Adam Santa Cruz
ACTOR & WRITER
So I am beyond grateful to the very lovely Adam Santa Cruz who is the first person to take part in my Meet The Creatives feature.
Adam only listed actor as what he does in the industry, but he is also a very talented writer. Do go and watch A Hollywood Match on Shortmax which is brilliant.. It is a master class on how to slightly subvert and move forward the vertical genre whilst still delivering the tropes and beats the audience wants.
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?.
When I was cast in my first series back in May 2023 - My Gorgeous Wife Is An Ex-Convict on ReelShort.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
A Hollywood Match on ShortMax, writing and starring in it was an amazing experience, and any time I get to work with Ashley Michelle Grant is my favorite.
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
Wearing full werewolf face prosthetics for a fight scene with Joe Solana Simon in Alpha Of Aberdeen.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
When I played a vampire in Fatal Attraction: The Hybrid Princess my vampire teeth kept falling out mid-scene, especially in the fight scenes!
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Brielle Li! She's an amazing producer and her sets are some of the most well organized, fun sets to be on.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
A lot of the overdramatic or "cheesy" acting you see is all part of the vertical style and we are directed to perform that way! Some of the most talented actors I know do verticals, so when I see those comments I always want to let them know we're all in on the joke.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
More genre series! I would love to do a slasher horror series or a period piece (I wrote a regency era period piece so maybe that will get made this year!)
What are you most proud of?
I'm proud of writing over 20 screenplays and starting a film production company, Love Punch Pictures, with my younger brother!
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Ryan Watson Henderson so everyone will think I was also 6'4"
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I've been vegan for ten years
⭐ My favorite movie is Scream (1996)
⭐ I love art and I'm currently trying to learn oil painting
Current earworm:
Waltz No.2 by Dmitri Shostakovich
Last movie you saw at the cinema:
Nosferatu
Currently reading:
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Thank you Adam 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ A Hollywood Match on Shortmax
🎞️ Adam’s short film Free Spirit on YouTube @lovepunchpictures
📸 Adam’s Instagram @adamsantacruz
