Felix Merback
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
I'm an actor, and have recently started dipping my toes into the producing side of things!
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
Like most actors in Los Angeles - during the post-covid, pre-strike lull in the industry - I began seeing an explosion of these vertical media projects popping up on the casting sites that we use. "Mobisodes," as they called them. I took a leap of faith, submitted as I typically would, and booked a role in a (now very large) production company's first-ever vertical project, "Profit Prophecy" on Dramabox. That was two years ago and was, to my great surprise, essentially the beginning of this new media renaissance in the domestic market.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
In the vertical space, "Mommy, I Got You a Date" on Reelshort was a total treat. The team really let me flex my chops as an artist, and the creative team was firing on all cylinders to ensure we were doing justice by a very grounded, very relevant, very heartfelt story. And because of that, I know we walked away with a product that represents the next step of the vertical shortform.
I've got a ton of traditional film/television stuff in post production that I cannot wait to share! But my most recent "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" project has got to be my favorite. The team was otherworldly, the response has been insane, and I can die happy knowing I played my bucket-list role of Milo Thatch.
My first love was theatre, so I have to quickly mention my favorite on-stage role: Joe Farkas in Alfred Uhry's prolific "The Last Night of Ballyhoo." Growing up as Jewish kid in Indiana often felt isolating and somewhat unsupported, so playing that part for the only Jewish theatre in the state was monumental for me.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
The crew, 100%. The work ethic of these crews never ceases to amaze me. When you're shooting upwards of 15 pages a day, seeing the art department and G&E rig a million different setups - and making each shot look ✨️sexy✨️ - is something to behold.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
That these projects have helped working artists feed their families. I want nothing more than to see my fellow entertainment professionals and friends thrive, so this has all been such a massive blessing for so many people who have been out of work.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
The sky is really the limit with all of this, which is so exciting. We're already starting to see platforms branch off into new genres, and some really amazing people are working diligently to diversify the IP. It can only be to our benefit that we begin to tell everyone's story. It only takes one project, one person, one company to completely shift the entertainment landscape; so, I'd love to see the space begin to broaden its horizons with diversity, genre, IP, etc.
What are you most proud of?
As I grow into this little life of mine, I am the most proud of having continued to foster a meaningful, fulfilling, and loving inner circle of friends and, most importantly, family. I am blessed to have such a bounty of love, and ecosystem of support from the people I treasure most.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Eric Guilmette but he has to play all of my siblings. Like Eddie Murphy in Norbit except he has to play less handsome Jewish children from Indiana.
3 Random Facts:
⭐I'm a triplet
⭐ I can dunk a basketball
⭐ My mom, Althea Crome, knit the star sweater and mittens for the stop motion animation film "Coraline"
Favourite snack:
Carrots and Hummus
Current earworm:
Jungle by Tash Sultana | Excuse Me by Asanté
Last movie you saw at the cinema / play you saw on stage:
Last play: The Power of Sail at the Geffen in LA
Last Film: Mickey 17
Currently reading:
Penance by Emilia Clark!
Thank you Felix🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ "Mommy, I Got You a Date" on Reelshort
🎞️ Atlantis: The Lost Empire Fan Trailer
📸 Felix’s Instagram @felix_merback
