Sammie Ray
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
Actress
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
Self submitting on Actor's Access... my friend Eloise Lola Gordon (a fellow Vertical Actress) referred me over to them!
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
My top favorite will always be Secrets of Sin... not just because it was my very first one introducing me to the vertical world but it really set the bar so so high for all of my other vertical short experiences that even when I shot my first lead in a vertical I missed so many aspects from SOS that I wished were present when I shot MSW. All in all though, I have been blessed to work a handful of really incredible projects that have all held so many great memories and fun on set. Overall, if had to pick a favorite vertical platform to work for it would definitely be GalateaTV! Their productions hold such a special place in my heart. I adore their unique stories and the teams they pull together to bring their stories to life are truly one of none!
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
Cheating my eyeline to basically be talking to myself. LOL. It always looks good on camera but when you are asked to act out a scene with someone meanwhile you both are looking at random spots instead of each other always makes me giggle inside because if only the audience really knew! Haha
Any funny stories you can share with us?
There is a scene in My Sister's Wedding where I am pregnant and pass out and my love interest, Tyler Scherer, catches me before I fall. We were dressed in nice dinner wear, he being in a suit and we had done the scene seamlessly a couple of times and on our very last take we both collapse on the ground and just heard this ripping sound... OMG. His suit pants tore!
Thankfully production took care of the wardrobe malfunction/loss but THAT'S what I call giving it your all in a scene! Haha fun fact, they ended up using that take for the final edit. lol so I guess it was worth it in the end!
Another silly story is from when I shot Love Me Two Times with Jarred Harper. His character is a world renowned photographer and he takes my photo which is referenced in a later part of the series. Unfortunately something went awry when it came to printing out my picture and they printed my face out too large for the frame they had. So as not to fall behind in the shoot schedule they cut out my face and stuck it inside the frame and we made do but my oversized face in the frame was definitely a silly mishap on set they were all had to improvise and roll with.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Shoutout to all of the incredible DP's who capture these stories in such an uncanny format! My favorite DP that I've worked with 3 times now is the insanely talented Taylor Tomlinson, she has been the DP (Director of Photography aka camera operator) on both seasons of Secrets of Sin as well as My Sister's Wedding and OMG she truly crushes it everytime! I'm always so impressed by a DP that comes up with creative shots, it truly makes watching the final product so much more interesting and engaging.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I would love to see more diversity in casting as well as storylines!
What are you most proud of?
I am proud to say that I have written, starred in and produced my very own short film called "Savage Sam" that I entered into the film festival circuit 2024-2024 and it did exceedingly well! It was accepted into over 10 different festivals winning over 10 different awards/accolades including best lead actress a couple times! Woot woot! My own original music scores the film as well! You can watch it on my YouTube channel now.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
lol ME!
Age: 28
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I started singing before I could talk.
⭐ I was teased as a kid for my beauty marks and almost had them removed. (but I love them now not to worry lol)
⭐ I grew up doing musical theater so by the age of 18 I had been in over 25 different stage productions! I've always known being an actress was my calling!
Favourite snack:
Cheeto Puffs
Current earworm:
Lover Girl Gone Savage by Sammie Ray
Last movie you saw at the cinema / play on stage:
Wicked on Broadway. Wicked in the theater as well! 😝 loved the stage version but I fell asleep in the theater 🤣😴
Currently reading:
Audio books on Audible. Anything spiritual or self help. Most recently I completed the Bible! A long time goal I was proud to have achieved
Thank you Sammie 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ Secrets of Sin on Galatea
📸 Sammie’s Instagram @thesammieray
