Meet Morgan Swank: Writer and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Swank and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The entertainment industry is sort of like working in politics. I think it seems glamourous to the outside and even those inside, but like anyone starting anything from the ground up in any industry…it’s incredibly hard. Any time it looks glamourous, it’s probably because someone wants you to believe it looks that way for them. Our wins aren’t a hollywood star on the walk of fame linear line where we work hard and someone discovers us and gives us a chance. It’s a really bureaucratic system full of rejection and needing to know anyone remotely important just to beg for your foot in the door most of the time. That sounds pessimistic, but it’s the truth and also why we started our company, Moonscar Productions. It should be an equal playing ground where everyone at least gives you a chance to pitch yourself. No need “unsolicited works need not apply” and having to send us your agent. We want equal opportunities for everyone. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded in 2018 by Blair Allison and Morgan Swank, Moonscar Productions prides itself on developing a variety of projects across film, television, commercial, theater, and the digital space. Really, anything you need, we can facilitate. We once made an ASMR commercial for SYFY, so really anything. We are committed to working with diverse creators of all genders, ethnicity, age, and background. Our company is here to help collaborate and bring stories to life from the challenging and unconventional, to the downright horrifying. We are especially dedicated to adding to our production teams to help narrow the gap of Hollywood’s gender imbalance, particularly when it comes to women and non-binary persons of color. I think we’re most proud of being able to afford opportunities in 2020. We signed on our first animation pilot for production and got a Super Bowl commercial in the same year. When March 2020 started I was worried if we would be able to sustain the company and our creative partners after the pandemic. It turns out carrying on business and changing the model a little to feature more of the community and how to help in times of need is great for business. Who knew?! This year we focused more on our role as a company in the greater landscape while production was shut down. It was important for us to add to our behavioral health component for creatives and will offer free therapy services to our clients who need it in 2021. It wasn’t easy, but I’m excited for our company to become not only an equal production hub for creators, but some place to feel safe and get the resources they need to succeed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay, if we’re talking Atlanta I’ve got the answers. With COVID-19 still lingering, the usual hangouts were altered a little bit, but anytime anyone is in town to visit or see the sights I always suggest Treehouse Pub. It’s casual and outdoors, so you can feel safe eating around other people. A lot of people in the area bring their dogs to dine, which I personally love. Another place I assume you want to go to because I do is Oakland Cemetery. Hear me out, it’s a really cool place! Walking around the Victorian cemetery is kind of like being in Wonderland. There’s always photoshoots around the tombs and lots of cool residents to learn about. Sometimes there’s even a concert going on. It’s a good time. I don’t drink, but one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to is Polaris to have a cocktail. It’s a small spinning alien spaceship on top of the Hyatt Regency downtown. You can’t miss it. I do think it’s been closed all year with COVID, but when it opens back up I’m so there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My business partner, Blair Allison, deserves a lot of the shout out credit. Without her I doubt we’d be a company. Mereb Gebremariam at Beverly Road Management is another. She opened a lot of doors for us and gave us the confidence to grow. Her mentorship is invaluable. Lastly, the Television Academy has opened so many doors for us and found opportunities for our companies and clients to thrive.

Website: www.moonscarproductions.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/moonscar_productions

Image Credits
Hannah Jimerson, Rosethorn Studios