Ryan Colaco: The Rising Location Manager and Influential Activist Shaping Media and Social Justice

In the world of media production and social activism, few individuals have carved a niche as effectively as Ryan Colaco. Known for his extensive work as a location manager in the commercials and advertising industry, coupled with his vocal activism against racial injustice, Ryan Colaco has emerged as a significant figure in both fields. This article delves into his professional achievements, personal journey, and impactful advocacy work. We will explore who Ryan Colaco is, his career trajectory, his age, and his notable appearance on Channel 4 that brought police misconduct and racial profiling into the spotlight.
Who Is Ryan Colaco?
Ryan Colaco is a highly skilled freelance location manager and scout primarily operating within the commercials and advertising sectors. Based in London, he boasts an impressive educational background with a First Class Honours degree in Business Management from Middlesex University, a fast-tracked course completed in two years instead of the usual three.
Colaco’s role as a location manager is pivotal in the production process. He specialises in scouting and managing locations suitable for filming, ensuring all logistical elements from permits to security are flawlessly arranged. His work spans across London and its surrounding counties, including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. Moreover, he has travelled extensively across the UK, including areas like North Wales and Liverpool, to facilitate shoots.
With over eight years of experience, Ryan has worked on high-profile projects involving major brands such as Adidas, Google, Amazon, Nando’s, and sports giants like FIFA. His involvement extends to music videos, commercials, and live broadcasts. Known for his impeccable communication skills, leadership qualities, and ability to manage both teams and complex projects, he is highly respected in his industry.
Ryan Colaco’s Age and Personal Profile
Ryan Colaco is currently 35 years old. Despite his age, his professional journey is marked by considerable accomplishments and maturity. His early dedication to his studies, evidenced by his accelerated degree programme, reflects a strong work ethic and ambition.
He resides in London and commutes using his own transport, though he is open to global work opportunities. This flexibility has allowed him to take on projects not just locally but across the UK, building a vast network of contacts and collaborators.
Career Highlights: A Location Manager Par Excellence
Diverse Project Portfolio
Ryan Colaco’s career includes an impressive range of projects. His expertise as a location manager and scout has seen him contribute to some of the largest advertising campaigns and live productions in recent years. Notable projects include:
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Adidas Euro 2024 Campaign
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Google Commercials
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FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcasts and Commercials
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Nando’s Advertising Campaigns
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Music Videos for Artists like Dua Lipa and Wizkid
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Live TV Shoots including ITV’s “Drama vs Reality”
His ability to juggle complex schedules and diverse locations has made him a go-to professional in his field. He is involved in every stage of location management from scouting, recces (pre-filming visits), fixing issues on location, coordinating transport and security, through to wrapping the shoot.
Leadership and Teamwork
Ryan’s leadership experience extends to supervising teams, managing colleagues within his department, and leading projects requiring high levels of coordination. He places great emphasis on transparency, communication, and professional integrity, which has earned him trust from clients and peers alike.
Ryan Colaco and Social Activism: The Channel 4 Interview
While Ryan Colaco is best known for his media production expertise, he has also become an influential voice in social justice activism, particularly in raising awareness about racial profiling and police misconduct in the UK.
The Unlawful Stop and Search Incident
In 2020, Ryan was unlawfully stopped and searched by the City of London Police near Cannon Street station, an incident he had filmed himself. This encounter highlighted ongoing issues of racial profiling by law enforcement. Ryan’s proactive approach to documenting the event brought widespread attention to the practice.
Channel 4 Interview and Public Impact
Following the incident, Ryan gave a candid interview to Channel 4 News, speaking openly about his experience and the broader problem of police racism. His articulate and heartfelt account resonated with many, sparking public debate and media scrutiny.
The City of London Police eventually issued a formal apology, admitting that the stop and search lacked proper intelligence to justify the action. This public acknowledgment was a significant moment in Ryan’s activism journey, cementing his role as a vocal advocate for racial justice.
Balancing Two Worlds: Media Professional and Advocate
Ryan Colaco exemplifies how individuals can successfully bridge their professional lives with personal passions and activism. His ability to manage high-pressure production environments while using his platform to highlight social issues sets a powerful example.
His presence on social media, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), allows him to share experiences, insights, and calls for change, further expanding his influence beyond the production sets.
Conclusion
Ryan Colaco’s journey from a driven business graduate to a sought-after location manager and passionate activist showcases the impact of dedication, resilience, and courage. At 35, his multifaceted career highlights the importance of expertise in one’s field combined with the willingness to stand up for what is right.
His professional accomplishments in advertising and media production continue to thrive alongside his efforts to confront systemic racism in law enforcement. Ryan’s story is one of inspiration, demonstrating that success in the creative industry and meaningful social advocacy can go hand in hand.