This academic year, the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design, welcomed a new storyteller, filmmaker and producer, Darren Moorman, in residence. With the goal of sharing stories and creating connections with the students, Moorman will visit students during classes, hold office hours and host a campus-wide screening for all CAVAD majors.
Moorman founded Reserve Entertainment and has been making films for more than 20 years, including the 2021 Netflix Original “Blue Miracle” and “Monster Summer” starring Mel Gibson, which became the number one streamed movie on Paramount Plus in 2025.
Looking forward to helping more CAVAD students during their time at California Baptist University, Moorman shared what inspired him to accept this partnership with the university and CAVAD.
“I’ve always taken interns over the years, so I love giving back. I had a mentor for years in the film industry, and it’s been very impactful for me,” Moorman said. “I see this as a way to help CBU and be a mentor to filmmakers and give them some ‘real-world’ experience. That’s what is in my heart, to guide and mentor young Christian filmmakers.”
Scotty Biddle, junior film major with a concentration in post-production, shared what excited him the most about the partnership between CAVAD and Moorman.
“What I am most excited about [with] this partnership is the hands-on experience he can provide to the students and the attention it may bring to the CAVAD programs,” Biddle said.
Moorman has had deep connections in Hollywood for 20 years, and this long career inspired hope to CBU students, especially film majors who are still figuring out how to build their careers in the industry. Biddle said he planned to make the most of the opportunity.
“I would like to learn what it takes to work in Hollywood,” Biddle said. “And what steps he took to get there.”
Moorman’s influence extended beyond film students tell stories. He also aimed to help other CAVAD majors tell stories through their work.
Kaylee Harwood, sophomore double major in interior design and philosophy, said Moorman’s experience offered valuable insight to all students
“He brings experience from the secular world. I thought that was really interesting. It is very inspiring to see that he is in Hollywood but still honoring the Lord,” Harwood said. “I think that one-on-ones are going to be very cool for students. I saw him talking to students at the CAVAD event. It will be beneficial to get to know him and his story.”
Storytelling is a universal form of art that extends beyond filmmaking or writing into other kinds of media.
Inspired to explore storytelling through interior design, Harwood explained what excites her the most about Moorman’s presence on campus.
“I feel like all of his connections can help others know more about CBU, and connections are important to branch out because having a creative career can be very risky,” Harwood said. “I think Mr. Moorman is just another connection to ensure that California Baptist University is making disciples to go out to the secular world and industry.”
Knowing that entering the real world can be challenging for students, Moorman explained the lessons he hoped to share.
“The importance of making sure that you get the story right is very important to me, and that is the hard work of getting your story accurate. What matters to me is the power of the story. If we can tell powerful stories, that is what matters to me. As Christians, we should be telling the best stories,” Moorman said. “I really hope to be able to open up opportunities to CBU students, especially film students, to get into film stuff and have a real-world experience.”
Pursuing an artistic career can be challenging, Moorman offered advice to students finding their path.
“I just want them not to be scared of being storytellers. I think storytellers are going to be the ones to change the world. Jesus was a great example because he told parables,” Moorman said. “As Christians, if we can tell and find the best stories through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, we can do amazing things. As simple as it is, it’s not about me, it’s about Him.”
As Moorman said, storytelling is one of the most significant ways to change the world and glorify God. While the journey is full of challenges and mistakes, Moorman hopes to help CAVAD students find their path in the industry, tell their stories and make the world a better place.
