Cayla Brady
ACTRESS
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?.
I’d been seeing ads for verticals for over a year — specifically those addictive 10-minute ones that you can't swipe away from. Eventually, I gave in and watched Breaking the Ice straight through. I was hooked but didn’t think much of it after.
Then one day, while traveling through Europe with my mom, my agent sent me an audition for The Quarterback Next Door. I taped in Paris, had a callback in Berlin, and booked it — all abroad. A week after flying home, I was on set. And just like that, everything changed!
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
I’ve honestly been extremely lucky because every set I’ve been on has been a great experience. So much that when something goes amiss (as they inevitably do), I’m usually the one wide-eyed while everyone else shrugs and says, “Oh yeah, this happens all the time.” Soooo, all of them?
Seriously though I’m genuinely grateful for every project, but The Quarterback Next Door will probably always be my favorite, it's kind of like a firstborn. Everything was new, it was fun pretending to be in high school again, and the cast and crew made every day a dream. I still miss it all the time.
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
On my second vertical ever (Avenging Heiress), we shot in the backyard of a stuntman’s house and I was strapped into rigs in the blazing LA heat, dressed in business casual—including heels, struggling glamorously ofc. I was clinging to my set-dad’s arm while being hoisted up a green screen wall (pic attached), pretending we were dangling off the side of a skyscraper overlooking Los Angeles. Then, he dramatically fell to his death (spoiler, sorry!!). That project involved the most stunt work I’ve ever done, which looks great on a resume, but in the moment, it was crazy.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
There’s always one scene where I completely lose it on set and laugh way too hard at something that’s often not even that funny. I feel bad because it means more takes, but honestly, it just reminds me how much fun I’m having while doing my job. When we filmed The Quarterback Next Door, Natalia (Addie) and I lost it for 10 straight takes over the simplest scene. No idea why, it was just one of those friend moments where everything's funny for no reason. And now we live together, so… #worthit
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
The crew, y’all! From first ADs and camera ops to sound, lighting, and intimacy coordinators... everyone behind the scenes pours so much time and energy into making sure the project turns out as good as possible. And since not every project comes with end credits, a lot of these names can slip under the radar. But honestly, some of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with are the ones behind the camera. I always try to make sure they know just how much I appreciate them!
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
People often underestimate just how time-consuming a single project can be! When I’m booked on a role, especially as a lead, my friends and family know I pretty much disappear off the face of the Earth until we wrap. When we say we're on set for 12 hours, we mean 12 actual hours of nonstop work (with maybe a brief moment to chug a set Celcius). Not complaining either, this wild industry is what I signed up for! But it requires giving everything you've got while you're in it.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I'd like to see more varity in the stories and genres of verticals, which is actually already happening from what I hear. Horror, comedy, psychological thriller, etc... I want it all!
What are you most proud of?
Becoming a full-time actor! It's been such a long journey, I've been acting since I was 8 years old and have had so many ups and downs but the speed with which this all happened and how passionate I continue to be about this work reminds me that I'm in the right industry for me. I am and always will be elated to say that this is my job.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Genuinely, I cannot pick. Boooooooos from the crowd I know, I know, but I have seen so many vertical actresses give powerful performances and have hilarious improv moments that it would be unfair for me to pick just one. The women of the vertical world are fucking chef's kiss.
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 8 months
⭐ I have an orange kitten named Dexter, named after one of my favorite shows
⭐ I ran the LA Marathon in 2024
Current earworm:
Free Now - Gracie Abrams
Last movie you saw at the cinema / play on stage:
The Minecraft Movie LOL
Currently reading:
Project Hail Mary on Audible... it's fantastic.
Favourite snacks:
Dots Pretzels- any of the flavors. All SO good. or classic Oreos and milk. Honestly I love food so much, it always changes.
Thank you Cayla 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
Also, check out The Nice Guys if you wanna see 16 year old Cayla act with Russell Crowe :)
The Quarterback Next Door, Avenging Heiress Plunged into Darkness, In Love with my Taken Boss, The Lost Genius Fashion Designer, Fifty Shades of My Professor, annnnnd keep an eye out for more!
🎞️ The Quarterback Next Door - Reelshort
📸 Cayla’s Instagram @caylatbrady
