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 Ryan Combs' story is an exception to the rule. Writer, director, producer and CEO of Ironhog Motion Pictures. Combs' upbringing was not all sugar and spice. As a child, he was overcome by poverty; and dealing drugs became the norm. At age 5, Combs lost his father, Odis, who was murdered as a result of a botched drug deal.Six years passed and Ryan, with his older brother Lamont, continued life in Compton with their mother Carol Combs, and grandmother Catherine Riggs, until tragedy struck again. Eleven-year-old Combs returned home from school one day to learn of his mother's tragic death via the six o'clock news. She was raped and brutally murdered. Her body was shoved into the trunk of an abandoned car by her attacker. Carol Combs' murder was never solved.Grandmother, Catherine Riggs took sole custody of the boys, until four years later when she had a heart attack at work and died. Ryan was only 14 and unable to live independently, so he was forced to live with families of friends from the neighborhood. 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.By age 20, Combs started working for the Home Depot and pursuing his dream in the film industry. By age 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 film 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 to make extra income. Combs began to get calls to work and show off his directorial skills. 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) . The tragedy in the Combs family was not over yet. One afternoon in 2001, Combs got a phone call telling him that his only brother Lamont was shot and killed. Ironically, it was in the same manner in which his father died. Combs contemplated getting revenge on the people who murdered his brother, yet, with support from his friends he was able to remember the importance of life, and ending the perpetual cycle of violence. He also felt if something happened to him, his whole family would have died in vain, Combs knew he was responsible and needed to make sure his family name lived forever. After a recovery period, Combs directed his next film "The Hit," starring Blair Underwood (Madea's Family Reunion). Next, Combs completed his multi-million dollar film "Animal 2" starring Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible III). While taking a break from directing, Combs wrote" Phantom Punch" for director Robert Townsend. Right after, Director Ryan Combs signed a two picture deal with Ving Rhames. Combs and Rhames went on to do "King Of The Avenue" and "Wrath Of Caine". Not stopping to breath, Combs went on to write and direct his marshal law action flick "Double Tap", then, being a fan of the 1970's black exploitation 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. Show less «