Dom Cutrupi
DIRECTOR
Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?.
In the end of 2023, a producer I was working with showed me an episode of a vertically shot series that a client overseas had sent him. They were looking for someone in Vancouver to direct a project in the same format. I took one look at it and said, ‘This is silly! No way I’m doing this!’ …and, well, the rest is history.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
The obvious choice is Mafia's Tender Torture. It was the second vertical I've ever directed and the crew, production company, and platform were working together for the first time, but we all felt we were creating something special. That magic must be the reason behind the show’s unexpected success (along with Haylie and Even, of course). A special mention goes to Sleeping for 30 Years, My Brothers Regret (the most difficult yet one of the most rewarding shows I’ve directed), and You Fired A Genius Surgeon (working with ReelShort, the A-list cast we had and the crew of experienced people the production company put together was just a dream).
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
Convincing a client that painting abs on an actor was not a good way to show how fit he was — or that using AI to replace the lead actress’s face for the entire show was a terrible idea, for far too many reasons.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
I once dealt with a diva actor who threatened to quit because production brought him a Tim Hortons latte instead of Starbucks. It’s always a great story to tell (especially to cast and crew who know the actor), though at the time it definitely wasn’t funny!
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Hands down, skilled 1st Assistant Directors. It’s one of the toughest jobs in the industry (along with Casting Directors and Costume Designers), and if you can do it well, you’re my hero. I’d also add all the cinematographers in Vancouver and Toronto I’ve worked with — they’ve embraced the format brilliantly and turned verticals into something truly beautiful.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
The care that directors, screenwriters, actors, and platforms put into improving the medium and the industry overall to make it a mainstream form of entertainment. Many of us recognize that we are at the beginning of something that is here to stay, and we’re working every day to refine it and make it better through our crafts.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
Having North American screenwriters — no producers or directors — ‘localize’ scripts or write original screenplays specifically for North American audiences (t's already happening in bigger platforms but it's still a slow process). More union actors working in the industry. Vertical genres expending into sci-fi and horror (please)!
What are you most proud of?
Becoming a husband and a father and working as a full time director internationally.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
In a fictional biopic where I magically have abs and stand six feet tall, it'd have to be Evan Bacic!
3 Random Facts:
⭐ Despite my Italian heritage, I actually enjoy pineapple on pizza
⭐ I find it hard to hold a conversation if there’s a cat nearby — they always get my full attention
⭐ My directorial guilty pleasure? Directing couples arguing
Favourite snack:
Dates and "Cadbury Fruits and Nuts" chocolate bar
Current earworm:
Brazilian Soul (Acoustic Bossa Version) - The Knocks feat. Sofi Tukker
Last movie you saw at the cinema:
"Sinners" directed by Ryan Coogler
Currently reading:
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
Thank you Dom 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️Mafia’s Tender Torture
🎞️Sleeping For 30 Years, My Brothers Regret on Dramawave
🎞️ You Fired A Genius Surgeon! on Reelshort
📸Dom’s Instagram @domcutrupi
