Aaron Fullan: Composer - Blog

“Dear Mr. President”: A Heartfelt Message to Donald Trump About Heaven and Grace

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:11:21 GMT

When former President Donald Trump recently said he hopes he makes it to heaven but doesn’t feel good enough , it struck a chord with millions of Americans — including me.

The video below is my "open letter" to President Trump in response to his seeming uncertainty regarding his eternal destiny.

If you find yourself asking the same question — “Am I good enough to get to heaven?” — I hope this message both encourages and challenges you.

Heaven isn’t a reward for the righteous; it’s a gift for the forgiven.

My Attempt at One of Cinema’s Greatest Monlogues

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:57:52 GMT

Despite it's age, It's A Wonderful Life remains one of the most watched holiday films of all time (and for good reason).

Directed by Frank Capra and released in 1946, the film was not considered a success during its initial release. But thanks to the dawn of television, it experienced a surge in popularity and has enjoyed a longevity that very few films from that era have been able to maintain.

What some deem the film's greatest weakness, many of us deem its greatest strength: sentiment.

"...the weakness of this picture, from this reviewer's point of view, is the sentimentality of it—its illusory concept of life." (Bosley Crowther, New York Times)

Sentimentality can be an effective and powerfully motivating tool, and It's A Wonderful Life wielded it with rare precision.

I, for one, would much rather aspire to ideals than settle for dim, hopeless depictions of "reality."

I've greatly enjoyed the film since I was a kid (especially the scene where everyone falls in the pool under the dance floor, for obvious reasons), but the older I get, the more it resonates with me on a deeper, difficult-to-explain level. Jimmy Stewart and George Bailey (where one ends and the other begins is difficult to tell) tapped into something special. A rare piece of art that accurately depitcts the struggle of "the common man." The tension of aspirations vs. the responsibility to family, friends, and community. The feelings of inadequacy, the stresses of providing for a family, the failures as a husband and father - I've experienced them all. Many of us have.

But in the end (and arguably, most importantly), the film lands us exactly where we need it (and want it) to land: Home . Our lives, no matter how messy they are, are indeed wonderful when we count our blessings (starting with the ones that live within the walls of our home).

On a more personal note, Jimmy Stewart was one of the main inspirations behind my decision to pursue a career in film. Specifically, his roles in It's A Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington . I wanted to tell stories like that. Stories of underdogs overcoming adversity, of light triumphing over darkness, of small town heroes with big dreams.

So as a tribute to the legacy of Mr. Stewart and Capra's classic film, I did something last week I've been meaning to do for a long time, but have been hesitant to do so: I took an entire morning to memorize the famous monologue from It's A Wonderful Life, study Jimmy Stewart's delivery of it, rehearse it, film it in an empty Sunday school classroom, and edit it.

It's definitely not an exact impersonation, but I did my best to evoke the spirit of the scene and include touches of Jimmy's performance throughout, both with body language and vocal intonation.

After sharing it on social media, I was so encouraged by all of the incredibly encouraging comments from so many long-time fans of the film and Jimmy Stewart, a few of which I'll highlight below:

"Impressive." - Daniel Harmon | Co-Founder of Angel Studios and Creator/Showrunner of Tuttle Twins

"Well done!!!" - Jarod O'Flaherty | Director of Vindication

"Hey, Burns and Co.! With just a liiiiiittle bit of polish, here’s your Jimmy Stewart for your biopic! ��" -

Ashley Cicotte

And speaking of biopic - yes, there is one in the works!

Burns & Co. is currently developing A Truly Wonderful Life , produced by Aaron Burns, Angela Galgani Sullivan, Justin Strawhand, and executive produced by Sam Juergens and Kelly Stewart (Jimmy Stewart's daughter).

The logline on IMDb simply reads, "America's most iconic actor and the role that saved him."

Here's the Deadline article that broke the exclusive story if you'd like to learn a bit more about it.

Although the film is already in development, I've decided to dream big and pray that I'm somehow able to play a part in bringing Stewart's story to the silver screen, whether it be as an actor, a composer, or a PA. Feel free to dream big and pray with me if you're so inclined!

To everyone who read this far and took the time to check out my work, THANK YOU! It means a lot.

And remember...

"No man is a failure who has friends."

I Wrote an Original Song for Culver’s, and It Reached the Founder and CEO Within 48 Hours

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:17:10 GMT

It comes as a surprise to noone that I like to dream big and take risks.

The last decade of my life has been fraught with almosts, not quites, and nice tries.

But every once in awhile...my cockamamie ideas work.

For example...

My outreach attempts to various movers and shakers in my industry are often met with dead air (here's lookin' at you, Chris Pratt). But the rare few that HAVE worked (Dude Dad, Candace Cameron Bure, etc.) have provided me with the "can-do spirit" necessary to keep trying.

This past weekend, I decided somewhat (ok, very ) extemporaneously to write an original song for THE Culver's restaurant franchise (recently voted "Healthiest Fast Food Burger in the Nation").

I wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and orchestrated it for full orchestra on Friday.

I recorded the vocals, and filmed/edited a short music video on Saturday.

Here is the fruit of my labor:

I was tickled pink by the immediate response the song/video received from Culver's consumers and future Culver's consumers alike (some even planning pilgrimages from non-Culverized states to try the "happiest and healthiest burgers in town!").

On Monday morning, I received word from a trusted source (who will remain annonymous at this time) that my song had been sent directly to the CEO/Founder, Craig Culver.

The following day, I was contacted by Culver's corporate via Instagram and asked for my mailing address so they could send me something. Naturally, I'm now waiting on pins and needles and my excitement will not be quelled.

Now some of you may be asking yourselves (and I wouldn't blame you if you are), "WHY DID YOU DO THIS?"

The answer is simple: Because I love Culver's . I love their food (duh), I love their Midwestern roots, I love their loyalty and commitment to sourcing and supporting local farmers, the list goes.

I am someone who is very intentional about the people and organizations I want to work with someday, and - as you can probably tell - I have ZERO qualms about making not-so-subtle attempts to make the necessary connections.

So to everyone who consistently supports and encourages me on these "wild goose chases", I hope you know how grateful I am for you and that I "see" you.

I'm not sure if Culver's will end up hiring me as a singsperson, but as I always do in situations like this...I shall keep my hopes high and expectations low.

That being said, if you want to send Culver's corporate a message via their contact page and encourage them to consider me as the world's first official singsperson, I certainly wouldn't stop you from doing so. In fact, if you do, please let me know so I can thank you properly for going the extra mile on my behalf. :)

And lastly, to anyone considering trying something "a little out there" and unconventional...let this be your encouragement to go for it. Shoot your shot. You won't know unless you try!

SOLI DEO GLORIA

Unsung Hero Producer to Aspiring Actors: “Be Great to Work With. Know Your Lines, and Understand the Character.”

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:02:11 GMT

Navigating the entertainment industry can be a challenging voyage, to be sure.

But one way you can avoid commonly made mistakes is to surround yourself with seasoned professionals that you respect and admire who can provide you with good advice and steer you in the right direction.

Producer Josh Walsh ( Unsung Hero , Jesus Revolution , I Still Believe ) has been one of those crucial connections for me.

The advice he gave me before I headed to set for my very first experience as a lead actor in the upcoming feature film Carol proved invaluable to me, and thus became the subject matter for the inagural episode of my brand new social series, Pointers From The Pros .

You can watch the full episode below (a mere 3:27 runtime).

If you find this new series enjoyable and/or helpful, please do spread the word and stay tuned for future episodes!

New Film Starring Chonda Pierce Brings Heart and Humor to the Big Screen

Tue, 09 May 2023 19:29:48 GMT

Let's face it: Clean comedies are hard to come by these days (like... annoyingly rare) .

So when I heard a new karaoke-themed comedy starring Chonda Pierce was in the works, my interest was officially piqued. And when I discovered my friend-whom-I-have-yet-to-meet-in-person Chris Dowling was helming the project, my interest was doubly piqued.

Around this time last year, I watched Dowling's 2014 film Where Hope Grows (my first exposure to his work) and explained why everyone and their mother should watch it. Read my full review here .

If you're not familiar with comedian Chonda Pierce's work, I just have one question for you...

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?

Chonda's talent speaks for itself. Her comedy, her accent, her stories...what's not to love?

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss any of her lighthearted, good-natured, hilarious content.

One more fun connection I have to this film is that one of the producers ( Ken Carpenter of Nook Lane Entertainment ) also produced a film I had a principal role in last year entitled Surprised by Oxford ! It hasn't released yet, but the trailer looks AMAZING .

Ok, so now that I've built up a little suspense and anticipation, let me tell you a little bit about the film...

It's called Roll With It and it's about a widow who waits tables at Biscuit Barrel (Cracker Barrel's little-known rival, no doubt) and finds herself entering a karaoke competition to save her house from foreclosure by a man who pooped in her sandbox.

That's all I'm gonna say.

(Trust me...it will all make sense when you watch the movie.)

Check out the official trailer below.

In addition to Chonda as Bonnie Taylor, the cast includes Judith Hoag as Bonnie's best friend Ruby, Evan Hofer as Bonnie's son Spencer, McKaley Miller as Bonnie's new boss and Spencer's new girlfriend Samantha (major plot line alert), and Mark Christopher Lawrence (who I had the pleasure of meeting on the set of last summer!) as Biscuit Barrel's fearless leader Nick (among many other talented cast members).

Who knows? You might even spot Michael W. Smith (yes, you read that correctly) and Elizabeth Hasselbeck if you're lucky.

The last actor I must tip my hat to is Jamie Alexander who plays the 1980s-obsessed showman Mark, a character you can't help but enter into a love-hate relationship with upon his first appearance in the film.

His role is exactly the type of role I love to play: "Out there", obnoxiously cocky, yet somehow lovable.

Kudos, Jamie. You nailed it, buddy.

And speaking of acting abilities...I had no idea Chonda could act, but she certainly proved herself capable of being a leading lady! I certainly hope this film is only the beginning of her acting pursuits in film.

In summary? This film is worth your eyeballs' attention and your wallet's support. If we want more family-friendly films (which we most certainly do), then we need to be intentional to support the ones that make their way to our local theaters.

When Chris sent me the Roll With It screener last month , he included this short note about the film's recent festival appearance:

"Thanks for checking this out! I really wish you could experience it in a theater as there the laughing and singing (more importantly) is contagious. I may have told you, but we were the only 'family friendly' narrative film to be invited to the Dallas International Film Fest last year -- and we actually ended up winning the Audience Award for favorite feature! Pretty wild..."

Pretty wild is right! *cue standing ovation* ��

Speaking of wild, be sure to check out the film's epic official poster below. ��

Roll With It is only in theaters May 9, 11, and 13th, so please find a theater near you (<-- just click the link and enter your zip code!) where it's playing and make a night of it with family and friends! Maybe even get one of your enemies to tag along. By the end of the film, I have no doubt you'll leave as BFFs.

Oh, and lastly - SPREAD THE WORD ! The Roll With It team is relying on a grassroots effort from folks like you and me to get people to hit the theaters this week.

As always, feel free to drop a comment below! I love hearing from you!

Aaron Fullan Inks New Deal With Chris Pratt's Indivisible Productions as 1st in-House Composer

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 19:12:38 GMT

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Los Angeles, CA - After numerous unsuccessful attempts to reach out to Chris Pratt, composer Aaron Fullan of Clinton, Iowa received an unexpected call last week that will forever change the trajectory of his career.

APRIL FOOLS!

I know I know...I'm a couple days late, but I had family visiting from out of town over the weekend, so I didn't get a chance to post this on April 1st. ��

Chris , if you're reading this and want to change this article from a joke to a breaking news story...call me. ��

35 Years In, Adventures In Odyssey Is Still Heralded By Many As "The Greatest Show On Earth" (And Rightfully So)

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:55:38 GMT

It's official: Adventures in Odyssey is turning 35.

Such impressive longevity for a show (let alone a RADIO show) begs the question, "How do they do it!?"

For those who are in the dark regarding what Adventures in Odyssey even is , let me briefly explain:

It's a radio drama (think movie, minus the visuals) produced by Focus on the Family .

Originally introduced as a 13-episode pilot series entitled Family Portraits in 1987, the overwhelmingly positive response from listeners led to a follow-up series called Odyssey USA (later renamed Adventures in Odyssey in 1988).

Set in the small, fictional town of Odyssey, each episode centers around the adventures of its (mostly) lovable residents and the important lessons they learn along the way.

In 2005, Adventures in Odyssey was averaging 1.2 million daily listeners in North America alone. The immense popularity of the show spawned a spin-off series of animated videos, board games, computer games, novels, devotionals, and yes - even action figures!

35 years later and 900+ episodes later, Adventures in Odyssey is still going strong.

As a lifetime listener of this incredibly impactful show, I have a few theories as to why many (including myself) would venture to dub it "the greatest show on earth."

Now to be perfectly honest and forthright, most of my opinions of the show are based on the first 15 years or so of its run. That was "my era", so to speak, and thus...the era I've mostly introduced to my own children.

Similar to early Pixar films, there was something magical about the early Odyssey shows in how they could entertain and challenge both children and adults alike. In my own opinion, some of the newer shows (although still popular and well-received) have lost the original "luster" that made the show a cross-generational hit.

With that being said, I think the long-term success of the show can be attributed to the following key factors: story, casting, quality, and mission.

STORY - Although the storylines of the various main characters in Adventures in Odyssey have changed and developed over the decades, there is an important through line that has remained consistent: a feeling of home . Odyssey is a fictitious place, yes. But something about it feels so...familiar. So relatable.

The town of Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show had a similar quality to it.

In well-written shows, the fact that a certain place and characters don't exist doesn't really matter. We as the audience are so drawn into the story that we gladly overlook that seemingly insignificant detail. So much so, in fact, that we often find ourselves daydreaming about how we would love to live in such a place and belong to such a community. We begin to see a Whit's End in every Victorian home we pass by and a John Avery Whittaker (or "Whit" as he prefers to be called) in every wise and seasoned man we meet.

That, my friends, is how you know you've stumbled upon something great.

Adventures in Odyssey is escapism at its finest.

The scripts are extremely well-written.

The themes are consistently relatable.

The characters are colorful, yet believable.

And speaking of characters...

CASTING - This should obviously go without saying, but the quality of actors cast in a show makes a massive impact on the success and long-term potential of said show.

The early pioneers of Adventures in Odyssey (here's lookin' at you, Steve Harris and Phil Lollar) were obviously very aware of that fact, because the cast they pulled together for the show's main characters was nothing short of perfect. One of those lightening strike moments where you not only manage to pull together an incredibly gifted team of actors, but actors who have a palpable chemistry that can be felt by voice alone.

Hal Smith as John Avery Whitaker ( Andy Griffith Show , Winnie the Pooh ), Katie Leigh as Connie Kendall ( Muppet Babies, Adventures of the Gummi Bears ), Will Ryan as Eugene Meltsner ( The Land Before Time , An American Tail ), Chris Anthony as Chris ( Barbie , Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts ), Walker Edmiston as Tom Riley ( Gunsmoke , Mission: Impossible ), and Dave Madden as Bernard Walton ( The Partridge Family , Alice ) are just a sampling of the incredible performers who have lent their vocal talents to bringing the world of Odyssey to life over the years.

Each line given to these actors was delivered in such a genuine and natural way that you never stopped to give their performances a second thought (which is obviously the tell-tale sign of excellent acting).

I kid you not, there are a few episodes that still make me cry EVERY SINGLE TIME I listen to them. Without fail. Recollections , Karen , Connie, just to name a few. Powerful storytelling coupled with some of the best voice acting you'll ever hear on radio (or even film, come to think of it).

And don't even get me started on the comedic elements of the show...

The comedic sensibilities of both the cast and crew proved to be an unrivaled combination, leading to the creation of some of the most oft-quoted episodes in the Fullan household ( License to Drive , Poor Loser , The Right Choice , Love Is in the Air , etc.).

Simply put, the core cast of Adventures in Odyssey is on par with any of television's most beloved sitcoms.

QUALITY - It is reported that in the early days of Adventures in Odyssey , each half-hour episode took about 100 hours to produce.

That fact alone is proof enough of the love and care that was put into making this show the best that it could be.

The custom sound design (including foley, which added an unprecedented sense of realism to each scene) and custom musical scores of Odyssey set the standard of quality for future generations of radio drama producers, and sparked a renewed interest in the art form itself.

Fun fact: I composed the original music for two episodes of Adventures in Odyssey , which was an absolute dream come true for me. You can learn more about that experience by watching this behind-the-scenes video !

MISSION - The most important ingredient of Adventures in Odyssey 's success? Their commitment to honoring Christ and instilling Biblical values via the stories they choose to tell.

It is so obvious to me how (and why) God has blessed this show and caused it to thrive like it has over the past 3+ decades.

I honestly can't underestimate the impact listening to this show had on my childhood, and how it helped to shape me into the man I am today. And now I have the honor and thrill of seeing my own children fall in love with it (and more importantly, learn from it) just as I did so many years ago.

Sadly (yet understandably in many cases), faith-based entertainment has a reputation for being "cheesy" and unrealistic in their depiction of what life is really like. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Adventures in Odyssey has been an exception to that stereotype.

Tackling tough topics like death, greed, divorce, alcoholism, etc. is no easy task, especially when trying to make them accessible to young children. But the producers of Adventures in Odyssey managed to find that ever-elusive, delicate balance of realism and consumability.

I applaud them for their years of godly influence on multiple generations of young people, providing parents with an important and God-honoring alternative to screen time in all of its various forms.

In summary?

If you haven't given Adventures in Odyssey a try, PLEASE JUST DO IT . I promise you won't regret it. Even if it isn't your cup of tea, see what your kids think and I'm quite confident they'll quickly become die-hard fans in no time at all. :)

If/when you do decide to dip your toe in Odyssey's Trickle Lake (if you know, you know), I'd advise you start at the very beginning so you can get to know all of the beloved characters as the rest of the world got to know them. Yes, the early episodes may sound a bit dated, but trust me...the quality of storytelling will you draw you in regardless.

You can access all 900+ episodes (and so much more) via the Adventures in Odyssey Club .

The cost is $10/month or $107.88/year ($8.99/month) for 5 accounts.

As a long-time subscriber, I can say without hesitation that it has been worth every penny for our family.

Thank you, Adventures in Odyssey ...for everything.

Your lifelong fan,

Aaron

From Homeschool to Hollywood

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:26:21 GMT

One homeschooler’s unlikely journey from growing up in rural Iowa to working with some of the biggest studios in Hollywood.

Growing up in the 1990s, the concept of homeschooling was still largely viewed through a lens

of skepticism with a heavy dose of pessimism. Many considered homeschooling to be a

disservice to children. “They won’t know how to talk to people!” “They won’t be able to get

into college!” “They’ll be ruined!”

I’ll never forget those awkward visits to the grocery store during school hours when the grocery

checker would ask the dreaded question, “Why aren’t you in school today?” After a moment of

palpable silence, I would mutter under my breath, “I’m homeschooled.” That response was

usually followed by a blank stare from the employee and some disinterested form of “Oh, is

that so?” No further questions, your honor.

Fast forward 25 years or so, people’s perceptions of homeschooling have changed dramatically,

thanks to a proven track record of overwhelming success.

As for me, I’m overwhelmingly grateful for my many years as a homeschooler back in the late

90s and early 2000s. Both of my parents worked (my dad as a full-time firefighter, my mom as a

part-time cosmetologist) and there wasn’t a large community of homeschooling families in our

small town, so it was not the obvious (or easy) choice for them to make at the time. But life is

not always full of easy and obvious choices. They made what they considered to be the best

decision for their three sons at the time, and I’m a blessed beneficiary of said choice.

One of the biggest blessings of homeschooling is being able to be the principal influence and

mentor in the lives of your own children. Teaching, training, disciplining, encouraging, raising

them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not an honor or

responsibility to be taken lightly! But it’s so worth the investment.

Each morning, we would get up and instinctively make our way to the living room to have time

in God’s Word together as a family. I wasn’t always excited for it (I wanted to sleep longer!), but

in retrospect, that was some of the most valuable time spent together as a family. It provided

the unshakable foundation on which the rest of my life has been built on, and you can’t

underestimate the importance of that.

Thanks to the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling, I learned how to teach myself (an

important and oft-forgotten quality!) and work quickly, so as to have time leftover to practice

and pursue the things I was interested in. Namely, filmmaking and music.

I diligently practiced the piano every day and made “movies” (I use that term very loosely) with

my brothers, learning the craft of filmmaking and simultaneously entertaining ourselves for

hours on end.

Believe it or not, that is exactly how I got my start in the industry that I now am working in full-

time as an actor and film composer. An unlikely career for an Iowan with no formal education in

filmmaking? I guess you could say that. But I certainly wasn’t going to let the unlikeliness of it

stand in my way. I was homeschooled for crying out loud! I never learned how to quit. It simply

wasn’t an option for me.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

(Proverbs 22:6)

Whenever I think of the importance of homeschooling, I think of this verse.

My parents trained me up in the way I should go, not only in a spiritual sense of the phrase

(obedience to God’s Word), but also in the ways God had gifted me and equipped me.

Homeschooling provided them with ample time to spot the talents and proclivities he had given

me and did everything they could to pave the way for me to pursue them (which should be the

goal of every parent!).

Was it easy for them to do so? Absolutely not. After all, the entertainment industry is fraught

with potential pitfalls, often creating content that is directly opposed to God and His Word. But

believe it or not, it is possible to be in the entertainment industry without compromising your

God-given standards and abandoning your faith. It requires a rock-solid Biblical foundation and

a strong community of fellow Christians who will help keep you accountable, but it absolutely is

possible.

But if you have a child who is interested in the arts, I encourage you to remember two things:

1.) God created art. Mankind has messed it up and twisted it in unspeakable ways, but the

original idea was God’s and He still uses art in powerful ways to communicate powerful truths.

2.) Where there is great darkness, there is always a great need for light. Hollywood is in

desperate need of light. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” is anything but

geographically limiting, and would most certainly include the soundstages and studios of Los

Angeles.

My wife and I decided to homeschool our own four children, and have recently begun that

journey with the oldest two. Although it certainly has its ups and downs (sharing the same

space with fellow sinners for extended periods of time isn’t for the faint of heart), but we

wouldn’t trade it for the world. Having the opportunity to pour into our children at all hours of

the day and take advantage of learning moments in “real time” is simply too good to pass up.

Can we as parents solely provide everything our children will ever need over the course of their

lifetime? No, of course not. That’s not the way the Body of Christ operates. None of us are the

whole package. We all need each other. However, homeschooling does allow us as parents to

establish the ever-so-important groundwork in the lives of our impressionable children. If we

don’t, rest assured the world that is directly opposed to God and His Word will.

To my fellow parents, if homeschooling is a struggle for you right now and you’re experiencing

some overwhelmingly difficult times in your life, please let me encourage you that your efforts

are not in vain. You’re investing in eternal souls, and that type of investment is never wasted.

“…let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance

the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

If you have a son or daughter that is interested in some aspect of the arts (music, acting,

filmmaking, etc.), please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via my website contact page with

any questions or concerns you might have and I’ll do my best to answer/address them for you!

originally published in the August 2022 issue of Homeschool Indiana

The Email That Changed the Course of My Life and Career

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:04:04 GMT

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"Btw I see you have some definite acting potential. Could I ever send an audition your way to see what you could do with it?"

I can safely say this was not an email I was expecting to receive during my lifetime, but one that I wanted to receive for as long as I can remember.

For the sake of context, let's briefly rewind a decade or two.

When I was wee little tot, my older brothers and I would pull out the ol' camcorder (the big ones you had to steady on your shoulder) and make ridiculous "movies" (I use that term as loosely as possible) for hours on end.

Were they worthy of releasing to the public? Most would say absolutely not (and I'm inclined to agree with those people).

But it was during those years of boyhood shenanigans that my love for film and acting developed from a "passing craze" into an insatiable passion.

When I was a young kid, I was painfully shy. I'd blush about literally everything. I wasn't ruddy by birth, but you never would've known that had you taken one look at me back in the day.

One time, my mom insisted I go inside our local library to pay a small fine I had accrued for a tardy book return. I waited in the car for a solid half-hour before gearing up enough courage to walk inside and pay my dues. (Kudos to my mom for waiting out my stubbornness, by the way. GO MOM!)

But something changed.

Through my newfound love of filmmaking, the shyness melted away, and I gained two of my favorite gifts I've ever received in life: confidence and a sense of humor.

Throughout high school and college, I made more "movies." I took on leading roles for multiple plays and productions. I entertained people as often (and as outrageously) as I could.

I wanted to move out to LA right out of high school and shoot my shot at getting discovered and making it big in Hollywood. Starry-eyed and naive, I was so thankful for my parents who strongly encouraged me not to. I wasn't mature enough in any way, shape, or form to do so without causing severe collateral damage to my spiritual and emotional state.

Long story short, I acquiesced and attended Emmaus Bible College, and it was during those 4 years that I met my beautiful wife of (almost) 10 years.

We got married just a couple months after I graduated, and we started a new life together in the tiny village of Thomson, Illinois (and by tiny, I mean 600 people tiny).

As our family began to grow with multiple children finding their way into our hearts and home, my dreams of moving to the city of glitz and glamour began to fade. However, my love of film and storytelling never wavered and I began to heavily invest in my other passion: film scoring.

Although viewed as a highly unlikely career choice by many, composing for films seemed to me the more realistic alternative to acting in them.

So I poured my heart and soul into developing my skills as a composer and making connections in the entertainment industry. After each day of working my full-time day job, many hours were devoted to writing music, landing low-paying gigs whenever possible, sending cold emails to directors and producers, doing anything and everything to gain experience and do what I love.

Fast forward to 2020. Yes, THAT year. The year of COVID-19, when the world shut down and time stood still.

I had been in touch with talent agent and agency owner Jean Wenger of Treasure Coast Talent once or twice via email about possibly representing me as a film composer. I had heard wonderful things about her and decided it was worth a shot. She informed me that she only represented actors, but encouraged me to keep in touch.

But on May 26, 2020 at 8:11 PM, I received the email from Jean that dramatically changed the course of my life and career:

"Btw I see you have some definite acting potential. Could I ever send an audition your way to see what you could do with it?"

This was the moment I had been waiting for. 12 years after I wanted to make the move to LA to pursue my dreams of becoming an actor, I was finally being offered the opportunity to shoot my shot.

I submitted an audition and Jean signed me to Treasure Coast Talent's roster two weeks later.

Shortly thereafter, I landed my first commercial doing an Operation Christmas Child spot for one of my favorite non-profits, Samaritan's Purse. (If interested, you can watch it here. )

Since then, I've done a TV series, a short film, 2 feature films, and multiple commercials. And let me assure you (if I may be so presumptuous)...I'm just getting started. ��

I can't thank Jean Wenger of Treasure Coast Talent enough for giving a random actor wannabe from Iowa, with practically zero experience a chance at his lifelong dream. She believed in me, she promoted me, and she actively supports and encourages me as I navigate this very up-and-down, feast-or-famine industry.

The Lord's timing is always perfect. Even when it doesn't seem like it, it is.

I am now acting and composing full-time, working from home in our little corner of the state of Iowa .

Yes, Iowa.

Seems impossible, right? Yeah, I wholeheartedly agree. And it would be impossible without the gracious provision of my Heavenly Father. He has taken care of me and my family through some very difficult circumstances, showing me just how faithful He truly is.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

When your priorities are in line with the Lord's, anything - and I mean anything - is possible.

In light of that (and in closing)...

Keep dreaming big, my friends. The Lord gave you the interests, skills, and passions you possess for a very specific purpose. It may be years down the road, but please trust that that purpose will be revealed in His perfect timing.

Until then, work hard and stay faithful.

What you're doing NOW is just as important as what you hope to do in the future.

Why You Should Watch This Cinematic Gem For Your Next Family Movie Night (Tonight, If Possible)

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:34:49 GMT

Let's face it, folks:

Even though films and TV series are being produced and released in record numbers these days, quality, character-filled, thought-provoking family entertainment is disappointingly hard to come by.

I recently spoke with director Chris Dowling over the phone and we talked at length about the importance of Christians setting the standard in filmmaking and storytelling.

Rather than existing solely to "fill a gap", making subpar films to appease the masses who are consuming strictly faith-based content, we should consistently be making the very best films in the world.

Why? Because God created art. He cares about art. He is passionate about storytelling. And yes, believe it or not - He even demands quality, excellence, and diligence.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23)

"Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men." (Proverbs 22:29)

We shouldn't be making the best films on the planet for the purpose of gaining Hollywood's applause and admiration, but rather to honor the Lord wholeheartedly with our gifts, talents, and abilities.

That's why when I watch a movie like Dowling's Where Hope Grows , I want to shout "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? GO WATCH THIS FILM!!" from the rooftops of social media and beyond.

This film is special for so many reasons, but I'll try to just name a few so you can stop reading this and go watch it.

First things first: The synopsis.

A baseball player whose professional career was cut short due to his personal problems is suddenly awakened and invigorated by a young man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store.

[official trailer below]

The film was noticeably well-cast (some very impressive moments throughout), featuring David DeSanctis as one of the first actors with Down syndrome to play a leading role in an English-language feature film.

Quite frankly, David (who plays the role of Produce) knocked it out of the park.

He made me smile. He made me laugh. He pulled incessantly at my heartstrings.

He was so... real .

His authenticity shined through, eliminating any and all traces of the usual "rookie nerves" you might spot when watching the film of any first-time actor.

Actor Kris Polaha also gave an effortless performance as Calvin, anchoring the entire film with a tangible sense of professionalism and imbibing the emotional transparency that his role required.

Dowling's directing and writing was delightfully natural and non-invasive. The poignant moments didn't feel forced and manufactured. Rather, we as the audience are privileged to be silent observers of a true-to-life "reenactment" of some hard-hitting issues, including discrimination, alcoholism, adultery, sexual assault etc.

Where Hope Grows is rated PG-13 for some of the reasons I just mentioned, so parents - be sure to preview the film so you can accurately determine the appropriateness for your younger children/viewers. Every family is different with regard to "what they can handle", so discernment is always encouraged.

I could go on, but for the sake of maintaining a bit of mystery and intrigue about the film, I'll wrap this up.

Succinctly put, Where Hope Grows is for everyone.

Regardless of who you are or what your background is, this film will touch your heart and inspire you to be a better person. It will challenge you to reevaluate your own preconceived notions about those with "special needs" and encourage you to live life to the very fullest of your potential.

So often, God uses the unexpected to bring about necessary change and growth in our lives.

Don't believe me? The proof is in the produce aisle.

You can watch Where Hope Grows on PureFl i x (free 7-day trial, anyone?), Amazon , YouTube , Apple , Google , and Vudu .

Take your pick, pop some popcorn, and hunker down for a movie night to remember.

"...Life is meant to be lived. Lived abundantly. You look around in the cemetery, you see there are two dates on every tombstone. There's a birth date. And there is a date of death. Every human being is guaranteed those two dates. But that little dash that lies in between those two numbers - that's what defines our life. So make your dash count. LIVE. REALLY LIVE..."

P.S. My only complaint about the movie is that I'm not in it, nor did I do the musical score for it. ��

P.P.S. Please let me know what you think of the film after watching! I always love hearing from you.

P.P.P.S. If you know of anyone who is looking for movie recommendations, please share this with them!

Days After Disney's Bombshell Confession, Iowan Actor Unveils Plans For "Alternative" Theme Park

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:51:07 GMT

As The Walt Disney Company continues to distance itself from the heart of its wholesome and family-friendly origins, many across the nation are calling for alternatives to the entertainment empire.

One relatively unknown Iowan has decided to lead the way with the unexpected announcement of a new multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Earlier this morning, actor, composer, and social media influencer Aaron Fullan unveiled his ambitious plans to build a brand new theme park on a sprawling plot of 25,000 acres in America's Heartland, appropriately named (almost annoyingly so) Aaron's World .

"Americans are ready for something different," Fullan told journalist Megyn Kelly on The Megyn Kelly Show . "Conservative voices are tired of being told they are old-fashioned, bigoted, racist nincompoops simply because they call boys 'boys' and prefer blue cotton candy to pink. I'm here to fill a void. A really, really big void."

Fullan went on to explain that the park will feature rides and parks that will appeal to a more conservative audience, including a 402-foot tall roller coaster called The Denim Demon , a slow-moving log flume ride dubbed The Liberal Lumberjack (that literally accomplishes nothing during it's 4-hour ride time), and a beautiful garden/family picnic area entitled Homeschooler Haven .

"People from all walks of life will be welcomed, regardless of political affiliation," President of Public Relations Jordan Peterson expounded further. "That being said, we cannot guarantee that people will not be emotionally damaged by some of the more 'outdated' and 'vintage' character qualities of the park (e.g. gender-delineated bathroom signs, American flags, happy people, etc.).

When asked if trigger warning signs would be placed throughout the park, Peterson could not comment due to uncontrollable fits of laughter.

Construction is set to begin next month and be completed in time for the 2023 season.

Ticket pre-sales are now available! Comment below to receive 50% off your first 10 tickets.

*awkward pause*

Ok, ok, ok.................................... APRIL FOOLS . ;)

Why Yes, I Did Write The Music You Hear At The Beginning Of Every Episode Of "The Chosen"

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 22:05:12 GMT

To those of you who have been asking and wondering, the answer is....

"Yes, you can hear my music at the beginning of every episode of the record-shattering series, The Chosen . "

And not only The Chosen , but literally every piece of content Angel Studios produces and distributes until the end of time (ok, maybe not quite...but hey, you all know I like to dream big).

How is this possible, you may ask? (Go ahead. Ask me how it's possible. I dare you.)

I'm so glad you asked!

Please sit back and relax as I share the storied history of my involvement with one of the coolest and most ambitious studios this world has ever seen.

If you have yet to watch The Chosen or any of the other shows Angel Studios has to offer ( The Tuttle Twins , Dry Bar Comedy , The Freelancers , Andrew Peterson's upcoming The Wingfeather Saga , etc.), you can watch them all via their new, epically beautiful site, www.Angel.com .

You'll thank me later.

Feel free to drop a comment or share with a friend if you found my story interesting, entertaining, offensive, or downright worthless!

Thank you, Angel Studios. For everything.

Composer Aaron Fullan Completes 2nd Joint Venture With Warner Bros.' Telepictures Music

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 17:08:03 GMT

In November of 2021, I was invited to compose my 2nd album of music for Telepictures Music, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Entertainment (located on the historic Warner Bros. lot!).

Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled to partner with them again for the new venture as they have proven to be my favorite music production library to work with to date. BY FAR.

Thanks to their team, my music has already been placed in numerous Warner Bros. productions, including multiple episodes of Conan , The Ellen Show , DC's Teen Titans Go! , Extra with Billy Bush , and others.

Director of Music Ryan Parmenter asked me to composer 5 tracks in the style of Ludwig Göransson ( Mandalorian , The Book of Boba Fett, etc. ), which presented a unique and enjoyable challenge for me. As many of you know, my style usually imbibes more of a classical approach to film music (think John Williams, James Horner, Alan Silvestri, etc.), so infusing some of Göransson's synth-driven vibes with unique ethnic and percussive elements was a bit out of my element. But may it never be said that Aaron Fullan shies away from a challenge!

It was a somewhat daunting (and time-consuming) endeavor, but definitely a worthwhile one.

The Telepictures Music team decided to name the album Arise: The Odyssey Continues as a follow-up to the first album I composed for them, Arise . Much to my surprise, I was informed that my first album had risen to a place of prominence and recognition in their library, hence their decision to keep the title of the new album stylistically similar to the first.

Day = made.

After inquiring about a potential public release on all major DSPs (Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, etc.), I received a favorable response and was assured a discussion would take place internally about that possibility.

Even though it's a short album (more of an EP), I'd love for you to be able to listen/purchase the tracks if you so desire!

The last email I received from Ryan closed with the following exciting statement:

"Let’s get you going on something new in a couple of months.

Thanks again for another awesome album!

Talk soon…"

Perhaps album #3 will soon be in the works...? :)

Meanwhile, here's a little sneak peek of one of the tracks I composed for the album (one of my personal favorites). Ironically (or not so ironically), it's the most traditionally orchestrated piece of the entire album. ;)

Hope you enjoy!

As always, thank you all for your consistent support and encouragement over the past decade or so.

You believed I could do what I've dreamed of doing, even when I didn't know if I could.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Composer Aaron Fullan Begins 2nd Venture With Warner Bros.' Telepictures Music

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 20:23:00 GMT

As of today, I have started working on a brand new mini-album of epic, orchestral music for Warner Bros. Entertainment's music production library, Telepictures Music. The first album I was commissioned to write for Telepictures Music back in 2019, Arise, is available on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Much to my (pleasant) surprise, tracks from Arise were placed in multiple Warner Bros.-produced shows over t [...]

EXCLUSIVE: 6'3" Iowan Unknown Lands Leading Ewok Role In Upcoming Star Wars Series

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 21:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES - Disney and Lucasfilm released a casting announcement this morning that has many die-hard Star Wars fans scratching their heads. Aaron Fullan, a relatively unknown actor from Clinton, IA, has found himself skyrocketing to stardom with his breakout role as "Bebok the Ewok." Here is Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy's statement regarding the unexpected casting: APRIL FOOLS. :) If Lucasfilm decides to hire me after all the buzz from this fake announcement(I mean, why wo [...]

"Operation Indivisible": Iowan Hopeful Launches Daily Video Campaign In Effort To Snag Actor Chris Pratt's Attention

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:43:00 GMT

So far, so good!So...everyone who knows me well, knows these two things about me:1.) I dream big.2.) I don't give up.This most recent endeavor of mine is yet another example of those two facts.I'm not sure if you heard about this yet or not, but last week, actor Chris Pratt (Jurassic World, Guardians of the Galaxy, etc.) announced that he was launching a brand new production company entitled, Indivisible Productions. To make a long story short, I hope to write music for [...]

Iowan Composer Arranges Star Wars Suite In Honor Of John Williams' 88th Birthday, Garners Surprise Attention From Star Wars Orchestrator

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:20:00 GMT

Aaron Fullan is defying the odds and pursuing a career in film scoring from the unlikely Midwest. And by all appearances, it's finally starting to pay off. Read his comments below about this most recent development: "As some of you may know, John Williams' 88th birthday is tomorrow, so I decided to arrange a musical tribute piece in honor of this most special occasion. It's entitled, Skywalkers' Legacy | A Star Wars Symphonic Suite (you can watch/listen to it below) and it [...]

Orchestrator Of New Star Wars Films Sends Must-Read Email Of Encouragement To Composer From Iowa

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 22:17:00 GMT

William Ross, award-winning composer and orchestrator (who just so happens to work very closely with THE John Williams), sure knows how to make a guy's day... As you might imagine, life as a film composer in the Midwest is no cake walk. For some odd reason, directors prefer to hire LA-based composers with 30+ years of experience! I know...weird, right? ;) Needless to say, it's easy at times to get discouraged and question my choice of career path. And that's why I'm thankfu [...]

Composer Aaron Fullan Partners With Telepictures Music/Warner Bros. To Release New Album Of Epic Music

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:08:00 GMT

Had you asked me this time last year if I thought I would be working for a company under the Warner Bros. Entertainment umbrella in 2019, I would've said, "Not a chance." But thanks to the amazing folks at Telepictures Music in Burbank (and an even more amazing God!), my expectations were proven wrong. They took a chance on me and I couldn't be more grateful. After commissioning me to produce an 8-track album of epic, orchestral music for their [...]

1 in 10,000: Film Composer From Iowa (yes, Iowa) Lands Star Wars Dream Job

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 18:40:00 GMT

I know. I didn't believe it when I first heard it, either. But this is not a drill. It's 100% true.Let me start from the very beginning (a very good place to start, right?): A few weeks ago, I submitted for a national STAR WARS contest I thought I had no chance of winning. (I mean, seriously...who actually wins things? Not me!) Each applicant had to fill out an online form and was strongly encouraged to submit a video that would convince the judges that you were the pers [...]

[WATCH] Here's Why Hallmark Channel Is Dominating The Ratings (again)

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 20:16:00 GMT

"Hallmark Channel’s Winning Streak Continues; Network Ranks As #1 on Cable For All Of First Quarter In Weekend Total Day"

Composer Lands Major Deal With Hallmark Channel To Score All 97 Of Their Scheduled Films For 2020

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 18:03:00 GMT

BURBANK - Apparently, Disney World isn't the only place where dreams come true. For Aaron Fullan, his dream came true in the middle of Iowa's vast cornfields. Aaron, a film composer from Clinton, IA recently signed... APRIL FOOLS!Maybe someday this will be true, but for now...it's just a good-natured joke. :) [...]

Why Does Every Human Life Have Value?

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:35:00 GMT

When people ask me why I’m pro-life, my immediate response is “because each human life is precious and valuable - from conception to the grave!” But the deeper question that must be addressed by each of us is this: Why does every human life have value? Is our value based on how much money we make? How many people we influence? What gender we are? What country we come from? What gifts and talents we have? Our physical and intellectual abilities? Without a mora [...]