Matt Nizam
ACTOR
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?.
It was my very first vertical project.
I remember seeing those listings pop up on the casting sites, but at the time I didn’t really know what they were. Back then I had one rule: if I was right for it, I submitted. I was in that phase of my career where auditioning was nonstop—25/8, seven days a week. I didn’t miss auditions.
There was this casting director I had already sent countless self-tapes to. Project after project. At the time, I didn’t even realize these were part of a new format that was starting to emerge.
So when this audition came through, I did what I always did—I taped and submitted.
Then I got the message. Yet again, another rejection.
I remember staring at the screen as the frustration hit: the disappointment, the exhaustion that comes after so many attempts. I seriously thought about stopping submissions to these vertical projects altogether.
But something in me said, “Just give it one more shot.”
So I did.
And that “one more shot” ended up being the audition I booked—the opportunity that launched my career in the vertisphere.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Diagnosis Of Heartbreak
Desired By The Billionaire Football Star
The CEOs Pet
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
One of the craziest things would probably be this tribe vertical that consisted of an all-woman tribe and I was leader of the neighboring all-man tribe. The lead actress was told by their tribal leader that she needed to find a man to reproduce. Long story short, After she failed to secure an adequate spouse, her tribal leader summoned me—Astor. In her words, “the perfect breeding specimen.” At one point I had to scoop her up to lay her down on this makeshift fur bed while the women of the tribe crowded around us, loudly hyping her up and cheering her on like an overly enthusiastic audience watching the whole thing unfold. I was in this skimpy, Tarzan-style outfit the whole time—just enough to cover the essentials—so every move felt totally exposed and ridiculously raw.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
Back in my early BG days, my buddy and I overheard the crew talking about pizza—they were the only ones getting it. So, naturally, we decided to blend in as crew just to snag a slice.
There we were, stuffing our faces, when Seth Rogen strolls by and goes, “Ooooo, pizza.” I was supposed to be this unfazed, professional crew guy, totally invisible. But I completely broke character: “Holy crap, you’re Seth Rogen! I’m a huge—”
He just looked at me like I’d lost my mind. Before I could finish, my friend and I bolted with our stolen pizza, leaving a very confused Seth in our wake.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
My guy Lukas Silva, he is a stand up dude with real go getter drive I wish nothing but the best for him
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
I wish more people knew how real the work actually is. Verticals move fast and reach huge audiences, but the acting, storytelling, and professionalism required are just as serious as any other format. For a lot of actors, they’re also opening doors and launching careers in ways people don’t always realize.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I’d love to see more recognition for verticals as a serious storytelling format—not just a “quick content” medium. I’d like the industry to invest in higher production value, more diverse narratives, and creative roles that challenge actors in ways similar to film and traditional TV. Basically, I want verticals to get the respect they deserve while continuing to push the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced on mobile.
What are you most proud of?
What I’m most proud of is learning to trust myself. There were so many moments where giving up would have been the easier choice—following others’ expectations, playing it safe—but I kept showing up, taking risks, and pushing past fear. That persistence, that self-trust, has opened doors I never imagined, and it’s the foundation for everything I do.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
I've co-starred alongside Felix Merback and Noah Fearnley whom are both widely talented and think either would kill it!
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I’m a proud Afghan-American—yes, I know I look like a “white boy,” but heritage runs deep.
⭐ I’ve been skateboarding for years, and I’m still hitting the pavement whenever I can.
⭐ I have two rescue cats, Taco and Bell, named after where I found them—hiding behind a Taco Bell.
Current earworm:
She Know Too Much - Mac Miller
Last movie you saw at the cinema / play on stage:
Stageplay - Pillow man. It was beyond amazing!
Currently reading:
I Am Pilgrim
Favourite snacks:
Those tiny Little Bites party cakes!
Thank you Matt 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ Check out the new series Actors Campus, starring Netflix’s On My Block star Diego Tinoco and me! It’s streaming now on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook—find us @ActorsCampus.
🎞️ Desired By The Billionaire Football Star - Shortmax
📸 Matt’s Instagram @matt.nizam
