Scott Ryan is a name that might not ring a bell to many, but he is the creative mind behind the hit TV series, Mr. InBetween. The show follows a character called Ray Shoesmith played by Scott Ryan himself. Ray is a hitman who tries to balance his professional, personal, and family life, and the show’s off-beat humor and gritty realistic storylines make it an instant favorite. It’s hard to believe that the mind behind such a compelling story is an unassuming man from Australia. But Scott Ryan’s journey of determination, hard work, and passion for storytelling has propelled him to where he is today.
Scott Ryan’s career began as a stand-up comedian in Australia. He would write and direct his comedy sketches in his hometown of Melbourne, where he was known in the local comedy scene. However, his true passion was always to be a writer. He told stories, and he was good at it, but it was not until he began writing about Ray Shoesmith that he gained real recognition.
Scott Ryan spent ten years writing the script for Mr. InBetween before it finally got picked up for production. In those ten years, he matured as a writer, polishing every detail in the script. Ray Shoesmith was the first character he ever wrote, and he took meticulous care to develop him. He wanted Ray to be ordinary, in a way that people could relate to him. He said in an interview, ‘I didn’t want him to be a superhero, I wanted him to be Batman’s plumber.’
Ryan also drew inspiration from the everyday routine of being a parent. He wanted to explore how a person like Ray could still have a regular life outside of his work. Initially, Ryan had trouble getting his script noticed, but finally, FX, an American cable channel, picked it up. FX had seen the potential in Scott Ryan’s story, and with renowned American director Nash Edgerton, they worked together to produce the series. Ryan’s hard work finally paid off, and Mr. InBetween was a hit.
Scott Ryan’s success story did not end there; what’s more, his role in the show turned into an extraordinary experience. He turned into an esteemed actor and overcame his self-doubts. Ryan was a stand-up comedian with no knowledge of acting. He had only played minor roles in one of his friend’s films, but he had never imagined himself playing a lead role in a TV show. However, Ryan’s portrayal of Ray Shoesmith was incredible. He was so natural that many times viewers forgot that he was an actor. He has to be grateful actress Helen Mirren and her husband, director Taylor Hackford, are fans of his FX/Fox Showcase show Mr Inbetween. The couple urged their Hollywood agent, CAA veteran Fred Specktor, to watch both series of the dramedy created by and starring Ryan and ended up signing him.
Scott Ryan’s story is inspiring because he is an ordinary man with immense talent and tenacity. He worked tirelessly, believing that his show was great and that people would eventually see it. He wrote and rewrote his script for ten years, and he never gave up. Scott Ryan is the kind of person who never took anything for granted and believed in seizing opportunities when they presented themselves. His knowledge, skill, and perseverance have made Mr. InBetween one of the best Australian TV shows ever made, and we all look forward to what he has in store.
