is a passionate advocate for community-focused filmmaking. His contributions include mentoring emerging First Nations filmmakers through South Australian Film Corporation initiatives and producing culturally significant documentaries with Indigenous communities, such as the Narrunga and Kokatha peoples. His commitment to storytelling extends to environmental and cultural topics, including the legacy of explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins and wildlife conservation.
Earlier in his career, Paul honed his skills producing beloved children’s programs like Here’s Humphrey, C’mon Kids, and The Curiosity Show. He also managed Foundation Studios, specializing in educational content for women’s and children’s health, and served as Manager of Government Film at the South Australian Film Corporation.
Paul’s academic background in teaching and marketing complements his expertise in crafting engaging narratives that resonate with audiences. His work bridges cultural, environmental, and community themes, demonstrating a dedication to impactful, factual storytelling.
