Actor Cole Gerdes chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in vertical dramas and being a part of the digital age.
Vertical drama space
On being a part of the vertical drama space, he remarked, “I have had such an amazing time in the vertical space. I think it’s really wonderful.”
“It’s such a unique opportunity to just work so much more consistently than before when you were shooting in a studio setting,” he added.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology and social media are so prevalent, Gerdes said, “Honestly, I should probably be a little better at it.”
“It’s one of those things that I really appreciate, especially how connected it makes you to everything, but at the same time, you just always have to do it now. There is no turning it off,” he elaborated.
Daily motivations as an actor
Regarding his daily motivations as an actor, he shared, “The biggest thing, for me, is trying to find connections with the characters and also be able to relate to the people who are watching.”
“So, it’s about really building something that has something to say or makes people feel things. That’s what always draws me to great actors… being able to see something and relate to them in real time,” he added.
Plans for the future
On his future plans, he stated, “I try not to plan for the future too much. It’s so unpredictable, especially right now with the state of entertainment.”
“I feel like just hanging on for dear life, and trying to be along for the ride is the best bet,” he added.
Career-defining moments
Gerdes went on to open up about his career-defining moments. “I’ve had the unique experience of shifting careers quite a bit,” he said. “I started as a musician, then I was a full-time model, and then I got into acting a little bit later.”
“So, for me, what I think has really shaped my view and perspective on all of it is how much things are connected, and how much they can be connected to other things that you’re not even thinking about in the current moment,” he explained.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and emerging actors, Gerdes said, “Be on set. Whatever it takes to just get on set, whether that’s as background, as crew, being extras. The more that you’re on set and you understand the terminology, you understand how they run and operate, the better off you’re going to be when you get the chance to be on it.”
“Like I said before, when you were just shooting for networks or for a studio, you rarely got on set. Then when you did, you were acting across from an A-list actor or somebody who was leading a TV show. There weren’t a lot of easy ways to break in except for doing background work,” he elaborated.
“I think that’s one of the beautiful things about verticals… they’ve opened up opportunities for way more people to be on set all the time,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Gerdes revealed, “Unpredictability.”
Superpower of choice
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “the power of healing.” “It would definitely be healing. I don’t want to hurt,” he said with a sweet laugh. “I don’t want to feel the pain for very long.”
Success
Gerdes defined the word success simply as “waking up happy.”
Message for his fans
For his fans and supporters, Gerdes expressed, “Thank you, especially within this vertical space, the fans are incredible! They really do drive all of it.”
“I’ve met some really cool people who have been so lovely and just so welcoming, and I really appreciate that,” he concluded.
To learn more about actor Cole Gerdes, follow him on Instagram.
