Director / Writer Ryan Combs

Compton, CA, 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 co-owner of Ironhog Motion Pictures, also head of acquisitions for Urban Home Entertainment 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. “Poverty is an excellent motivator,” says Combs. By age 20, Combs started working for the Home Depot and pursuing his dream in the film industry. By age 23 he was the co-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”, “ 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 that 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 his success. After a recovery period, Combs directed his next film “The Hit,” starring Blair Underwood (Madea's Family Reunion). Recently Combs completed his multi million dollar film “Animal 2” starring Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible III). Today Blockbuster Video, Wal-Mart and Hollywood Video stores stock Combs’ films for consumers to rent and purchase. Combs is now in development on his eighth film “King Of The Avenue” also starring Ving Rhames. 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.