We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kai Mattson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kai below.
Hi Kai, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I’ve always loved storytelling. It’s been the one constant in my life—the thing that grounds me, challenges me, and keeps me curious. I discovered my passion for acting when I was nine years old, during a summer camp at the Jewish Community Center. That first experience sparked something in me that hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s only grown stronger with time.
I started working in film professionally in early 2024, doing background work on union shows like Duster and Eddington. Being on those sets taught me so much—not just about performance, but about how stories are built from the ground up. Eventually, I got the chance to work as Drew Starkey’s stand-in on Onslaught (2026), which gave me even more perspective on the rhythm and collaboration it takes to bring a vision to life.
Since then, I’ve been lucky to take on lead and supporting roles in indie films like Detrimental and Emergency Meeting, both coming out in 2025. I’ve also had the opportunity to dive into stories I’ve written myself. Right now, I’m finishing up a proof of concept for a feature I wrote called Abidance. This fall, I’ll be stepping into the lead role for another proof of concept based on my script Phantom Keys. Each of these projects has taught me something new—not just about acting, but about the responsibility of shaping a narrative from the inside out.
Through my agent, I also recently booked a role in the play Small Craft Warnings, which brings me back to the stage—another place where I feel at home. Whether it’s film or theater, I’ve always believed that storytelling thrives when it’s rooted in truth, and that’s what I’m constantly chasing.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from some incredibly talented people along the way—actors and casting directors like Lora Cunningham, Lauren Letherer, Marie McMaster, and Katherine Brink. Every class, every rehearsal, and every set has helped me grow. Signing with The O’ Agency in late 2024 was a major step forward in my journey and one that opened up new possibilities I’m grateful for.
I will never stop learning how to present meaningful stories in this industry. With each new project, I don’t aim for perfection—I aim to grow. I try to make new mistakes instead of repeating old ones. That’s how I measure progress.
To support that growth, I co-founded Rapid Unit with Dominik Munoz—a production company dedicated to developing authentic, character-driven stories. Through Rapid Unit, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of storytelling from both creative and production perspectives.
And no matter what happens, I’ll keep showing up, ready to tell the next story.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
When I’m writing a story, I always aim to spread awareness about issues that I believe are often overlooked things like addiction, mental health, trauma, and how our past shapes who we become. These aren’t just themes to me—they’re lived experiences, either personally or through people I’ve known. One of my proudest works is a short film I wrote and directed at CNM in Fall 2023 called Detrimental, which focused on alcoholism. The film explored how scars—both emotional and physical—can follow us, and how healing isn’t always linear. It challenged the idea that we should “just move on,” and instead asked, “What does real support look like for people carrying deep pain?”
Some people have told me that these topics are too dark. I understand the concern, but I believe stories that come from a place of truth have the power to help people feel less alone. I trust my gut and continue writing and performing with that in mind.
What sets my work apart is its honesty. I don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. I want to tell stories that challenge, disturb, and ultimately resonate. Whether I’m writing a suspenseful script or performing in front of a camera, I’m committed to making people feel something real. That’s what I think art should do.
What I’m most proud of is sticking to stories that matter to me. I’m proud of being able to turn pain into purpose and use film as a form of empathy. If you’re a viewer, collaborator, or fellow creative, I want you to know that I care deeply about the people behind and in front of the lens. My work is for the misfits, the broken, the healing—and the ones still searching for their voice.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I began struggling with addiction at 18. Alcohol and cocaine became my ways of escaping from the depression, anxiety, anger, and social phobia that had followed me for most of my life. For years, I used substances to numb myself from reality, until everything started to catch up with me.
When my grandmother passed away in October 2022 from third-degree dementia, it was a turning point. She didn’t recognize me when she died—she didn’t know about the life I was living. That hit me hard. I knew in my heart she would’ve wanted more for me. I knew she would’ve wanted me to go back to school, to find a better path. So, I re-enrolled in the winter of 2023.
But the wake-up call wasn’t over. A month after I turned 23, in the summer of 2023, I hit my lowest point. I had just quit my job at Flying Star, and then I lost my childhood dog, Sam, to cancer. He had been my companion for ten years—a golden retriever who felt like a brother to me. Not long after, I got a job at Target, but I was fired five days later due to my drinking. That was my moment of reckoning. I realized I couldn’t keep facing my struggles by leaning on addiction. Something had to change.
That’s when I started going to AA meetings. At three months sober, I wrote a student film titled The Sip of Sanity. It was chosen by my class to be the final project—and I was selected to direct it. That experience reminded me that my gift for storytelling hadn’t disappeared. It was still there, waiting for me to show up for it.
Since then, I’ve returned to acting. I started small—doing background work, showing up on student films, learning as much as I could from my peers and from teachers like Lauren Letherer and Lora Cunningham. I learned that there’s so much depth to this craft. Eventually, I signed with an agent. All of this came from staying committed to my recovery and to the passions that fuel me.
I stay sober because I have responsibilities now—but more importantly, I stay sober for myself and for the people around me. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s real. And every step forward is one I refuse to take for granted.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a deep commitment to continuous learning and growth in both acting and filmmaking. I believe that every role I take on, every scene I work on, and every collaboration I’m part of is a chance to expand my skills and deepen my understanding of storytelling. Acting and filmmaking aren’t just professions for me — they’re lifelong crafts that require patience, dedication, and vulnerability.
Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I’m especially motivated to connect with the incredible community of filmmakers and actors here. I want to work alongside talented, passionate people who push me to raise my standards and think differently about my work. By immersing myself in this creative environment, I hope to learn from others’ perspectives, experiences, and expertise, which will help me grow as a performer and storyteller.
My ultimate goal is to become a versatile and authentic actor who can bring real human emotion and depth to every role. I also want to hone my filmmaking skills so I can tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences, particularly stories that explore complex human experiences and social issues. For me, this journey is not just about personal success but about contributing meaningfully to the art form and inspiring others through honest, impactful storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kai.mattson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kai.mattson.5
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkBGUZWYKFI
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7596776/
https://www.o-agency.com/kai-mattson
https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/2296848-6389435
Image Credits
Johnny Carrol
John FreelyKirk
Cros Chavez