Creators By Moonlight

Actor William Mark McCullough left behind a legal career and entered show business with no connections. Since then, he's shared the screen with the likes of Tom Cruise, Glenn Close, and Amy Adams. Mark explains why embracing himself instead of desperately trying to become a character was the key to his acting success, as well as why struggling actors should get out of the classroom and focus o...

Shawn runs the collectible finance YouTube channel Reserved Investments, a low-fi, straight-shooting channel that serves as a counterpoint to the traditional online FOMO and hype surrounding comic books, graded video games, Pokemon, and other categories. Shawn has decades of experience with antiques and collectibles dating back to his formative years and feels an obligation to help others, yet des...

Renowned historian and licensed Gettysburg battlefield guide Garry Adelman tells the story of how he harnessed his passion for American history and made it his career. He talks about the similarities we share with the people of the past, some ways Civil War photography still bests our digital devices, and how he uses the power of YouTube to bring the battlefield to the living room through his posi...

Vic Ferrari is a retired NYPD officer and detective turned author. Following a 20-year career as working in organized crime and auto theft units, as well as responding to 9/11, he now writes about many of his stories from his time behind the badge. Some of his published books include NYPD: Law & Disorder, Grand Theft Auto: The NYPD's Auto Crime Division, and Confessions of a Catholic High...

Self-taught voiceover artist Nastasia Marquez tells the story of how she turned post-grad disillusionment into a sustainable creative career. In the past 7 years, she has completed over 4,000 voiceover projects for clients such as Mercedes-Benz, GE, Adidas, as well as for independent content creators. In this episode, she talks about the college dilemma, the future of voiceover, and how to get sta...

Curtis Judd came from a long line of accountants, but found himself repeatedly exploring the photography section at his college library. His passion for photography opened a rabbit hole that led him to learning lighting and eventually sound as well. Seeing that knowledge on the latter was sorely lacking, he created two YouTube channels dedicated to aiding filmmakers, podcasters, and musicians with...

Faced with mounting film school debt, Phil Ebiner turned his technical skills into an online teaching empire when he founded Video School in 2012. Since then, he has taught more than 2.5 million students photography, videography, editing, and graphic design on Udemy, Skillshare, as well as his own platform. In this episode, he talks about the new models of education, vital skills for content creat...

Photographer Carmen Davailus retired from a 40-year nursing career, then turned her hobby into a second career when she launched the non-profit Doggies for Dementia to give back to those most in need. In this interview she talks about the unexpected creativity of the medical field, the challenges brought on by dementia, and giving back in retirement. Carmen's Links Website: https://doggiesford...

Filmmaker Royce Freeman talks about his passion for writing scripts and then wearing as many hats as necessary to ensure they get made. In this interview, he talks about his unique half Jewish, half Southern roots, maintaining creative control, and why you don't have to rush to achieve a breakthrough. Royce's Links IMDB: Royce Freeman (I) Facebook: Royce Jo El Freeman Facebook: Freeman Fil...

Manchester-based podcaster Christian Reeve talks about the formation and production of his show where he carries on authentic conversations with experts and interesting people from all fields. He also talks about the courage to pursue creativity as a career, being a multi-potentiate instead of a specialist, and the current state of the saturated field otherwise known as podcasting. Christian's...

Comedian JC Coccoli grew up in Pittsburgh and decided to make a career in show business despite any formal connections. Since then, she has appeared at The Laugh Factory, on Last Comic Standing, Chelsea Lately, MTV's Hey Girl, and is currently a comedian-in-residence with Carnival Cruise Lines. In this interview, she talks about how Michael Keaton inspired her as a child, life on the ocean, an...

Rohini Devasher is an artist from Delhi, India. Much of her work is inspired by science and nature, and these interests have resulted in many interesting opportunities, including spending a month on an oil tanker in the Pacific and visiting astronomical observatories around the world. In this interview, she talks about the difficulties of getting started as an artist, why she sees art as an expres...

Redditor BarclayMcClay gives an account of the phenomenon that was r/Place, a global collaborative art canvas that took place during the first few days of April 2022. He talks about joining the GreenLattice community to battle The Void, runaway national flags, and to create a safe home for smaller works of art. He also discusses the greater meaning of r/Place, and what it might reveal about humani...

Suzanne Massingill offers a unique perspective on the entertainment industry as a talent agent and former casting director. She offers advice for actors seeking representation, clears up some of the common misconceptions that surround acting, and gives her views on the industry post-2020. Suzanne's Links: Website: barefootagency.com Facebook: Barefoot Models and Talent Show Links: YouTube: @Cr...

Willow Osborne is a musician from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. At age 3, she decided the banjo would be her life's work, and she continues that work nearly 20 years later. In this interview, she talks about her life as a child performer, being featured in an IMAX movie, and life as an independent music artist. Willow's Links YouTube: WillowOsborne Instagram: @willowosborne Deering Banjos GHS S...

Mark Ruppert tells the story of how he created the 48 Hour Film Project, an annual filmmaking competition that takes place in over 100 cities worldwide. He talks about how he's kept The 48 going strong for over 20 years, tips for excelling at it, and advice for filmmakers of all levels. Mark's Links: Website: 48 Hour Film Project Facebook: 48 Hour Film Project Show Links: YouTube: @Creator...

Comic book creator Led Bradshaw tells the story of how he created the Jake Jetpulse universe alongside his son Jake, and how they use it not only as a creative outlet but as a way to highlight autism awareness. He talks about liking comics before they were cool, the business side of art, and how a chance interview on The TODAY Show reinvigorated his creative pursuits. Led's Links: Website: The...

Kelley Wilson Robinson fell in love with acting as an adult and had to make sacrifices to pursue her dream. In this interview, she talks about leaving a teaching and cheerleading career and her marriage, how kindness contributes to her on-set success, and why she feels solidarity with her fellow artists. Kelley's Links IMDB: Kelley Wilson Robinson Instagram: @kelleywilsonrobinson Show Links Yo...

Robert Morales, known on YouTube as Traveling Robert, travels the U.S. in his RV, making high-quality travel content along the way. In this interview, he talks about how he quit his job and gained 200,000 subscribers, some of the many places he's been, and where the road might lead to next. Robert's Links YouTube: Traveling Robert Website: https://travelingrobert.com/ Podcast: Living the R...

Filmmaker Matthew Manyak overcame childhood trauma by dedicating himself to bringing the stories he'd written to life through film. In this interview, he gives advice for new filmmakers, talks about being the youngest attendee at the American Film Market, and how he grew his passion into a career that yields a five-figure monthly income. Matthew's Links: Website: https://www.matthewmanyak....

Writer, filmmaker, and actor Mike Messier shares the story of what drove him to create the Avalonia Film Festival, now in it's seventh year. In addition to giving advice for filmmakers, he talks about his love for pro wrestling, scoring his first on-screen role directly from Cybill Shepherd, and practical tips when moving for a better life. Mike's Links: Website: https://mikemessier.com/ F...

Model & Actor Monica Rivera tells her story of how she got started in the entertainment industry and her journey so far. She discusses moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland, choosing between IT and the arts, and how she landed a role on the Legends of the Hidden Temple reboot. Monica's Links: Website: https://www.monicamarierivera.com Instagram: @monicamarierivera YouTube: Monica Rivera...

Singer-Songwriter GraceAnne shares her story of how she has pursued music and lately, acting, how her faith in God manifests in everyday life, and how it guides the important decisions she makes. GraceAnne's Links: YouTube: GraceAnneOfficial Soundcloud: GraceAnneOfficial Instagram: @graceanneofficial Show Links: YouTube: @CreatorsByMoonlight Instagram: @creatorsbymoonlight

Sergio Halabi's first memory was watching a tank roll down his street and open fire. His early experiences caused him to question everything, and to eventually found the podcast Paradigm Shift, where he asks the big questions about existence. Note: This episode contains descriptions of warfare. Sergio's Links: Podcast: Paradigm Shift with Sergio Halabi Instagram: @paradigm.shift.experience...

Actor Grant Henley shares some of the lighter moments from his experiences on the stage and film sets, including accidentally knocking a co-star out cold and trying to bum a cigarette off of Jim Caviezel. He also talks about unconventional jobs, the agent problem, and having a child in show business. Grant's Links: IMDB: Grant Henley IMDB: Emerson Henley Show Links: YouTube: @CreatorsByMoonlig...