“In 2018, Nate Raven brought me a unique story of a queer relationship outside normal expectations, that he was determined to bring to life. Helping him with that project reignited my passion for theater and film. More importantly, it showed me what I had been missing in the stories I was seeing - the gaps in queer stories that needed to be told, and the lack of queer representation in the stories that were being told. It was then that I formally created PBH Creative.” - Rick Raven, Founder

Helmed by husband-and-husband team Rick and Nate Raven, PBH Creative’s goal is to embrace queer stories with respect, joy, and trust; create opportunities for queer artists in the spotlight and behind-the-scenes, and produce compelling, high-quality film and theater productions that uplift a broad range of queer perspectives. 

PBH Creative has upheld its mission of elevating queer voices and stories with the independent short films Perfect (2019), Edgewise (2024), and The Beard (2025), as well as the original play Molly’s Poly (New York Theater Festival, 2023). 

The company takes its name from Rick’s long-standing love of an oft-overlooked 1998 film, Playing by Heart, featuring an all star ensemble cast. “There was something so magical about the way this independent film brought together powerhouse actors and incredible writing to tell a single story with so many diverse perspectives on life,” says Rick. “Even the title resonated deeply with me. For better or worse, in my own life, I always find myself driven by the core beliefs that mean the most to me, playing by heart.”