Interview: Filmmaker, Ryan J. Smith On His Latest Film, ‘Kid’ & Festival Review

Filmmaker, Ryan J. Smith talks to Filmotomy about his early cinema influences, filmmaking career, and his latest film, Kid (2025). Released through Ryan’s production company, Skint Film Company, Kid (2025) follows an ambitious music producer who races to finish his debut album under a make-or-break record deal, all whilst navigating a tumultuous family life. Read below to get to know more about Ryan’s filmmaking career, his advice in making it in the film industry, and my thoughts on Ryan’s new feature-length film, Kid.

Hi Ryan, can you give us an overview on your movie background and how you started in film?

I started out making stop-motion animation films using LEGO as a young child. I then made short films and the occasional scrappy feature film as a teenager using my own minimal resources and usually zero money. This all led me to setup my own production company in 2019, Skint Film Company, under which I have produced three movies for streaming services — Lottery (2022), Talking To Ghosts (2023) and Kid (2025).

I wrote/produced/directed/shot/edited these movies myself. I’m now developing more movies and other creative projects.

L-R: Posters for Kid (2025), Talking to Ghosts (2023) & Lottery (2022)

Can you provide a summary of what Kid is about?

Kid is about burnout and obsessions surrounding career culture and progression. It’s also about endometriosis and family politics — but it’s all wrapped up in a semi-musical coating. It’s wall-to-wall music and performing. But with a lot going on under the surface which hopefully resonates with audiences and allows for repeat viewing.

Do you have a personal connection to the story and what made you have to tell the protagonist, Henry’s story?

My personal connection to the story runs very deep for many personal reasons. One of which is that I used to be a concert technician, just like the main character in the movie. So, a lot of the music industry personalities and mechanics come directly from my own experiences. It’s a funny business, a lot more physically cut-throat than the film business. So, the running thread of exhaustion certainly comes from my own experience running live events and concerts six nights a week for extended periods.

What was it like to film Kid? Can you talk us through your process from script through to production and your experience throughout the filmmaking process?

Kid has lived for many years in many, many different forms. I made a short film of the same name when I was around thirteen, which was about teenagers causing trouble when their parents went away for the weekend. The feature is very different, but the “spring in its step” energy is something I was very conscious to carry forward. We also leant heavily on the musical aspects of the story and tried our best to fill it with musical performances which carry the story forward as well as being entertaining.

BTS shots on the set of ‘Kid‘

Were there any films, independent or big-budget that inspired Kid and the reasons why?

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) was a big influence for personal reasons, and it probably will be on all my future movies that are more family-oriented. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) was another one. The goal was to try and blend social realism with something that feels slightly larger than life.

And in terms of the filmmaking process itself, which directors, writers etc. have inspired your filmmaking career so far?

Gareth Edwards and his journey making Monsters (2010) was always a big inspiration to me growing up. I don’t have any family connections to the film industry and have had to put my own blood, sweat and tears into it, which isn’t the norm at all. It’s an increasingly-closed industry, especially to working class people. So I’m glad I cut my teeth very young and learnt how to kick down doors.

Do you have a special memory working on the set of Kid? And can you share any insights on what it was like working on your latest film?

Kid is my first film to have an official premiere. It premiered at the BAFTA-qualifying Manchester Film Festival in March to a packed crowd who loved the film. That was a good night for the cast and crew to see a public audience responding to our hard work positively.

Ryan J. Smith alongside the cast of ‘Kid‘

Now onto Screenwriting, what are the three best screenplays you’ve read that you would recommend and why?

Great question because I’m a terrible reader. I can write a lot, and fast, but if I’m reading I have to read the same page a few times before it goes in. Scripts-wise, I’d say The Green Mile (1999), The Hurt Locker (2008) and Edward Scissorhands (1990) are my favourite to read and skim-through whenever I’m short on inspiration. They’re also my favourite films, so I’m biased.

Do you have any thoughts, advice or insights to inspire upcoming filmmakers and how they can get started in the film industry?

Don’t wait. If you want to make a movie, it doesn’t matter what length or what genre, or how cheap it is (the cheaper the better) — go make it. The physical act of you having moved off the sofa and made a movie, no matter how it turns out, will land you in meetings with financiers to take on bigger projects. I guarantee it.

But not everyone wants to take that first step because it does mean putting yourself out there for others to judge. If you make a movie with your friends, you can take it directly to streaming platforms. Or to YouTube and you can have people around the world watch the movie and also make money from it. Get started and have fun. Keeping it fun is the main thing. Work with a friend whenever you can.

Where can we watch your film, Kid?

Kid will be coming to streaming services soon.

Lastly, which social platforms can filmmakers connect with you on and follow your filmmaking journey?

You can follow the Skint Film Company on Instagram @skintfilmco.

Thanks for talking with us today, Ryan!

‘Kid’ Review:

Hannah’s Thoughts:

At the heart of the story, Kid is about chasing your dreams despite all the odds working against you. From family problems and tough domestic conflicts to pursuing your goals amongst a backdrop of everything being against your pursuit – money, time, and relationship problems. The protagonist, Henry personifies what we all feel – a sense that what we want to achieve in this world is often convoluted by both internal and external factors. Asking ourselves, are we enough? Can we do more to achieve our goals? And ultimately, if you persevere you will succeed at the finish line.

But for Henry, his father’s dream eventually becomes his own dream and it’s something we see him pursue throughout the story. Even without a support system to encourage him, Henry’s passion and enthusiasm for music shines through.

There’s a clear message here that we as humans can suffer through so much in life. Take such factors as Henry’s story like his personal tragedies, lost dreams, and failed relationships. But it’s really the passion and a strive for determination that will always shine brighter. It’s about finding your place in this world no matter the obstacles pushing against you.

‘Kid‘ is a brilliantly moving story – full of hope, grit, and soul.

Want to read more exclusive interviews?
Check out my interview with Makeover Movie (2022) director, Sue Ding here.