Thanks for agreeing to do this, Ian. I recently came across some of you hilarious reels and was instantly hooked. These are among those that made me laugh out loud:
You ask a Rhode Islander for directions to the beach.
Ordering New England foods in an Italian deli.
You’re driving in New England.
So where do you find your inspiration?
I think when it comes to my content it’s pretty simple. If you’re from here you get it. I’m not necessarily reinventing the wheel when it comes to my ideas. Each video draws inspiration from what I believe is relatable for all of us — from our family to our friends and everyone in between. I create my content based on my own experiences, stories I’ve heard and the stereotypes of the region. I think that’s why I’m fortunate to say it does well. We all know “that person” within my storytelling. But that’s what makes it fun. What’s life for if not to be able to laugh at yourself, right?
So typically something in my life occurs, something in the news or I’m constantly observing my surroundings to start creating ideas. A majority of what I make content about like driving, traffic, the seasons or New England-specific things like foods and sports is truly what happens around here. There are also SO many individuals who before me did similar things that have paved the way for me to put my own twist on it. New England is an eclectic group of people, so as I mentioned the content writes itself. I just take these details of our area and turn them into my own style. Sometimes I script things out if it’s complicated and requires certain details or execution but most of the time I just improvise and let it fly. That’s what makes it organic and feel authentic. In my opinion, that’s what makes it me! I have so much fun with what I do.
Let’s get into your background. Where did you grow up and what schools did you attend?
I’m born and raised here in Rhode Island. I moved away for a small stint in my early 20s to Florida, but as we always do, I moved back. I’m from Westerly, attended school systems there and attended Bishop Hendricken for my freshman and sophomore year. I’ve attempted college a few times going to the Community College of Rhode Island for various degrees but nothing ever stuck for me.
Have you always had your distinctive sense of humor?
Tough to say. I would say I’ve always tried to be a funny guy, a class-clown type. Within my friend groups or family settings, I’m for sure a jokester. But to be honest, I just love entertaining and making people laugh.
Your reels and some of your other work also offer keen cultural commentary. When did that come into the mix?
I wouldn’t say there was a time or period I started it. As I mentioned, I think it all depends on what’s going on around me, in the region or just by chance what creative ideas happen to come to life on the day of filming.
Who else besides you acts in your reels?
I will sometimes include others, but usually that is a fellow creator or a business owner if I’m doing collaborative work. But most of the time I will act alone and record everything myself.
You also have an acting career. Give us an overview, please.
I began acting in theater in my youth. I was also in the theater program at Bishop Hendricken. After that, I hadn’t acted for about seven to eight years. Then I began film-acting again in my early 20s and it’s been a journey since. A majority of my large-name work has been background on large productions. But I’ve been fortunate enough to work with so many incredibly talented local artists, directors and producers in the New England region for student films, independent and commercial work — even being a lead in a feature-length film. I always say anyone and everyone who can should try background acting. It’s for everyone and it’s so awesome/fun to see how movies are made!
We took special interest in Surface Tension: A 48 Hour Thriller Short Film. Tell us about that.
Every year Rhode Island holds a 48 Hour Film Project. They’re super fun projects. Being the actor, you really get the easiest job as the script and stories tend to be on the shorter side. But it’s an awesome way to get some amazingly talented people together in a short period of time to write, produce, film and edit within a 48-hour window of time! I’ve participated in a few over the years. The genres, topics and filming process is always super creative and fun to be around. This particular project was written and directed by Alyssa Botelho.
You also model. An overview, please.
I began in my late teens and have stayed steady since. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing people and had it turn into some awesome projects! Being that it’s an art, I truly believe it’s for everyone. So anytime you have an opportunity, get in the lens and say cheese.
What’s next for Ian Brownhill?
I’m currently working on launching my own marketing/creative consulting company. I’ve learned a lot in the past five years creating content and I believe I can help others. But for now with my own content I’m going to continue in the direction I’ve been going creating and trying to entertain!
And lastly, we occasionally ask this question: Tell us one thing most people might not know about you?
Not sure there’s anything specific. Since the launch of my So New England Podcast I’ve shared a lot more about myself with my audience. I think maybe a fun fact would be that I’m actually a bit of an introvert. I spend most of my time at home or in nature and prefer my own company with my wife and dog. I’m a pretty calm and patient person versus my characters, which I think would come as a surprise to most.
Editor’s note: You can find Brownhill at his website, on Instagram, on TikTok (where he has 1.3 million followers), X, and Facebook.
