Fashion model Mitchell Maggard chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in the new horror film “Dark Distortion.”
The synopsis is: A group of adult models turned thieves face unintended consequences after stealing a camcorder that houses the spirit of a murdered child. It was directed by Joseph Herrera.
“My experience in ‘Dark Distortion’ was absolutely incredible,” he exclaimed. “I learned so much about myself when I was preparing for Dark Distortion, and I learned so much about the film business. It truly was a great overall experience for my first-ever film. I feel like I’ve made memories and friendships that I’ll take with me and I’ll cherish forever.”
On playing Dimitri, he remarked, “What I loved most about playing Dimitri is that he has a really big heart. He’s genuinely a good person. Even though he’s in an industry that can be toxic and sinful, he’s still able to stay true to himself. He cares for others and often puts them before himself. That depth and internal conflict made him very human to me.”
Regarding the lessons learned from the script, he reflected, “This screenplay taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. It showed me that I can truly lose myself in the moment – be free, be vulnerable – and deliver something I never knew I had inside of me. It taught me how to dig deep into emotions and past memories from my own life and apply them in a meaningful and inspiring way. That truly was powerful for me.”
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Maggard said, “It feels really cool and special to be a part of this era. I grew up watching movies in theaters and then waiting for them to come out on VHS or DVD. I’m a ’90s baby – I remember going to Blockbuster and waiting for my favorite movie to finally be available to rent.”
“Now, to be part of the digital age where films release and instantly stream worldwide – that’s incredible. The moment something comes out, people across the globe can watch it immediately. Being part of that shift is really special,” he added.
Future plans
On his future plans, he shared, “I plan on moving forward with acting if God allows it. I’ll continue modeling when the right opportunities arise, but acting is where I’m devoting my time and energy. I want to be the best actor I can possibly be and push myself to see how far I can go in this industry.”
“I’ve now had a real taste of it, and I’m incredibly grateful to have met Joseph Herrera. I’m incredibly grateful for him giving me this opportunity and platform at my age when most people never get a chance. I’m excited to see what the future holds for my acting career,” he added.
Advice for hopefuls
Advice for hopefuls who wish to go into modeling or acting, he said, “My advice would be – don’t let rejection scare you. Chasing your dreams means hearing ‘no’ more times than you’d like. Don’t be afraid of the no. The no is part of the path. But those moments build you. If you stay consistent and keep showing up, eventually those ‘nos’ turn into a yes.”
Defining moments
On his defining moments in life, Maggard disclosed, “I think heartbreak has shaped me in a lot of ways. I’ve loved deeply, and I’ve lost deeply. Those moments changed me. They hurt, but they also gave me depth. As an actor, you draw from what you’ve lived — and I’ve lived through some things that shaped who I am.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Maggard said, “Success, to me, is overcoming adversity, refusing to quit when things get hard, and having the courage to stay true to your path — especially when it’s the road less traveled.”
Message for his fans
For his fans and supporters, Maggard said, “First, I just want to thank everyone who watched ‘Dark Distortion’ and supported the cast and crew. So many people gave everything to make this film what it is. ‘Dark Distortion’ explores what happens when the version of yourself you curate online starts to replace who you actually are. When your perception becomes currency, you can lose your grip on what’s really authentic — and reality starts to fracture.”
To learn more about Mitchell Maggard, follow him on Instagram.
