Student Ryan Killackey’s short film made up of 10,000-plus photos, “A Day in California,” captured the hearts of thousands on Aug. 8. The Biola University pre-med sophomore woke to about 400 emails in his inbox after the video “A Day in California” went viral. By that afternoon, it had been viewed more than 300,000 times. The short film, which is a time-lapse compilation of more than 10,000 photographs, showcases the vast beauty of California and is meant to be an ode to the Golden State.

Killackey and his wife, Sheri, spent nearly two years collecting the photos for the film. The Huffington Post, The Washington Post and NBC picked up the video three days after Killackey posted the video to his personal Vimeo account.  

Giving credit to his wife as the inspiration for the film, Killackey told the Huffington Post, “I chose to make this film about California so that I could take her [Sheri] to places that she had never been to. It was truly a great adventure.”

He was surprised by the feedback his film has been getting, however, has enjoyed hearing how it has impacted others.

“Every comment that I have received goes straight to my heart and will not be forgotten,” Killackey told the Huffington Post.

A Day in California from Ryan Killackey on Vimeo.

Read more about Killackey’s film in his Q&A with the Huffington Post.

View NBC’s article, “A Day in California: Count 'em: 10,000+ photos make up this stunner of a video.”

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at 562.777.4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.