VISUAL TALES: Hey Jacob! Thanks for taking the time to do a shoot with us while you are in NYC. While you were in town, you attended the Woodstock Film Festival promoting your new indie film, Brooklyn, Minnesota. Tell us about the film and what the experience was like attending the film festival? 
JACOB MORAN: There is so much backstory to this incredible film and to end up at the 25th Anniversary of the WFF and then win for best Indie and director was really unexpected. Our film was one of the first given the Indie Sag waiver during the strike. So, just the fact that I was able to work during the uncertain time on a project that not only supported our union, but was fighting for it, was incredible. Because we shot during that time, we were able to work with Amy Madigan, Cullen Moss and so many incredible actors. I had a hard time with my role at first. Without getting too much into all the backstory, the character I play is pretty much a jerk because he is a product of his upbringing. Cullen plays my father in the film and we are basically small minded, small town guys and the film goes into breaking (or not) the chains from family history. It is pretty intense and touching all at the same time. Directors Jessica Blank and Erik Jenson (who we learned was fighting stage 4 cancer just after we wrapped) are brilliant. I learned so much on this project and reuniting in Woodstock and going home with the award was really surreal. Being in this magical town at the festival was pretty incredible. From Documentaries like “Beyond the Gaze” and Paul Schrader’s “Oh Canada” we saw some pretty amazing work. 

VT: For someone so young, you already have achieved some major credits in your acting resume (both film and television), was a career in acting something you wanted to do at a very young age?
JM: Since I can remember (maybe 18 months old) I was banging on the drums. I would say my career was inspired by my love of music. On my 10th birthday we went to NYC to see “School of Rock” on broadway. That's what I wanted to do and I made it a goal. I did not get the part that year, but I didn’t give up and one year later we were signing the contract for the year long tour in 33 cities and Canada. My family has always been super supportive. Whether it was driving me to acting and music lessons or picking up our family and trekking around the country we always found a way to make it work. Having mentors and people to look up to has been important to me and I have always been taught to treat everyone with kindness. I think that has helped me along the way in ways I can’t really quantify.

VT: You are from Atlanta, Georgia. What was the process like for you in terms of pursuing your goals to be an actor? 
JM: I think the industry has changed a lot since COVID. Where it was once critical to be based in LA for film you can now tape an audition from anywhere. We are so fortunate to have great acting and taping studios like Catapult, Orbit and now with state of the art film studios like the new Assembly Atlanta there is so much here. I started training at the Orbit Arts Academy when I was ten. I was given great opportunities in the musical theatre world and then my transition to film was a natural progression for me because I was fascinated with the camera. I work closely with my mom and my team and we have done many roles and traveled all over the world for the experience and the opportunity. I guess you could say we are investing in “me.” I plan to make sure I prove to be a great investment by not only making a great living but by always loving what I do. 

VT: Besides Brooklyn, Minnesota, you also have a new film coming out in March 27, 2025, premiering at SXSW on March 9, 2025, Mimi Cave’s Holland which stars Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, Jude Hill and Gael Garcia Bernal. Can you share with us both of the roles you portray in the film? 
JM: Well, we just released “Curse of the Necklace” starring and produced by Madeleine and Violet McGraw who I adore personally and professionally. It was released in September in theaters and in late October began streaming on Tubi. It was a fun, very quickly made horror film, a genre I love and it takes place in the 60’s so getting to look and play that era was exciting. Especially the cars we brought in. I am a big car guy. As for Holland, I am SO excited to see that one. I can’t say too much, but the premise is Nicole Kidman’s character is  suspicious that her husband is cheating on her and she enlists a new friend, Gwenn to help investigate.I play Gwenn’s son, Matt. Needless to say, working with this star studded cast was pretty mind-blowing. 

VT: What do you look for in a role? Are there roles that are in your “want” list? Dream director's you would like to work with? 
JM: I am always grateful at this point in my career to have the opportunity big or small to work with great actors, directors and producers. I would love to play an action based character as I have done some pretty deep stunt and combat training. I would also like to play a role with great comedic timing. I have a pretty unique sense of humor. Because I love playing guitar and drums, something with a music edge could be pretty cool as well. I would love to work with Scott Derrickson again. He really inspired me to want to be a better actor. Two directors I dream of working with are Wes Anderson and Christopher Nolan. I really admire Anderson’s unique style and would love to be in one of his films. Going to the premiere of Asteroid City in Cannes was practically an out of body experience and inspired me even further to be a part of one of his unique and insane. movies.  On the other hand, one of my all-time favorite films is Interstellar, and I’d love to work on a film with a mind-bending concept like that. Nolan’s ability to create complex, thought-provoking stories is something I’d be thrilled to be a part of. I have watched that film over 30 times. Ultimately, I want to produce and direct. My dream is to become the best actor I can be so that I can always relate to other actors. I want to have my own production company with different business arms and I plan to help others with the same passion get their start.  I come from a family of entrepreneurs and it is in my blood. 

VT: You also performed in the theater in the National Broadway production of “The School Of Rock”. Doing theatre requires a lot of dedication and discipline. Share with us your perspective of doing theater vs. film and television. 
JM: I like this question a lot. Mostly because they are really both such different experiences from my perspective. There is nothing like a live audience. One shot (until the next show) to say your line, be your character. There is an energy from live theatre that is magical. I am fascinated though with film. I love every element from in front of to behind the camera and I love the patience and persistence that it takes to get the scene the way it needs to read to the audience. As fascinating to me is the editing process. You can take thousands of hours of film and have to drill it down to 90-120 minutes. These editors and directors are brilliant and that process is really amazing. Eight shows a week is a lot. And, so is shooting a scene over and over and over and then again from three different angles. And, I love every minute of it all. 

VT: Modeling—you are represented by one of the most prestigious agencies in NY, VNY Models. How did that come about? 
JM: VNY is insane (in a good way). Just sitting in their office gives me energy and a passion for fashion. When VNY started their model/talent arm we took a chance and submitted and in turn they took a chance on me. They are the best of the best and working on these shoots is incredible. Last month I was in everything from Chanel, Celine, YSL, Gucci and Burberry. It was incredible. The Thom Browne looks we shot blew me away. I can’t wait for others to see the photos. 

VT: Do you have a big interest in fashion? Tell us about your personal style and brands that speak to you stylistically? 
JM: I began exploring modeling last year. I've fallen in love with brands like Acne Studios, Bottega Veneta, Prada, honestly any brand with a street style vibe. 

VT: On your own time, what are some of your personal interests? Any suggestions of things to do in your hometown Atlanta, Georgia? 
JM: Atlanta is an incredible place to live and you can really get anywhere on a quick flight. I spend a lot of time on my health and fitness and activities on the lake. I love wakeboarding, jet skiing and driving the boat. You can be in the middle of the city and at the lake in an hour. Music is definitely my outlet, whether I am playing or listening. I spend a lot of time teaching myself songs, either on the guitar or piano. I also enjoy conceptualizing different business ideas and I am working on a few script ideas with some of my colleagues in the industry. 

VT: There is a lot of waiting around time on set when you are working on a film or television show, what are some of your favorite music, video games or books you always bring with you at those moments?
JM: I recently started taking this class at my school called “Banned Books” and it has been very interesting to look into books that have been banned like Fahrenheit 451 and Animal Farm. I love music, all genres and you will find me with my headphones on a lot when on break or playing a game with another actor. We even pulled out the pickle ball on the last set I was on. That was pretty fun. 

VT: With the forthcoming holiday season, what’s your favorite holiday memory? 
JM: I love Christmas time. I love the traditions our family has (pajamas, gingerbread houses, music) and just the overall vibe in both Atlanta and NYC. We spend a good amount of time in NYC and I have an apartment there. There is nothing like the holiday time in NYC. 

VT: Social media—Do you spend a lot of time on social media? If so, what are some of your favorites and why?
JM: Unfortunately yes, I do. Though I do work towards making time boundaries around it. You also have to be careful that you don’t mistake the social media world for the real world. Comparing your insides to someone else’s outside can be a slippery slope.  I'd have to say most of my time on social media is on tik tok. It's hard because I feel like my FYP is tailored to me and it knows what to put on it. I could scroll for hours watching things about film, cars, golf, etc. It can really be addicting. 

VT: What’s the best advice someone has given you in terms of how to prepare yourself in this career? 
JM: I have been so fortunate to have so many great mentors. I’ll share some of the best advice that I take with me. “Always be planting seeds” - Lexi Dorsett Sharp. If you want to make this a lifelong career form and foster relationships and help them grow. Seeds eventually grow and what may seem like a no now may become something big and beautiful later. Don’t forget to give as much as you take or receive. A little can go a long way. 

          “Go for No” - Shaun Rawls  If you keep the mindset that “no’s” take you one step closer to a “yes” you won’t get defeated. In fact it is exciting. This doesn’t mean don’t give it your all, but if you wait around for the yes you can get pretty worn down from rejection, fast. Always remember the audition is the job and the booking is the reward. Each audition is an opportunity to work a scene, grow as an actor and be seen by casting. And, in order to even receive the audition someone “picked” you. You may not be the right person at the time for the role, but if you do a great job they will remember you.