Actor and fitness influencer Andrew Campen chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about being a part of vertical dramas and the digital age.
Albert Einstein once said: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather to become a man of value.” This quote applied to Andrew Campen.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, he said, “It feels very good but also weird because it has been a crazy transition. All these verticals are getting pretty big at the moment. The entire industry is going into them so it is both a weird but fun time.”
Andrew is drawn to this vertical space since it has afforded him the opportunity to meet some wonderful people. “Everybody that I’ve met has been really cool. I just love everyone on the sets… they have all been great,” he said.
“My experiences in the vertical drama space have been great. I love being on set and you just really enhance your acting experiences with them. Also, it is consistent work, and it is hard getting work these days, but verticals are here right now,” he elaborated.
“Everyone is getting into the vertical space because they are seeing the potential in it. Also, the turnaround rate for vertical dramas is impressive. They usually have them out a month and a half after we finish filming them,” he noted.
Working with DramaShorts
Andrew praised DramaShorts for being an “incredible” company to work for. “I love the team there. DramaShorts is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for,” he said.
‘College Story’
Andrew revealed that “College Story” for DramaShorts was his first vertical ever. The synopsis is: What starts as a cruel bet becomes a fight for truth, freedom-and love. When cocky freshman Will (Andrew Campen) is dared by a ruthless fraternity to seduce the campus outcast, he thinks it’ll be the easiest test of loyalty yet.
“It is still probably my favorite one too,” he admitted. “I just love the storyline and both of my co-stars, Julia Klinestiver and Audrey Neal were both great in ‘College Story.’ I just loved it and everyone involved in it. The crew was great too.”
He also noted that “The Nerd’s AI Fake Tamed the College Crushes” was another vertical that he did with the same crew as “College Story.” “This one was fun because I got to play the bad boy so it was a little bit different than ‘College Story.’ We had a fun time shooting it,” he said.
Transition from fitness to acting
On his transition from fitness to acting, he remarked, “I did gymnastics for 10 years, and and I wanted to go to college for it but then I broke my wrist and my finger so unfortunately, I couldn’t do it anymore. Then, I stopped working out for two or three years. Once I started working out, I started doing weightlifting and I just haven’t stopped since.”
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he shared, “Definitely I want to do more acting in the future. In fact, I just moved to Los Angeles last October because it has more acting opportunities here.”
“I am trying to get some bigger roles, but obviously, it takes time. We will see what happens with that. Then, I want to start some businesses, including a cereal business towards the end of the year,” he noted.
“I still want to be an influencer, so I will be doing more posting on social media,” he added.
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, he encouraged them to “just go for it!” “Even if you are scared, just got for it,” he said. “What’s the worst that can happen? You hear the words ‘no’ and you get rejected. Then, you can at least say that you tried, and you are not going to have any regrets later.”
Favorite motto to live by
On his favorite motto to live by, he said, “Love everyone and be kind to everyone.” “That is a necessity in my life because we don’t know what other people are going through in their days. Everyone is fighting their own battles. So, it is truly to spread kindness,” he said.
Andrew compliments world-class and Olympic swimmers
Andrew complimented world-class and Olympic swimmers for their workout regimen. “Swimming is such a tough and grueling sport. Their cardio is unmatched,” he said, and listed “freestyle” as his favorite stroke in swimming. “Butterfly is the hardest thing ever,” he admitted.
The best advice that he has ever been given
On the best advice that he has ever been given, Andrew disclosed, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Andrew revealed, “Back on the Path.”
Superpower of choice
His superpower of choice would be to “read minds.” “You can make a lot of money reading people’s minds and figuring out information people know,” he said with a sweet laugh. “Also, I would love to have the superpower from the guy from ‘Heroes.’ He can absorb other people’s powers… that would be a fun superpower as well.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Andrew remarked, “Success, to me, means peace of mind because you can have so many things, but you could still not be happy.”
Message for his fans and supporters
For his fans and supporters, Andrew expressed, “This has been a crazy ride, but I want to thank them for all the support. I am very, very grateful.”
To learn more about Andrew Campen, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
