Nicole Mattox
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
I'm an actress!
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
I actually was a day player on one randomly I don't even remember how it happened! I was kind of looking over vertical auditions when they came through because I didn't know what they were, but being on that set opened my eyes to the whole industry and I'm so thankful I did it!
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Oh NO I don't know how to choose!!! Breaking the Ice, Fated at First Sight and Twisted Minds are a few that will always have a place in my heart but I've honestly loved working on every one of the projects I've been in. Every set has it's own feeling and I've been very blessed to have had amazing experiences with the best people.
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
I've done so many wild things but here are a couple off the top of my head-
- Recently I had to do an insane series of getting beaten up for a show that is not released yet. I had my earring ripped out of my ear, a champagne bottle smashed on my head, thrown into a (FREEZING) pool then drowned in that pool all in a very quick series of events. It was a tough day at work lol
- In Fated at First Sight we had a very intense scene where I was crying over someone as the wind was blowing on me and it looked beautiful.... however I had to get myself worked up crying holding my friend covered in fake blood while the AD was holding a leaf blower to my face, it was hilarious and tough to stay sad.
- I did one scene where it was supposed to be raining and it was a whole emotional scene, but we didn't have a rain maker, so we ended up standing outside under a water hose for HOURS yelling at each other.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
Every single set has a ridiculous amount of funny stories, I think that's the nature of the whacky circumstances we're put in and just the amount of good and fun people on these sets. I have been so lucky to work with amazing people who allow for such a fun and creative environment.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Literally the entire crew I don't even know how to narrow it down. Hair/makeup, wardrobe, editors, G&E, directors and so many more. One of the amazing things about film and tv is how much of a team effort it is. Every part of the team works so hard so that we can all create something together.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
I know this has been said before but the pace of shooting these is INSANE!! Truly a lot of times we will get one to two takes to nail a scene, and on top of that we aren't getting the scripts too far in advance so it's all about learning to create a full experience in a second with very little prep (this goes for the acting side of things and for the crew.) Verticals are such a specific style of working and acting and a lot of times the actors are asked to amp up the "soapy" style of acting. It can be very taxing but very rewarding.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I'm on the same page as most people I think! I'd love to experiment with more storylines and roles as this world continues to grow. The teams working on these are so talented it's always a blast when we all get to play around with a concept we haven't worked on before.
What are you most proud of?
Becoming a full time actor. It is the most surreal thing, I still can't believe it. I am constantly having to remind myself that this is real. I'm getting to go to work every day and do what i've dreamed of doing my entire life. Even a year ago I was in such a different place than I am now with absolutely no job security and just trying to survive LA. One year can truly change your life.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
... Can I pick all of them??
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I'm from Texas and went to UT Austin, it's a personality trait at this point I'm very proud of it
⭐ I used to work in a cave (technically a cavern but I've been questioned what a cavern is so many times I just say cave now)
⭐ I'm allergic to shellfish
Favourite snack:
Bananas right now but it's always changing
Current earworm:
I always wanted a brother from the Mufasa movie even though I haven't seen it...
Last movie you saw at the cinema/play on stage:
Movie: Mickey 17
Play: Gruesome Playground Injuries
Currently reading:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Thank you Nicole 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ Breaking The Ice on Reelshort
🎞️ Twisted Minds on Galatea TV
🎞️ Fated At First Sight
🎞️ Nicole’s IMDB
📸 Nicole’s Instagram @nicolemattox_
