Talia Wynzel
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
I'm an actress!
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
I got my BFA in acting back in 2022, and after about a year of auditioning I didn't really feel passionate about performing anymore. This past summer, I was working a corporate job and I was laid off unexpectedly. I took this as a sign from the universe that I was on the wrong path, so I immediately started auditioning again. In September I came across this project with an odd name, and it was listed as a vertical drama. I had no idea what it was, and quite frankly I thought it was a scam. But, I booked the role, and I have never looked back! I've been working on verticals ever since!
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
A lot of them are special to me in different ways! I have a project coming out soon that was my first lead, and it was such a wonderful experience from start to finish. Shoutout Teig Sadhana, who was such a great costar, and Steadfast Productions for being such an incredible company to work for! I also loved working on "After the Awakening, Siblings Strikeback" because it was just so fun getting to bond with the cast and crew, it's hard to explain but that one was really special! I've met a lot of amazing people on these sets, some who I can call my best friends, and one very special boy 😊
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
Well, to name a few, I've..
-attempted murder more than once
-threw money in someone's face
-poured a drink on someone
-gotten many drinks poured on me
-done a whole scene with a shower head (yes, running) being held over my head
-"fell" into a pool
-smashed a few cakes onto the ground
-been a home wrecker way too many times
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
While I think everyone in the industry deserves more credit at times, I really think the HMU and Wardrobe teams I've worked with deserve more credit. The meticulous planning of the wardrobe looks according to character, and the detail that goes in to planning a color palette and makeup look with each scene, it's all SO much work, and they all do it with a smile. They fight against the clock every day trying to get us ready, and are often being rushed on set. It's the first place an actor goes in the morning, and for a lot of actors, the HMU and Wardrobe room is a safe space.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
Similar to what other creatives say, I wish people understood just how much work goes into these projects, in every single department, and the short amount of time we are given to prepare and then shoot. There are so many wardrobe changes, set changes, camera set ups, makeup looks, stunts, lines to memorize, etc. that go into these shows and it truly takes a special type of person to be able to handle and execute those elements as well as the teams do on these projects. Us as actors have to memorize a whole feature length film worth of dialogue, and get it down (almost) perfect in about 7-8 days. Its NOT easy to do.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I would love to see more diversity in casting, and I want to see more diverse and original stories that speak to a variety of audiences—stories that empower women, stories set in different eras like the ’70s or ’80s, and supernatural elements beyond just werewolves and vampires. There’s so much untapped potential in unique folklore, mythology, and fresh perspectives, and I’d love to see that reflected in storytelling.
What are you most proud of?
I'm really proud of myself for taking a chance and moving to New York to chase my dreams. I can't believe I am working full time as an actor and living the life I always wanted to. It's a lot of hard work, but there is nothing else I'd rather be doing. I can't wait to see what else life has planned for me!
3 Random Facts:
⭐ My last name is fake- it's a combination of my parents' last names
⭐ I recently moved to NYC in December
⭐ I could probably eat sushi 3 meals a day 7 days a week
Current earworm:
Warm by Ariana Grande
Last movie you saw at the cinema/ play you saw on stage:
I can't remember the last time I went to the movies but if it counts the last musical I saw was The Great Gatsby on Broadway!
Currently reading:
I wish I could be a reader, accepting all tips on how to start getting into it!!!
Thank you Talia🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ After Awakening Siblings Strike Back on Goodshort
📸 Talia’s Instagram @talia_wynzel
