Guiding the Next Generation of Storytellers with Ryan Watson
In a media world that never stops changing, preparing future storytellers requires more than teaching technical skills. It takes someone who can balance creativity, industry experience, and a genuine commitment to mentorship. Ryan Watson, award-winning videographer, filmmaker, and instructor at the University of South Florida, has built his career on doing just that.
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Ryan's path to the classroom began behind the camera, where he worked on cultural projects, community events, and film productions that shaped his understanding of authentic storytelling. Those early experiences continue to guide his teaching today, reminding students that growth comes through effort, experimentation, and the willingness to be uncomfortable while learning something new.
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At USF, Watson is known for designing hands-on learning opportunities that mirror real-world creative work. He pushes students to apply their skills beyond the classroom, encouraging them to take on projects that build both confidence and professional portfolios. His philosophy centers on preparation and honesty—never pretending to know all the answers but modeling how to keep learning alongside his students. I was fortunate to have Ryan as my professor during my time at USF. His instruction and the assignments in his class helped me rediscover my passion for visual storytelling.
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Outside the university, Watson continues to pursue ambitious creative projects, using film to highlight perspectives that don’t often make it to the screen. His work is driven by the same commitment he brings to teaching: an insistence on honesty, craft, and stories that matter.
About Ryan Watson
A native of Baltimore Maryland, Ryan Watson is an award-winning videographer and filmmaker, working in the Tampa Bay area since 2006. His areas of expertise include documentary production, cinematography, videography and drone videography. He has been a post-secondary educator since 2012 teaching various aspects of TV and film production in Tampa, Fl. Currently, Ryan is a Full-Time Instructor at the University of South Florida's Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications.
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Ryan earned a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in 2006. He obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree in Digital Cinematography from National University in Los Angeles in 2015. Professor Watson is an FAA certified UAS pilot and in the spring semester of 2018 he launched USF’s first drone videography course.
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His professional experience began at WTTA-38 as a creative services producer before working for the Seminole Tribe of Florida as a Video Production Coordinator in 2009. During this time, he produced hundreds of segments documenting the activities of the Seminole Tribe of Florida as well as other Native American tribes around the country. Ryan also served as the primary Video Producer for the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.
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In 2015 his film, Florida State’s 1st Seminole, won the Audience Choice Award at the Gasparilla International Film Festival graduate student showcase. He has since directed two award winning films; The Ivory League: Confessions of a Black Faculty (2021) & Paper Line (2022).
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Ryan continues to be invested in his native hometown of Baltimore, MD working as a freelance videographer/film director when he is on summer vacation from teaching.
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Check out Ryan's website.