WHY WORK WITH US
Our Mission
Project 9 Media House delivers cinematic and live production experiences that elevate brands, move audiences, and develop the next generation of media talent.
Ryan Thomas
Storytelling has always been at the center of my work. After studying film at Columbia College Chicago, I built my career in the real world — working freelance across a wide range of productions, learning how to adapt, create under pressure, and bring stories to life through visual media.
Over the past 13+ years, I’ve collaborated with brands, organizations, and influencers to create content that doesn’t just look good — it connects. From helping influencers grow and monetize their platforms to producing high-energy event recaps, branded films, and community-focused storytelling, my work lives at the intersection of creativity and impact.
I’ve served as a content producer for organizations including Meta 24, Promontory, Community Youth Development Institute, and True Star Media, developing projects that range from corporate storytelling to youth-driven media initiatives. My approach blends
cinematic thinking with strategy — using film as a tool to build brands, elevate voices, and
create meaningful experiences.
Today, I continue to push creative boundaries through production, education, and content
strategy, using multimedia to turn ideas into stories people remember.
Odie Q. Payne
Co-Founder, Project 9 Media House | Video Production Specialist | Cinematographer
I’m a Chicago-based video production specialist, cinematographer, and creative leader who focuses on building visual experiences that combine cinematic storytelling with the precision of live broadcast production. My background in cinematography and work in television and live production environments have shaped the way I approach projects. I’m always looking for ways to translate creative ideas into productions that are both visually compelling and technically sound.
As co-founder of Project 9 Media House, I help lead a creative media company dedicated to high-quality video production, live event coverage, and cinematic storytelling for artists, brands, and organizations. Through this work, I’ve helped develop production environments where creativity and technology come together, producing content that ranges from concerts and corporate productions to documentaries, music performances, and narrative media. My goal is always to create work that feels cinematic while building production systems that allow teams to deliver consistent, broadcast-quality results.
Beyond production, I’m deeply committed to education and mentorship in the media industry. I work closely with students and emerging creatives through partnerships with Thornton Township High School, Link Further, Alternative Schools Network, and True Star Media, helping them develop real-world skills in filmmaking, storytelling, and digital media production. Whether I’m producing content or teaching the next generation of creators, I see video as a powerful tool for storytelling, community connection, and cultural expression.
Kennedye
Communications Coordinator — Project 9 Media House
Kennedye is the connective tissue behind Project 9 Media House — the voice that keeps
clients informed, conversations moving, and every production running smoothly from first inquiry to final delivery. With a background in communications and a natural gift for building relationships, she brings warmth and clarity to every touchpoint.
Whether she's coordinating logistics, managing outreach, or making sure nothing falls through the cracks, Kennedye shows up with the kind of energy that makes people feel taken care of. She's an integral part of the P9 team and the reason our client experience feels as polished as our production work.
WIll Ruth III
Will is a creative media professional and visual storyteller known for capturing life’s most meaningful moments with purpose, precision, and cinematic intent. As a key member of a high-level production team, he brings a collaborative spirit and a refined eye to every project, contributing to dynamic visual experiences across weddings, live events, and studio productions.
With a strong foundation in photography and videography, Will specializes in creating timeless visuals that preserve emotion, energy, and detail. Whether documenting the intimacy of a wedding day, the vibrance of live events, or the controlled artistry of studio sessions, his work reflects a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and storytelling. Each frame is approached with intention, blending technical skill with creative instinct to deliver visually striking, narrative-driven content.
Grounded in professionalism, creativity, and authenticity, Will’s approach goes beyond simply capturing moments. He crafts experiences that elevate each client’s vision while enhancing their personal or brand identity. His attention to detail, clean aesthetic, and ability to capture genuine emotion allow him to consistently produce polished, high-end imagery and films that resonate long after the moment has passed.
Christopher “Lock” Lockridge
Christopher “Lock” Lockridge is a Chicago-based photographer and multimedia creative whose work lives at the intersection of music, sports, and culture. As a core contributor to a dynamic production team, Lock brings a bold visual perspective and an instinct for timing that allows him to capture moments charged with energy, presence, and authenticity.
Known for documenting some of the most influential voices in hip-hop and contemporary music, Lock has photographed artists such as Lil Durk, Future, Lil Yachty, G Herbo, Clipse, and Robert Glasper. His lens has also covered major cultural stages including Summer Smash, Hyde Park Summer Fest, and Lollapalooza, where he captures not only the performance, but the pulse of the crowd, the atmosphere in the air, and the story unfolding between artist and audience.
Lock’s style blends raw access with intentional composition. Whether courtside, backstage, or in the middle of a festival crowd, he moves with awareness and precision, turning high-energy environments into powerful, lasting visuals. His work reflects a deep connection to Chicago’s creative landscape and a commitment to documenting culture as it happens, unfiltered and alive.