Kirby Ellwood chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about “Things I Wanted to Say,” VertiCon, Vertical Drama Merch, and the fans.
On starring in “Things I Wanted to Say” on ReelShort, she exclaimed, “That was one of my favorite shows ever! I loved every second of it because I actually had source material to work with. It is based on the book by Monica Murphy.”
“Before I even read the script, I wanted to experience the book first. So, I spent a week listening to the audiobook while doing chores around the house. The book is very bold and very sexual, so I was really curious to see how they would adapt it into a screenplay. There were a few scenes I was a little nervous about, but they ultimately didn’t make it into the final version,” she noted.
“What I loved most was the character Summer Savage. Summer had so many layers and so much depth, and her relationship was incredibly complicated and interesting. I really enjoyed bringing all of that to life,” she said.
“We actually filmed ‘Things I Wanted to Say’ in New York City, which was really exciting. It was my first time filming there and being in New York in a long time, and I had an amazing experience. I really enjoyed being back in New York,” she noted.
On working with Pablo Kaestli as her leading man, she enthused, “Pablo was an absolute dream to work with. I love him so much.”
On being a part of the vertical space, she said, “I really just try to bring positivity to every set I’m on. I want everyone to have a good experience while we’re working together.”
VertiCon 2026
Ellwood is excited about being a part of the 2026 VertiCon. “I’m really looking forward to seeing all the fans again. I’ll be there on Sunday doing meet-and-greets, photo ops, and autograph sessions,” she said.
“Last year was especially memorable because that’s where I met Shayne Davis, who has become one of my closest friends. He is great, and I adore him! I will be doing a joint meet and greet with Shayne! I am excited for photo-ops and autographs,” she added.
Vertical Drama Merch
Ellwood is also thrilled about Vertical Drama Merch. “A few months ago, I spent an entire day designing a T-shirt. I went with that classic vintage-style celebrity tee with lightning graphics, and pink. I really hope people like it,” she said.
“I might create another design before the event—that’s definitely on my to-do list,” she added.
Serving as a judge for ‘The Next ReelStar‘
Last year, she was a judge on “The Next ReelStar” on ReelShort, where 24 contestants from Mister USA competed for a shot at their own leading role in a vertical drama.
“That was really fun. Nicole Mattox invited me to to do it, and once I got there, I ended up really enjoying it. I haven’t watched the finished product so I hope that I wasn’t too harsh and that my feedback came across well. I genuinely had a great time doing it,” she elaborated.
“It’s funny because judging ended up being a lot more fun than I expected. During the final improv challenge, I was honestly stressed because I couldn’t immediately tell who was supposed to be the hero and who was the villain. I just kept thinking, ‘I hope I’m getting this right!’ Thankfully, I trusted my instincts, and everything worked out,” she explained.
Working with Marc Herrmann
Over the years, she has done many vertical dramas with Marc Herrmann. “I love working with Marc Herrmann. He’s genuinely such a dream to collaborate with. We’ve built a great working relationship over the years. Between takes we are always laughing, joking around, and having fun, but the moment they call ‘Action,’ we both lock in. It’s a great balance, and I always enjoy working with him,” she said.
Recently, Herrmann and Ellwood filmed another project together titled “Marry Me Twice, Mr. Grant,” and it is being released on her birthday, August 4th. “Having this new project premiere on my birthday feels like the perfect present for me from ReelShort. It’s a beautiful love story, and I had a wonderful time making it,” she concluded.
To learn more about Kirby Ellwood, follow her on Instagram.
Read More: Rave review of “Things I Wanted to Say.”
