Ryan Parrott was born in Bakersfield, CA but grew up in the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas. He briefly studied art and digital media at the University of Nevada, Reno before transferring to Chapman University to pursue a career in film. During his time there, he produced several shorts that went on to win numerous awards and screen in multiple countries around the world (including the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and 2005 Cannes International Film Festival). Upon graduation, he directed his first low-budget feature before taking up residence in the Los Angeles area.