Michael Mannai
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
Actor, side character or support typically.
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
I have an agent for mostly background, small roles, commercials etc. Until verticals became a thing, well until I was offered a role, I didn't know what they were. So my first introduction to verticals.. Was in one :)
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
So far my favorite project is still unreleased. So I won't spoil it but it's a villain role and was so quirky and fun.
"What Happens In Vegas..." was also a lot of fun. Had some good chuckles after takes from many cringy character lines. 😂
And of course my first vertical was tons of fun as my introduction to verticals "Kidnapped By My Secret Crush"
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
My characters are generally absurd in many ways, which I really find to be fun. So I may be cursing, or throwing insults, or throwing coffee, being a goon. Even dressing as a clown.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
On one scene, filmed at night. I was to be beaten up and then run off set out of view into the darkness. Had done several takes but running out from the bright set lights and into the dark becomes hard to see. See where it's going? There are bushes and a pool in the darkness as well. I didn't quite make it into the pool but a tumble through the bushes put me on the pools edge. I scrambled myself up as quietly as I could not to disturb the rest of the scene. I'm not sure if anyone else saw this🤣
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
I think by now everyone is becoming aware of how hard and how long crews work to make this happen. But I suppose the unsung heros of the industry are truly the fans who support us and make it all possible.0
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
That they exist lol. They're fun! It's like a real Hollywood set but smaller and quicker (:
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I'm a horror fanatic. So I would love to see or especially be in some films with this genre. Also maybe an episode at the end of films to show credits/out takes or bloopers.
What are you most proud of?
I'll come back to this one :)
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Hmm. I'll have to do some research for this one.
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I'm a professional Chef🧑🍳
⭐ Ex-professional bodybuilder💪
⭐ Biker 🏍️
Age: 38
Favourite snack:
Cape Cod Salt & Vinegar Chips
Current earworm:
Whitehouse Road by Tyler Childress
Last play you saw on stage / movie you saw at the cinema:
Anora
Currently reading:
Dune
Thank you Michael 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ What Happens In Vegas on Dramapops
🎞️ Michael’s IMDB
📸 Michael’s Instagram @chefmichaelmannai
