In 2018, Michael P. Cyll retired from a long career in healthcare and set off to travel the world with his wife. But when the pandemic hit, their plans came to a sudden stop. Travel was off the table—but opportunity was not.
With time on his hands and a lifetime of medical experience, Cyll found a new path: content creation. He jumped into UGC, voiceover, and modeling—using his medical background as a creative edge.
“Over the last five years, everything has blossomed from a hobby to a part-time business,” he said. Now he has the freedom to pick and choose the projects he takes on.
From clinical to creative
Backstage became Cyll’s entry point into the world of content creation. His profile—equal parts professional credibility and on-camera presence—quickly started generating results. He began landing a wide range of roles, from medical product demos and senior modeling shoots to textbook narrations, audio dramas, and acting gigs.
He even branched out into general voiceover, recording content for a recipe app and narrating a travel audiobook about Arizona.
“Backstage is the best source for contacts, talent searches, and casting requests,” he said. “I receive dozens of audition requests daily.”
Building trust, on camera and off
Cyll’s niche—medical content for the senior demographic—has proven to be a perfect match. He’s appeared in campaigns for everything from compression socks and arthritis gloves to sleep patches and red-light therapy devices.
His credibility, professionalism, and clear communication have made him a standout for brands seeking authentic talent. Two projects in particular felt like milestones: modeling for a life care center in Phoenix, and starring in a commercial for an electric trike built for older adults.
For the former, he played a patient using the center’s services. “The filming process was very exciting,” he recalled, adding that a few ad-libbed lines even earned him a standing ovation from the crew.
From DIY setups to smart strategy
Cyll didn’t start with a studio setup or production training—he learned on the job. “How to set up for the correct shoots, memorizing the lines, the proper lighting for each shoot, indoor vs. outdoor…” he said. “Five years later I have incorporated all the technical support.”
His toolkit now includes a teleprompter, stabilized tracking camera equipment, and a full lighting setup. He keeps learning from experience—and from Backstage’s resources. “I’m constantly learning new tips and tricks from Backstage articles,” he said.
Advice for aspiring creators
Asked what he wishes he’d known starting out, Cyll doesn’t hesitate: get the tech right. Lighting, scripts, and shot setup are foundational. Without them, great delivery can fall flat.
For Cyll, success comes from showing up prepared—and evolving with each new job. And he’s still energized by every new opportunity.
“Every day is a new surprise with an audition request from Backstage.”
Want to follow in Cyll’s footsteps?
Start booking content creation projects on Backstage today.
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