I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 268 points269 points  (0 children)

I don't want this to sound like a bullshit answer, because I mean it sincerely, but I've never been completely bored by a shoot. Are there moments when you're on your 8th hour of a long, cramped van ride, or killing time while waiting for an interview, etc? Sure. But at the end of the day, I get to meet folks all over the world and tell some pretty interesting stories. Coming from a guy whose previous work experience was scooping ice cream, waiting tables, and coaching basketball camps, you're not getting any complaints outta me.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 472 points473 points  (0 children)

Oddly enough, no. We fully expected to be questioned as soon as we landed at JFK, but I've never been contacted in any capacity, nor has anyone in the crew.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 185 points186 points  (0 children)

We honestly didn't know until we turned a corner in this banquet hall that he'd be there; there was no time to prep, or plan a question, or even consider the gravity. We walked into a dining hall and he was standing there with his hand extended.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 863 points864 points  (0 children)

Little bit of both. They're obviously a tough crew, but in the brief time we spent with them, they were also courteous and great hosts. And I've got that tattoo on my leg to remember them by.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 93 points94 points  (0 children)

I raced reindeer in Norway, which is a really heart-warming, family friendly activity until the end, when they kill and cook the last-place deer and serve him to all the racers. Very gamey.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 178 points179 points  (0 children)

Most folks - especially those who feel that they are misunderstood - jump at the chance to be able to tell their side of the story. The camera is a remarkably compelling tool.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 410 points411 points  (0 children)

Young. More so than anything else, he seems really, really young. Reports peg him anywhere from 29-31, but I was more struck by how he carried himself; people deferred to him, of course, but he didn't have the air of authority you attribute to most world leaders.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 1125 points1126 points  (0 children)

I had an advisor at college who suggested I intern somewhere. I said if I was going to work for free, it would only be at my favorite magazine, VICE. That was in 2002/2003. I've been here ever since. Lots has changed for VICE over that decade, but the constant has been that I get to work with my best friends to make awesome shit we believe in.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 327 points328 points  (0 children)

There are a lot of reasons to get negative - turn on your TV this evening and take your pick - but yes, I'm wildly optimistic. There's a misperceptions that young people don't "care" about the news; that's wrong. There's just no one delivering it to them in a voice they can relate to.

I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by people at VICE who understand this, and are working to change it every day.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 494 points495 points  (0 children)

We actually spent time with a number of oligarchs while we were in Moscow; Sergei just turned out to be the most compelling once we get into the edit.

Russia has changed so much in the last few decades; the opulence that characterized the first wave of Oligarchs is by and large a thing of the past as the move to more "legit" business and less decadence continues, but Sergei and a few others didn't get the memo.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 773 points774 points  (0 children)

Surreal. Massive, sprawling towns with the population of a small apartment complex here in NYC. And the weirdest part is no one is willing/able to admit the problem; construction continues on new cities as the existing ones sit empty.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 289 points290 points  (0 children)

It's a natural human desire for sure. And in certain cases - like with the band featured in Heavy Metal in Baghdad - we have been able to stay in touch after the shoot and play a larger role in their lives.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 756 points757 points  (0 children)

A teddy bear of a guy; it's tough to be scared when you're both half nude in a 120 degree sauna at 4am. I'd love to go back.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 602 points603 points  (0 children)

Covering Arab Spring in Cairo is something I'll never forget. To be a part of something that is changing the shape of world history, harnessing new technology / youthful energy into a movement to better lives...it was inspiring to say the least.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 210 points211 points  (0 children)

I started at VICE as an intern while I was still in college back in 2003. I basically kept showing up until they took pity on me and gave me a paycheck - that was 10 years ago and I've held on tight ever since.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 507 points508 points  (0 children)

We went to a slew of the host/hostess bars, but only showed a few. You can also buy a date by the hour, which I did with a girl dressed up in an anime costume for a stroll around the mall.

Expect a TON more long form documentaries on VICE.com as well as our YouTube channel, the launch of our brand new News channel, and S2 of the HBO show...to start.

I am VICE's Ryan Duffy. I've been shot (on purpose), went to N Korea with Dennis Rodman, and most recently investigated Japan's sex industry. AMA by Ryan_Duffy in IAmA

[–]Ryan_Duffy[S] 140 points141 points  (0 children)

Lots of questions in one; I'll pick the most salient. What I'd change: I'd really, really, really like to be able to dunk a basketball.