Kelsey Maskell
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
Actress & Producer
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
I auditioned for a couple early in the game, when I was first starting out acting in LA. I got the part and the rest is history- I had no idea what they were at first. I sort of figured it out while on set, along the way. Ha! I believe my first was in June of '23.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Ooh, I'd say Political Nemesis or the one I filmed with Eric & Grace in Turkey, (project name change tbd) it should be released in a couple of weeks. :)
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
Ooh man, there are so many things that I'm sure once I say something, I'll later think of something even crazier. At the top of my head, serving Ben Whalen a baby doll on a silver platter for dinner, as revenge. "She's Back" had so many crazy scenes like that, we all laughed so much on that set it was hard to keep a straight face most the time. Those revenge stories can be something else, ha.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
So many. That's something I think most might not know but probably assume- we laugh so hard in between takes a lot of the time because the scenes we're filming are just so comedic. Recent one being the time Eric (Guilmette) tried to feed me the plastic truffle thinking it was real- see the blooper reel on his IG page for reference. I couldn't keep from breaking.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
All my people behind the scenes!! Hair/Makeup, Wardrobe, etc, they all make this visual story come to life in such a fun way and I get to work with so many talented people, it's so much fun.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
I think a lot of people still see vertical dramas as this kind of lightweight, throwaway content—but that’s changing fast. The truth is, we’re in a moment where the entertainment industry is kind of in crisis—budgets are tight, big projects are slower to greenlight—and meanwhile, this whole vertical space is exploding.
It really feels like the Wild West right now. There aren’t a lot of rules yet, which means there’s room to experiment, to take risks, and to actually help shape what this format becomes.
I think the people that chose to dive into it—actors, writers, directors—are the early pioneers. It's exciting, because we’re not just making content, we’re carving out a whole new space for storytelling.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I’d love to see the storytelling level up—stronger scripts, more grounded dialogue, just better writing across the board. A lot of vertical content right now leans on the same tropes—love triangles, scandals, over-the-top drama—and sure, that stuff can be fun, but there’s so much more we could be doing.
I think the format is ready for more complexity—more nuance, different genres, different types of relationships. There’s this huge opportunity to surprise people with what vertical storytelling can be, and I hope more creators start to lean into that.
What are you most proud of?
Well most recently, I'm really proud of the fact that I was gifted with the opportunity to be on 35 film sets last year. As a newer actor to LA, that is such a huge accomplishment and lifelong goal, something that- thanks to verticals- would be such a hard thing to achieve prior to this space. What I've learned, the on set training I've received, and how my craft has grown exponentially from this experience is something I will never take for granted and I'm so incredibly grateful for. Plus, I have met so many amazing creatives in such a short time, I'm really looking forward to what the future holds for this tight knit community we've formed. I'm also really proud of the home I've created in the canyon, it keeps me so grounded in nature & provides such a great work life balance. So grateful!
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
I have to say my girl Grace Swanson, because we are basically sisters so I feel she would be able to portray me well. We joke she is the dark sister and I am the light sister, ironic because we've been typically portrayed the other way around. Haha!
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I'm from South Dakota (apparently not many people are)
⭐ I live on a horse ranch
⭐ I'm obsessed with Golden Retrievers
Favourite snack:
A Sunlife Organics Acai bowl, best in LA in my opinion..yum!
Current earworm:
Currently, "How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten" by Selena & Benny Blanco!
Last movie you saw at the cinema:
I hate to admit how long it's been since I've been able to make it to the cinema (set life) but I think I last watched It Ends With Us at the theater- such a powerful movie, it hit close to home. I cried through the whole second half!
Currently reading:
The Artists Way!
Thank you Kelsey 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ My Political Nemesis I Can’t Resist on Vigloo
🎞️ Kelsey’s IMDB
📸 Kelsey’s Instagram @kelseyannmaskell
