The Team Behind Rise Up

Happy couple smiling for the camera.

Melissa Goad, Director/Producer | Mark Stewart Iverson, Writer/Producer

In association with Inspireworks Productions and MSI Films

Smiling woman in a yellow sweater sitting on a director's chair.

Melissa Goad Director/Producer

Melissa Goad is an award-winning director, producer, and actress with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. As co-founder of Inspireworks Productions, she is passionate about bringing meaningful, faith-driven stories to life that inspire hope and leave a lasting impact.

Her feature film They Don't Cast Shadows has received over 35 awards, including five Best Director wins. She also directed the award-winning short film December to Remember.

Known for her collaborative approach and heart for storytelling, Melissa is honored to bring the Cutler family's extraordinary true story to the screen through RISE UP.

Man with glasses smiling at night.

Mark Stewart Iverson Writer/Producer

 Mark is a feature filmmaker and series creator living in Charleston, SC. Born and raised in John Hughes suburbia outside Chicago, Iverson graduated cum laude from UCLA with a B.A. in Film, Television & Digital Media. Iverson co-created, co-wrote, and directed Hulu’s former #1 series Dorm Life, a viral sensation earning over 10 million views, Webby honors, Streamy nominations, and W3 Gold Awards. 


  His debut feature, the festival-winning faith-comedy For Prophet, had a domestic theatrical release in 2024 and now streams worldwide. As Head of Story, Iverson produced the Telly Award–winning docuseries Rivers Are Life, with episodes airing on PBS, The Weather Channel, and EarthX. Through his company MSI Films, Iverson is currently developing narrative features and series with Angel Studios, Kingdom Story Company, Hope Studios and Collide Media, and is in post-production on two feature-length documentaries. 

Couple standing in a lit urban alley at night.

Josh and Traci Cutler

 Josh and Traci Cutler are a husband-and-wife team whose extraordinary journey of faith, perseverance, and service is the inspiration behind RISE UP.

Together, they have faced life-altering health challenges while raising their four children and answering God's call to serve their community in Summerville, South Carolina.

Through basketball, mentorship, and ministry, they've helped transform the lives of young people who needed someone to believe in them. What began with a handful of kids grew into a thriving basketball program and church community, proving that when you trust God through the impossible, incredible things can happen.

Their story is one of hope, healing, and the power of never giving up.