I'm an advocate for all that is well-made, well-designed, and thoughtful. I build and tell stories for a living. And while I travel a lot, I love St. Louis. If you do too, let’s chat!
once films
Once Films is a boutique video production firm found in the heart of St. Louis. We are the only National Addy Awards winners in both cinematography and editing — a testament to the holistic approach we have about filmmaking. Once is an amazing team of aligned individuals focused on serving our clients with the best work possible as efficiently as possible. We are meticulous about process, but treat each story like art. It’s beauty and pragmatism rolled into one.
Once is nationally recognized for its documentary work, has a wall full of Emmy, Addy, and Clio Awards — but the crowing achievement is the $1,500,000,000+ we’ve helped raise for St. Louis non-profits. It makes us proud to do good work for good people.
STL.org
What began personal project and collaboration amongst friends, has morphed into a robust effort to promotes small business, artists, craftspeople, creators, makers, and doers in St. Louis. Our new site, STL.org, is the home of our classic Spotlight Series® films along with written interviews and other creativity-centric content. As a grassroots nonprofit, STL.org strengthens the community by spotlighting unique characters and connecting their work to a regional audience. We believe that by telling deeply human stories, we share the richness of St. Louis culture.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
It’s important to me to be of service; it’s how I grew up and how I’m wired. While I hope that shows up in everything I do, there are times I make that extra leap. I’ve spent countless hours involved in global and domestic disaster response. I’ve trained in everything from rescue diving to firefighting. I’m an EMT. I’ve been there for people’s worst days. Those worst days are where I’m challenged to be my best.
Curiosity Building
Found on Locust Street in St. Louis’ Midtown Alley, you can’t drive by and miss the neon sign bearing its name. Curiosity houses the Once Films studio along with an independent gallery, living space, and workshop. It features many original elements from its 1913 origin, but also modern technologies like a solar array that generates 100% of the occupant’s power. You’ll see custom-engineered stairs and hidden doors, and each element is created in a thoughtful and cost-conscious manner. The building project was recognized with St. Louis’ Business Journal’s Building 2020 Award as the most socially and economically impactful development project under $5 Million. The space serves as an experimental play space and an evolving example of adaptive re-use within the city.
CIVIC ADVOCACY
I believe In the bright future of St. Louis; I think its a great place to live, work, and play. This city has served as an incredible canvas for me to build a business and great life, and pursue all of the interests on this page. I hope to spread that good feeling to as many people as possible.
I’m proud to be part of the #STLMade movement, am a founding member the Greater St. Louis Inc. Chair’s Council, have championed dozens of non-profits though various works, and aim to be a small but influential part of driving St. Louis forward in any way I can.
Fine Print Small Press
Sometimes, when you want to see cool things in the world, you need to help make them. Along with my good friend Jim Harper, we started Fine Print Small Press Publishing as a shot to make things and complicate the process. We’ve created some really cool books, and records, and whisky, and posters, and cards. Did we bite off more than we can chew? Sure. Who knows what’s next.
Bio:
Chris Ryan is a multi-disciplinary filmmaker, publisher, and entrepreneur based in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the founder and creative director of Once Films, a video production company specializing in creating cinematic, emotionally-driven content for businesses and organizations throughout the United States and beyond. Chris has worked extensively in advertising and marketing, with six National ADDY Awards and twenty-five Emmys to his credit, helping companies such as Sephora, Allen Edmonds, and John Boos & Co. tell their stories through video, social media, and other channels.
Chris also founded STL.org, a hyperlocal, nonprofit website that serves as an editorial platform for creativity, art and community in St. Louis, and often explores complexities of the human experience. Overall, he is a creative and driven individual with a passion for storytelling and community building.
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Board President | STL.org
Board Member | Art St. Louis
Board Member | The Luminary
FOCUS Leadership St. Louis Cohort 49
Chair’s Council Founding Member | Greater St. Louis, Inc.
314 Day Steering Committee Member | STLMade
Communications Manager Region VII, Support Manager, Global VERT Member, Search & Rescue, EMT | Team Rubicon
Volunteer Firefighter, Water Rescue Team | Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District
Graphic Arts Advisory Board |St. Charles Community College
Creativity + Design Advisory Board | Alive Magazine
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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), MO
Missouri Basic Firefighter Course, Lake St. Louis FPD
PADI Rescue Diver Certification
Certified Outdoor Guide, University of Wyoming
Texas A&M EES ICS-400 Advanced Incident Command System
Team Rubicon ICS-300 Intermediate Incident Command System
FEMA IS-42 Social Media in Emergency Management
FEMA IS-800.b National Response Framework
FEMA IS-700.a National Incident Management System
FEMA IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources
FEMA IS-100.b Incident Command System
Department of Homeland Security IS-317
US Air Force Reserve Flight Security Clearance
PADI Specialty Certifications: Wreck, Night, Enriched
Air, Equipment, Search & Recovery
PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
PADI Adventure Certification
NAUI Open Water (SCUBA) Certification
NASAR Search and Rescue Tech III
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Office of the President of the United States of America (2)
Generosity Award from Doorways Housing
Building 2020 Awards, St. Louis Business Journal
Inc. 5000 List, Inc. Midwest 250 List of Fasting Growing Businesses
100 St. Louisans To Know, Small Business Monthly
National ADDY Awards, American Advertising Federation (6)
Regional and District ADDY Awards, American Advertising Federation District 9 and the St. Louis AdClub (60)
CLIO Advertising Award
EMMY Award, NATAS Mid-America Chapter (27)
Award of Excellence, Communication Arts (4)
Honors Award, Art St. Louis
Applied Arts Awards, Applied Arts Magazine
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