Vancouver-based actor and filmmaker Denise Ryan is no stranger to the subject of bullying.
“I’ve been bullied all of my life,” she told Global News.
Now the 33-year-old is tackling the subject of workplace bullying in a short film.
“I think it’s great that teenage bullying is being talked about, but more attention needs to be brought to workplace bullying,” said Ryan. “The amount of people affected, it’s just devastating.”
Ryan is part of a class with Cooked-Up Motion Pictures, run by Brandon Colby Cook. It is a three month course with the making of a short film, around 10 to 12 minutes, at the end. The class is for producers and aims to build a group of dedicated filmmakers to work in and around the province.”Because the more producers there are, the more work there is,” said Ryan.
She is nervous about producing her first short film, but is excited about the learning opportunity that comes with this project.
“There have been a lot of rock bottom moments,” said Ryan. “But as difficult as it is, it’s also a lot of fun.”
It is a topic that seems to have struck a nerve with many people.
She has received personal messages from strangers saying they have been victims of workplace bullying. “They all broke my heart,” said Ryan, “and I want them to be heard, have hope and peace in their lives again.”
“I want to reach the person that’s being bullied and the bully.”
Filming takes place on September 14 and 15, and Ryan is raising money for the project through her Indiegogo campaign, and through her website, Bravery the movie. The money raised will go to paying for food and insurance for the shoot, transportation and post-production. Any funds left over will go towards making the short film into a feature film. Ryan hopes to show the film in schools and educate others about this topic.
“This film is very close to my heart,” she said. “My intention is to inspire change for the better. Let’s get people talking about this subject that seems so taboo.”
She is also challenging businesses and corporations to stand by their word on equal treatment and a ‘No Bullying Policy’.
To get involved, donate, and learn more, visit the website Bravery the movie.
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