Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Ohm.
Ryan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Always having a deep love & nostalgia for both collecting and watching films on VHS, it only seemed natural to keep developing that hobby into something a bit ‘bigger.’ As a filmmaker, as well, linking modern day indie filmmakers into the VHS world seemed like a cool and weird move. Thus, co-founder and partner in crime, Jeremy Marsan, and I started Weird Life LTR as a bare bones, DIY style distribution company that solely releases on video tape.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Delving into a world of past mediums is real wild, but fun. We scour thrift stores, eBay, and garage sales to find tapes in good condition, both sealed blanks and used tapes that are still in decent shape. Oddly enough, we’ve found there is a cool, niche market for VHS still and filmmakers alike really dig the medium to put their work out on.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Weird Life LTR – what should we know?
At Weird Life LTR, we’re a basement run operation that distributes handpicked films (shorts, features, music/experimental, etc.) on videotape. We do everything from sourcing all the materials to selecting the films to dubbing, packaging marketing, and shipping. We don’t charge anything to folks, we solely try and make the filmmakers profit and give them a unique release platform in a digital age swamped with endless Netflix browsing and internet streaming galore.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Jeremy Marsan and I co-run the company and virtually do everything to bring it to life. We’ve had some awesome folks help us along the way in so many different ways, notably Courtney Sell (filmmaker/artist), LunchmeatVHS (tape blog), Weird Life Films (whom we operate under the name’s umbrella, as Ryan is a co-owner of both companies), Kentucker Audley (filmmaker), Kelly McHugh (equestrian/museum guru), Luisa Castellanos (artist/wizard), and so many more.
Pricing:
- Most tapes run for $15 and ship free with popcorn. However, we have sale tapes and used tapes from $2 – $13, as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WeirdLifeLTR.com
- Email: contact@weirdlifeLTR.com
- Instagram: @weirdlifeLTR
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
