Vanessa von Schwarz
ACTRESS
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?.
In late 2023, my agent at the time sent me a casting for a very small role - the sides were about half a page. I got the callback & i was SO excited (this was right after COVID & the strikes, getting an opportunity to be seen as an actress was what i had been praying for since i began my acting journey in 2019. ) I got cast for the role - i was there for three days & i remember walking onto the set & feeling like I'd entered another world. The set decoration & costumes were like out of an anime manga - we had these bright eye contacts & pastel white wigs which made the world come alive. the monitor screen was vertical (something i'd never seen before) & there were three cameras. It was incredible seeing how a team came together to build this world to fit into a 9:16 frame. I slowly grew as a supporting character on another series - and then got my first lead role in May of 2024. I was instantly hooked on the fast paced-ness of this environment & with working with ambitious creatives. Its been amazing to see how much vertical productions have grown since 2023.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Every project I’ve worked on has been so different and holds such a special place in my heart. I used to cry my eyes out on the last day of productions (I’ve learned to do that on my own time now lol) because you become like a little family by the end. You get to work with so many different artists with different minds who all come from different backgrounds. Thats probably my favorite part of working on these. You meet people from all over the world.
While all of them have been amazing, my favorite was probably The Quarterback Next Door. I was a cheerleader in high school who dealt with some pretty mean girls myself so this one felt close to home in terms of the character i played. The cast, crew, everyone involved was amazing. i feel so lucky to have been apart of these special productions
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
Hugging and telling my co star "we can do this" before we attempt to violently shove one another into an unheated pool on a cold day
Any funny stories you can share with us?
I had a scene where I was dancing (soon to come out hehe) & in the middle of the take my pinky toe slipped out my heel. I kept going with my pinky toe just feeling the breeze. It was so funny when I went to go show the girls after we called cut - we couldn't stop laughing
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
All of the women creatives on these. The actresses, the directors, producers, wardrobe, everyone involved who always looks out and supports one another.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
I wish more people knew how hard these actresses work. I know to people foreign to the vertical space the content may seem over the top - but we are working sometimes 12,14 hour days on these drilling out 27 pages trying to bring the best to our characters. we love it so much - we put our heart and soul into these productions because everyone from the cast to the crew wants to make it the very best. Which makes jumping in a freezing pool or getting cake thrown in your face feel worth it
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I would love to see more diversity involved. The vertical space has built such a strong foundation, and I really see an opening for more diverse storytelling & casting
What are you most proud of?
I never saw myself as someone who could ever become confident. I was always shy as a kid, i really didn't like myself very much at all, always felt like I was pushed to the back. I always wished I was someone else or I wished I could have talent like so and so. And finally at this stage in my life i don't want that at all - acting has really given me the ability to know we all have our little gifts and flaws that make being human gratifying. I want what’s meant for me and I want to be supportive of whoever I see gain an opportunity or grow - because I feel so lucky to be able to witness that rise in somebody. Im really inspired by other people's success, and how they got there. Mountains do not grow without earthquakes.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Omg. I feel like life has barely begun! We're still writing this script 😂
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I was born in Saudi Arabia, but im Mexican & German, with Native American roots
⭐ Gymnastics was my passion for 10 years growing up & my goal was to become an olympian (my knees could never now lol)
⭐ I’ve always wanted to play a role in an action movie & a fantasy type film.
Current earworm:
Ordinary Alex Warren!
Last movie you saw at the cinema / play on stage:
I went with my little siblings to see Snow White the other weekend - they absolutely loved it. It was so fun seeing how they lit up and felt so inspired after being in the theater
Currently reading:
Im more of a podcast girly at the moment - I love listening to the Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett.
Favourite snacks:
Cheese fries
Thank you Vanessa 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
tiktok.com/vanessaschwarzz I often post BTS on here or day in my life on set 💕
🎞️ The Quarterback Next Door - Reelshort
📸 Vanessa’s Instagram @vanessaschwarzz
