Our latest digital cover features actor Jacob Moran who will be starring in two upcoming films which were recently announced. He will star alongside Christian Convery, Scarlett Estevez, and Megan Stott in William Atticus Parker’s Greatest Night of Summer as well as in Delfine Paolini’s psychological thriller Sky, Zyprexa, Night, alongside rising Broadway star Casey Likes.
Known for his roles in The Black Phone, The Curse of the Necklace, and Holland, Jacob will now be adding executive producer to his credits. He will be executive producing both Greatest Night of Summer and Sky, Zyprexa, Night.
In our exclusive cover chat, Jacob discusses his two new projects and what it means to step not only in front of the camera in leading roles, but behind the camera as well. He reflects on his past roles and how they will help him prepare for his future ones, as well as getting to work with his real-life friend, Christian Convery on their upcoming film.
Exclusive photos for Popternative Magazine by Jonathan Puente
Hair + Makeup: Francheska Nieves
Styling: Wojciech Christopher Nowak
What can you tell us about your role as executive producer with your two upcoming projects? Has this new experience given you a different outlook on the production aspect of films?
Jacob: Being an executive producer has opened my eyes to how much goes into making a film before anyone ever steps on set. With Greatest Night of Summer and Sky, Zyprexa, Night, I have been involved in casting, financing, and logistics, and it has made me realize how important every department is to the final result. I’m excited to continue learning as we move along. My goal is to put myself into every part of creating a film so I can truly understand the process from the ground up. It has given me a deeper respect for the work behind the camera and made me even more committed to storytelling as a whole.
How different is your approach in preparing for a new role? Do you have a specific kind of mindset or routine, or does it differ depending on the project?
Jacob: My starting point is always the script. I break down the dynamics between every character and figure out how mine fits into that world. On projects with large teen ensembles, a lot of characters can feel similar, so understanding everyone helps me shape how I react and how I stand out. I build relationships between the characters during prep, even before stepping on set. I also create playlists and watch films for inspiration. I try to watch a lot of movies, so If I see a character that feels similar to mine, I study what works and then find my own version of it. Preparation is ongoing, I keep discovering new layers as time goes on. At the same time, I always bring pieces of myself into the character, because I believe authenticity is what connects most on camera.
Do you bring experiences you’ve had from past roles to new ones in terms of preparation?
Jacob: Definitely. The Curse of the Necklace and The Black Phone were great examples because both roles had very little written backstory. With Billy in The Black Phone, for instance, all I really knew was that he was the paperboy. So, I built everything else myself, how he walked through town, how he spoke to neighbors, how he acted with friends, even what he did for fun. I wrote out full character profiles and created playlists to lock into the mindset. That level of detail helps me respond naturally in scenes, because I already know how the character thinks and behaves. I still use that same process on every role now.
Greatest Night of Summer is your first lead role; how will you prepare for not only the role itself, but also the leadership components you will bring to the film?
Jacob: I have learned a lot just by watching strong leads on previous sets. Seeing how they show up every day, how they treat the crew, and how they carry themselves taught me what leadership on set really looks like. For me, the most important thing is creating a positive environment where people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. I want the set to feel open and supportive. It is a big responsibility because as the lead, the energy starts with you. You are a big part in creating the environment. Working with actors like Ethan Hawke and Nicole Kidman showed me what it means to bring focus and commitment every single day, and that is what I aim to do.
You’ll be starring alongside your friend, Christian Convery, in the upcoming Greatest Night of Summer. What will the preparation process be like working with someone you are already close with?
Jacob: Christian is one of my best friends in real life, and in the film we play best friends as well, so that connection already exists. We are doing read-throughs together and breaking the script down as collaborators. Even though our real friendship helps, we are still finding ways to shape these two characters as their own people. We push each other creatively, and I think that trust will translate naturally on screen.
What can you tell us about your character in Sky, Zyprexa, Night?
Jacob: Filming a movie set in the 1990s is exciting because the behavior and rhythms of life were very different than they are now. My character, Evan, carries a lot of emotional weight. He is dealing with the loss of his mother, a grandmother and sister struggling with mental health, and a deep sense of isolation. It is a psychological thriller, so much of his conflict is internal, which has been challenging in the best way as an actor.
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