Creative Calling
A Cross-Industry Conversation Series
Cinema, Culture & the Future of Storytelling
Creative Calling returns for a special evening exploring cinema, culture, and the future of storytelling.
Bringing together filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, creators, founders, and cultural leaders, the evening will feature intimate conversations about the stories that shape culture, the realities of bringing independent films from script to screen, and the evolving relationship between creativity and technology.
Creative Calling creates space for the conversations that happen beyond the red carpet—where ideas are exchanged, collaborators meet, and meaningful creative relationships begin.
In a world where networking can often feel transactional, we believe in creating something more human: genuine conversation, creative exchange, and a community of people who understand what it takes to build a creative life. Because some of the most important moments in a creative career happen off-screen.
Speakers
Everette Taylor
Aysia Moorer
Ceo, kickstarter
Actress, Producer, Community Builder
Founder, Muslim girl
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh
Everette Taylor is the CEO of Kickstarter, the world’s leading crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Under his leadership, Kickstarter has achieved record growth, expanded its influence across the creator economy, and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies.
Taylor has also been recognized on the TIME100 Next list, Ad Age’s 40 Under 40, and Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Influential CMOs after helping lead online art marketplace Artsy to all-time growth as its CMO.
He also serves on the Board of Directors of 1stDibs (NASDAQ: DIBS) and arts nonprofit NXTHVN. A lifelong entrepreneur and advocate for creators, Taylor has built and scaled companies across technology, marketing, media, and culture.
Raised in Eatonville, Florida, the nation's first self governing incorporated Black municipality, Aysia grew up surrounded by a legacy of leadership, resilience, and community. Those values continue to shape the way she moves through the world, influencing not only the characters she portrays but the relationships she builds and the communities she creates. As both a full time social worker and accomplished actress, Aysia brings a perspective to storytelling that is deeply rooted in empathy and human connection. Her work with people every day gives her a unique understanding of the human experience, naturally informing the characters she portrays and the relationships she builds on set. After experiencing the power of creative community in Los Angeles, Aysia became intentional about building that same sense of belonging in Atlanta. Through gatherings that bring actors and artists together, she has created spaces where collaboration, encouragement, and genuine connection can flourish. Whether she's on set, working with clients, or bringing creatives together, Aysia approaches every opportunity with the same belief: people are at the heart of every story worth telling.
Amani is a global media founder, political strategist, and leading voice at the intersection of digital rights, culture, and power. As the creator of Muslim Girl, she has spent the past decade reshaping the narrative of Muslim women in the West, transforming it from a point of marginalization into a cultural and political force. Her work sits at the forefront of critical global conversations on free expression, platform accountability, and the future of the digital public square. Named one of CNN’s “25 Most Influential American Muslims,” Amani became the first Muslim woman from New Jersey in American history to run for U.S. Congress. Her first book, Muslim Girl: A Coming of Age (Simon & Schuster), is a two-time Editors’ Pick on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Labeled by The Economist as a “generation prophet,” her writing and commentary have appeared in TIME, The Washington Post, Variety, and beyond. Amani’s influence spans media, policy, and culture. She has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and has collaborated with leading institutions, brands, and international organizations. She has shared stages with President Bill Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Shonda Rhimes, Hasan Minhaj, and other influential voices shaping global discourse. She is currently building Digital Assembly, a next-generation think tank focused on redefining participation, equity, and governance in the digital age.
Paul Fino
Geoff Shotz
Ann Shoket
Content Creator, Brand Advisor
Director, producer
CEO & Owner of TheLi.st,
Founder, 10 Minutes to Togetherness
Geoff is an accomplished television director and producer whose career spans some of the industry's most acclaimed network and streaming series. He is best known for directing episodes of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Legacies, Vampire Academy, The Equalizer, Dynasty, and Shadowhunters, with his work recognized for its dynamic visual storytelling and emotionally driven performances. A member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the International Cinematographers Guild, Geoff's unique journey from behind the camera to the director's chair has made him one of television's most respected creative voices.
Ann is a CEO. Media Brand Builder. Women’s and Next Gen Expert. Bestselling Author and past Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine. With each achievement in her career, it has been Ann Shoket’s mission to help women and the next generation of leaders step into their power and to redefine ambition and success—on their own terms. Shoket made her mark launching or reimagining iconic media brands including Seventeen and
CosmoGIRL. Most recently, as owner and CEO of TheLi.st, a nationwide community of high- impact women and non-binary leaders, she is using her platform to shine a light on the impact of the loneliness epidemic on women at work and the solution that will help them rise— togetherness. Shoket wrote a widely acclaimed book, The Big Life, which was hailed by The New York Times as “a guide for women in their 20s and 30s who are hungry for a job they love, a supportive network of friends, respect from their bosses and partners who want all those things for them as badly as they do.” Shoket is a speaker for corporations and conferences, including SXSW, Cannes Lions, TEDx, The Women's Conferences, Facebook, Microsoft, Hyatt, Avon and more. She has been a consultant and a contributor for Good Morning America. And she and her work have been covered in major media including, The New York Times, NBC News, Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, and O the Oprah Magazine. Forbes named Shoket one of the “10 Most Powerful US Fashion Magazine Editors.” Folio: awarded her the “Top Women in Media” honor.
Paul Fino, known as @paulreactss, is a fragrance expert and creator who has built a community of more than 3 million followers on TikTok by making fragrance more accessible, engaging and easy to understand. His work spans fragrance education, layering, trend forecasting and product discovery, and has evolved beyond content into product development, scent direction, consumer insight and launch strategy for leading beauty and fragrance brands including OAKCHA, Bath & Body Works, Summer Fridays, NOYZ and Snif.
.jpeg)
Tristen Tarp
Matthew Cancel
O'Neil Thomas
Filmmaker, Playwright, Talent Publicist
founder & CEO,
Cancel Communications
Actor, Creator
Matthew is the founder and CEO of Cancel Communications, a New York-based communications and creative agency working across entertainment, music, fashion, technology, and culture. Named by Business Insider as one of the best PR firms for talent and creators, Cancel Communications has become known for its work at the intersection of traditional media, talent, digital culture, and entertainment.
His work has included campaigns and projects for Instagram, Meta, NBCUniversal, bbno$, Kiel Tutin, Haley Baylee, CG5, and more, with his team securing coverage across outlets including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, PAPER, HYPEBEAST, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times. Cancel has also worked across major cultural moments including New York Fashion Week, the Met Gala, the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the VMAs, Governors Ball, and Lollapalooza, developing campaigns and experiences that connect entertainment, media, fashion, and internet culture. Through Cancel Communications and its creative arm, Cancel Creative, he has built an agency focused on bridging traditional communications with the evolving ways talent and brands build cultural relevance today.
O'Neil is a full-time actor and creator with a passion for performance, particularly sketch comedy. When O'Neil isn't honing his skills in acting classes or auditions, he dedicates his time to writing and producing comedy sketches and relatable videos online. He originally started making content about 10 years ago, but it wasn't until 2020 that he decided to pursue content creation as a career.
In addition to his work in entertainment, O'Neil is a passionate advocate for mental health, using his platform to raise awareness and foster conversations around the harms of bullying and the importance of uplifting one another online.
Tristen is an award-winning playwright and filmmaker. Her previous film, Bark (Monica Potter), is currently on the festival circuit and Oscar-qualifying. Bark was honored with the Best Comedy Screenplay at the Broad Humor Festival and was featured in the LA Shorts International Film Festival. Tarp's television scripts have been finalists in Scriptapalooza and Fresh Voices, while her plays have been produced for multi-weekend runs in Southern California. Her latest film, Getting to That Age stars Romy Reiner, Carter Jenkins alongside Emmy nominees Sharon Lawerence and Matt Walsh. The film’s trailer recently debuted in The Hollywood Reporter and is looking towards a 2027 festival run. Tristen is currently based in Los Angeles and originally hails from Orange County, CA.
Amanda Etemad
Head of marketing, Creative Strategy, School for Moral Ambition & Partnerships Advisor, Nimruz
Amanda is the Head of Marketing at the School for Moral Ambition, managing the content and partnerships strategy for an audience of 2 million followers. She also manages creative strategy for Nimruz—an Iranian arts & entertainment incubator—and serves on the board of art gallery Vox Populi, helping connect artists to the resources needed to bring their projects to life.
Moderators
Emanuel Okusanya
editor, strategist, storyteller
Emanuel Okusanya is a New York-based editor, strategist and storyteller working at the intersection of music, culture and media. Most recently, he served as Music Editor at EBONY, leading coverage across R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats and global music. His work has also appeared in Variety, where he has covered artists including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage and Megan Thee Stallion. Previously, he worked at Warner Music Group across media relations and artist strategy. His career spans editorial, communications, brand partnerships and live programming. Emanuel continues to expand his work across editorial strategy, programming and brand storytelling.
Producer, time studios
Carmen Cee
Carmen is a Producer at TIME Studios, where she develops and produces documentary and nonfiction storytelling across culture, entertainment, and social impact. Her credits include the acclaimed Prime Video documentary Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, which she produced in partnership with TIME Studios, Roc Nation, and Amazon MGM Studios, as well as Netflix’s jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy. Most recently, she is producing a documentary with Stevie Wonder exploring the making and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Meet the founders
Melody Baha
Founder, Actress, Filmmaker, Creator, Audience Engagement Strategist
Marisa Hernandez
Founder, Actress, producer, CREATOR
Melody is a Persian American actress, filmmaker, creator, and creative entrepreneur working across film, media, events, and culture. She is the Founder and CEO of Melodically Productions and Co-Founder of The Creative Calling Series, where she develops programming and creative experiences that bring together storytellers, founders, creators, and industry leaders. As a writer, director, and producer, Melody develops original projects centered on culture, identity, representation, and human connection, with a focus on creating work that sparks conversation and expands whose stories are seen and heard.
Melody also serves as Senior Manager of Audience Engagement at TIME, where she leads audience curation, guest-experience strategy, and creator-driven audience growth for global TIME events.
Marisa is a Mexican American actress, producer, author, creator, and entrepreneur based in New York City. She is the Founder of 22 Pictures Production Company, which is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and underrepresented communities through film and storytelling. She is also the Co-Founder of The Creative Calling Series, connecting creatives through meaningful conversation, networking, and inspiration. The author of Grandpa’s Our Hero, Marisa is passionate about creating impactful stories and empowering the next generation of storytellers.
Red Carpet Conversations with
Jack Maloney
Webby-Award nominated Comedian, Actor, Creator, Writer &
Comedy Video Producer, Betches Media
Jack is a Webby-Award nominated Comedian/Actor/Creator/Writer with over 150,000 followers across platforms. Jack currently works as a Comedy Video Producer at Betches Media and has trained in stand-up, sketch, and improv at UCB, the PIT, Manhattan Comedy School, the Comedy Cellar, and Second City Chicago. He was a 2023 and 2026 YASSS Fest Semi-Finalist and is currently on house sketch team "First Wife" at UCB NY. BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University and @thejackmaloney on all platforms!
6:30 PM — Doors Open + Welcome Reception
Red Carpet Interviews
Jack Maloney, Webby-Award nominated Comedian, Actor, Creator, Writer
Comedy Video Producer, Betches Media
IG: @thejackmaloney, TikTok: @thejackmaloney
7:20 PM — Welcome Remarks
SPEAKERS
Melody Baha, Co-Founder, The Creative Calling
Marisa Hernandez, Co-Founder, The Creative Calling
7:30 PM — PANEL I — THE BUSINESS
Beyond the Film: How to Fund, Build & Market Your Story
MODERATED BY
Amanda Etemad, Head of Marketing, The School for Moral Ambition, Creative Strategy & Partnerships Advisor, Nimruz
SPEAKERS
Everette Taylor, CEO, Kickstarter
Tristen Tarp— Filmmaker & Playwright
Paul Fino — Content Creator & Brand Advisor IG: @paulreactss TikTok: @paulreactss
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION
A candid look at the gap between having a great idea and successfully bringing it into the world. From funding and execution to branding, marketing, and audience building, this conversation explores how filmmakers can not only make great work, but tell the story of their work in a way that gets people invested.
8:00 PM — PANEL II — THE CRAFT
Beyond the Screen: The Art of Storytelling
MODERATED BY
Carmen Cee, Producer, TIME Studios
SPEAKERS
Geoff Shotz —Director, The Vampire Diaries, CW & We Were Liars, Amazon Prime
Aysia Moorer — Actress, A Different World, Netflix
O'Neil Thomas — Actor & Creator
IG: @oneilthomas TikTok: @oneilthomas97
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION
An intimate conversation exploring the craft behind powerful storytelling, from directing and performance to creative collaboration, developing memorable characters, finding your voice, and understanding how storytelling evolves across traditional and digital platforms.
8:40 PM — PANEL III — THE CAREER
Creating Your Own Path: Building a Sustainable Creative Career
8:25 PM - Cocktails & Networking Break
MODERATED BY
Emanuel Okusanya, Editor, Strategist and Storyteller, Ebony Magazine
SPEAKERS
Matthew Cancel - Founder & CEO,
Cancel Communications
Ann Shoket - CEO & Owner of The Li.st, founder of 10 Minutes to Togetherness
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh - Founder, Muslim Girl
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION
There is no single path to a creative career. This conversation explores how today's artists and storytellers are creating their own opportunities, embracing multi-hyphenate careers, navigating pivots and rejection, building meaningful relationships, and creating sustainable lives that allow them to keep doing the work they love.
9:10 PM — CLOSING REMARKS
SPEAKERS
Melody Baha, Co-Founder, The Creative Calling
Marisa Hernandez, Co-Founder, The Creative Calling
9:30 PM — COCKTAILS + CREATIVE COMMUNITY NETWORKING RECEPTION
10:30 PM — OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY in partnership with Open Air Club
Agenda
