In an era where digital storytelling is reshaping Hollywood’s landscape, Seth Edeen stands at the forefront of this evolution. Once an engineer with no plans to enter the entertainment industry, Edeen’s journey from the world of equations to the emotional depth of acting is as unexpected as it is inspiring. After moving to Southern California “just to live the dream,” he discovered his passion for performance and quickly became a rising figure in the world of vertical short-form storytelling — a format redefining how audiences connect with characters and emotion in under two minutes.
Best known for his breakout project Breaking the Ice, which fused his lifelong love of hockey with cinematic storytelling, Edeen has since starred in over 27 vertical projects, gaining millions of views and an ever-growing fan base. His collaborations with actress Nicole Mattox and his dedication to authenticity and emotional depth have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in this new digital medium.
We had a chat with Seth about his unconventional path from engineering to acting, the lessons learned from balancing odd jobs in Los Angeles, and his vision for the future — from expanding into high-fashion modeling to building a sustainable career in film and television.
What inspired you to transition from engineering to acting and digital storytelling?
I initially had no intention of getting into the industry. When I left engineering and moved to Southern California it was because I just wanted to live in SoCal and live the dream. I fell into my acting career after I had already lived here for four years, but I am so grateful that it found me when it did. What an incredible opportunity it’s been to be a the forefront of a brand new form of media!
How did your background in football and hockey influence your breakout project, Breaking the Ice?
I remember when I did my first callback for Breaking the Ice I told the casting director “I can assure you that you won’t find another guy in this entire city who’s better for this role than me. I am tailor made for it!”. I’ve been playing hockey since I was six years old and hockey isn’t one of those sports where you can do a few private lessons and expect to look competent. When I got to set and saw that our camera crew had worked on the movie “Miracle” I knew that this project was going to be something special.
What do you believe makes vertical short-form storytelling uniquely powerful compared to traditional formats?
Definitely the ant drama and cliffhangers. The cliffhangers ever ninety seconds or so are what makes a vertical a vertical. And the way the editors edit it all together make is SO compelling and a perfect format to share on platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, etc.
How has your collaboration with actress Nicole Mattox contributed to his growing popularity and on-screen chemistry?
I will forever be indebted to Nicole. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for her. She is undoubtedly the best actress I’ve ever worked with and I have learned so much from her. Not only is she such a professional and great to work with but she has become one of my closest and dearest friends in the whole world. Breaking the Ice and Homeless Billionaire wouldn’t be the same without her. The way in which she truly lives these stories as if they are real life is truly mesmerizing to see. She brings the best out of not only myself but everyone she works with.
What challenges did you face while balancing odd jobs in Los Angeles before breaking into acting?
It’s tough because there’s so many different schedules you’re having to juggle at once. You get better at it after a while though, and being an athlete most of my life taught me how to manage school, sports and other extracurricular activities. I have always been pretty good with managing my time. Luckily with the boom of vertical micro dramas, I’ve been able to ditch most of my odd jobs I used to do. Now it’s more about juggling schedules of shooting multiple projects at once which is such a good problem to have!
How do you approach authenticity and emotional depth when creating content for young adult audiences?
Really taking a moment before to drop into whatever world the story is taking place in. Our imaginations are so strong when we are young and as we get older we lose it. So training your brain to have that strong imagination you had when you were a child can be so powerful.
What lessons have you learned from starring in over 27 vertical projects?
I have learned to just trust the process. It has taken a lot of work and patience to improve as an actor. Acting isn’t something that came naturally to me like athletics did so it’s taken a lot of hard work and patience to get to where I am today. I am so thankful to have starred in as many projects as I have!
How do you plan to leverage your digital success to build a sustainable career in film and television?
I am still figuring that out as I go. Right now I just want to keep building my amazing and loyal fan base while simultaneously being a the forefront of this new vertical form of storytelling.
In what ways are you preparing for your expansion into high-fashion modeling and brand campaigns?
Collating with different photographers in the fashion world and building my brand to align with those types of companies!
What advice would you give to aspiring creators hoping to make their mark in vertical storytelling?
I would say go into it with an open mind. It’s a different type of storytelling than traditional film/tv so you have to have an open mind when you’re shooting these projects. Also do your homework and watch some vertical shows for whichever platform you are shooting with. Each platform has their own kind of flavor and style that they. Always show up to any job or callback prepared!
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