As part of our ongoing series recognizing the extraordinary talents that fuel the creativity at Off the Wall, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Daniel Moyer, Supervisor of our Finishing Room. With a diverse skill set and an insatiable drive to explore new forms of artistry, Daniel exemplifies the innovative spirit that drives our team.
Daniel was born with creativity in his DNA. His first memories of creating were crafting dioramas of his favorite storybooks in elementary school. Little did he know that this was just the beginning of a lifelong journey into the world of imagination and craftsmanship.
A Passion for Art and Imagination
While Daniel's early dream was to become a Disney animator, the arrival of the digital age changed the landscape of animation making it a less desirable path to follow. So Daniel pivoted back to his sculpting roots and instead became a self-taught "process artist"—a term he uses to describe his approach to working with any material and tool at his disposal. Whether it's vinyl wrapping, upholstery, sewing, pattern making, casting, mold-making, or painting, Daniel's versatility is a hallmark of his craft.
He's honed his skills over the years, taking on diverse commissions such as custom costumes, props, replicas and restorations. Some of his most notable replicas include the iconic hat from The Flying Nun, Lily Munster's bat necklace, and the Wicked Witch's broom from The Wizard of Oz. Daniel has even taught himself to make shoes, further adding to his ever-expanding repertoire.
Improv Artist with a Creative Flair
In addition to his hands-on work, Daniel has been active in the world of improv for over 10 years. This form of creative expression allows him to think quickly on his feet and shapes his ability to bring out-of-the-box ideas to life. His stage experience also led to opportunities creating costumes and props for theatrical comedy productions. The skill set developed through improv has undoubtedly enhanced his ability to think creatively and problem-solve, making him a key asset to the team at Off the Wall.
From the I Dream of Jeannie Bottle to Hollywood Fame
One of Daniel's most fascinating stories involves his passion for the I Dream of Jeannie TV show. Since he was four, Daniel has been captivated by the intricate design of the mysterious genie bottle from the series.
At age ten, rummaging through a junk store, he discovered that an old limited-edition decanter of Jim Beam Whiskey (ca 1964) was identical to the one used on the show. This re-ignited his obsession and by creating ceramic molds of the decanter, he became a renowned replicator of the iconic genie bottle.
Daniel's reputation in the prop and replica community grew, and demand for his I Dream of Jeannie bottles became so high that he had an extensive waiting list.
But it wasn't just fans who took notice—an unexpected phone call led to a life-changing opportunity. A TV commercial producer explained that they were working on an AT&T commercial featuring Barbara Eden in the role of Jeannie. But there was a major problem…the producer was unable to locate any genie bottles.
With the deadline just two weeks away, Daniel was hired as a consultant to produce the bottles and provide "I Dream of Jeanie" staging knowledge to the production. Not only did he deliver the bottles on time, he was also invited to the commercial set, where he met Barbara Eden herself. His Jeannie bottles became the stars of the 1997 Super Bowl commercial for AT&T—an unforgettable moment in both his career and in the world of pop culture.
A Master of His Craft at Off the Wall
Today, as Supervisor of the Finishing Room at Off the Wall, Daniel continues to push the boundaries of creativity, overseeing the final touches on projects with precision and passion. His experience across multiple disciplines, from prop creation to improvisational performance, enriches the work we do at Off the Wall, making him an invaluable part of our team.
We are incredibly proud to have Daniel as part of the Off the Wall family. His boundless creativity, coupled with his unwavering dedication to his craft, makes him a true innovator and an inspiration to all of us.
Here is to Daniel Moyer—a remarkable talent who shows us that creativity has no limits.