Hi, my name is Ryan Shovey, and I am fundraising to keep me and my dog, Charlie, from being evicted. I moved to Los Angeles ten years ago, alone and on a train. I had nothing. I had to crash on a friend’s kitchen floor. But, I found full time work. Ten years later, I was able to create a life, get my own apartment, buy a car with cash, and get a dog. Charlie is named after my favorite film legend, Charlie Chaplin. He was a rescue during the pandemic, and he has been the best little buddy who could have ever entered my life. I am here now, full of humility, on behalf of myself and Charlie.

I work in the film industry as a freelance assistant editor, online editor, color assistant, and colorist. I have worked full time for a few post production companies, but had to return to freelance during the pandemic. Since then, I have had some of my best years financially, especially last year. My work usually dries up during the holidays, from Dec-Feb, but last year was the first where I wasn’t worried. I had made enough to coast through the dead season and focus on the reason why I moved to LA in the first place, to write and direct feature films. My freelance work always picks back up in February, so I lived accordingly to that expectation. I even received the largest tax return of my life this year. Life was looking up for when work kicked back in. But, work never picked up. At first, that was fine. Not only did I have my tax return, I also had my unemployment. My feature screenplays were placing high in contests, even won first place at a film festival. My recent short film got sold for distribution. I was making connections with producers to get my films going. Things were looking up.

Then, in May, we had the writer’s strike. Work was slim for my low-level freelance job, but now it was non-existent. My unemployment gave me $900/month, which was not enough for rent. Luckily, my landlord was understanding enough to let me pay what I could during the strike. I was caught up on rent, and never late. In great standing. But, the strike went on. After month #2, my unemployment depleted.

So, for the past 6 months, I have relied on whatever small jobs I could pick up here and there, none of which paying enough for even one month’s worth of rent. Money went to survival (utility bills, food for me, and food for my dog, Charlie).

I believe in the strike. I’m a writer. I wanted a fair deal for when I hopefully join the WGA. I marched on pickets as often as I could, until I sprained my ankle and was laid up for a month. Even still, I met for picket lines. I was active about the strike on social media. All I could do was help fight, write my screenplays, and work as much as possible. I have a couple hopeful opportunities with two of my feature scripts. I may actually be able to direct my first feature film, soon! Unfortunately they are super low budget and not happening soon enough.

And still… freelance work has not materialized. My day job has not returned. I’m $10,000 behind in rent, and my landlord wants me to start paying full rent again. And here we are, both strikes have ended just as we enter the dead season for freelance post work. All of my savings are depleted. I’m constantly down to a few hundred dollars here and there to buy food for me and Charlie. I have nothing to fall back on. If I have to start selling my filmmaking gear, then I won’t have the equipment I need for my freelance work OR my independent film production work.

I’m at the lowest point I’ve ever been, financially and emotionally. It’s the holiday season, and I could absolutely lose my apartment. I can’t afford this rent with any other type of work. I own a two door car, so I can’t drive for Uber/Lyft, and can’t risk a car payment just to still not make enough for rent. I have submitted to the Entertainment Community Fund… but, so has everyone else in my position in Los Angeles. They are on a 4 week delay, and I’m still waiting for someone to be assigned to my account going into my 7th week. I can’t borrow money. I’ve called in every favor. This is my last resort. I want to get back to work. I want work to be plentiful enough for everyone again. I normally make a minimum of $6,000 in a month’s worth of normal freelance work and cover all my bills. This is far from a normal year.

I’m asking for $6,000. I know it will only cover half of what I owe for back rent, but, it would be enough to help me at the moment. And, if more help comes through, then this will relieve enormous amounts of constant stress.

I need help like I’ve never needed help before. The $6,000 will mostly go towards 2 months worth of rent, catching up on a few bills, and surviving through the holidays. If I am lucky enough to make closer to $10,000, then I will be back at square one with rent, and able to coast until either freelance rolls in, or my first low-budget feature film moves into production.

Charlie was a rescue, having been returned twice before I brought him home. I promised him that he’d never be returned again. If I lose my apartment, I honestly don’t know if I will be able to keep that promise. I’ve never asked for financial help in this way, so very public. I’ve never needed to. I know it’s close to the holidays, too, so this is a risk. But, if you find it in your hearts to help me stay in my apartment, please know that you’re helping me keep my promise to Charlie. You’re helping me stay sane with my emotional stress. And, you’re helping me simply survive after a complete industry shut down.

Please share my story with your friends and family. I am humbled and forever in your debt. Thank you, and happy holidays.