Mitchell Maggard always viewed modeling as a stepping stone – a way to build discipline, presence, and ultimately, a bridge to acting. Inspired by stars like Channing Tatum and Ashton Kutcher, who successfully transitioned from fashion to film, Mitchell quietly set his sights on the big screen. Now, with his acting debut in Dark Distortion, that long-held ambition has become reality.
Written and directed by Joseph Herrera, Dark Distortion is a provocative indie horror film that fuses supernatural terror with a sharp critique of social media obsession, adult content culture, and the high cost of digital visibility. The story follows a group of adult models and influencers who resort to theft to maintain their curated online lifestyles – until they steal a camcorder containing the spirit of a murdered child. What begins as a slick crime thriller quickly unravels into something far more sinister. Produced on a micro-budget, the film embraces a gritty, voyeuristic aesthetic reminiscent of Spring Breakers, using bold visuals and relentless tension to ask an unsettling question: in a world where everything is filmed and forever, is the price of being seen worth paying?
In our exclusive interview, Mitchell opens up about making the leap from modeling to acting, working within an intimate indie production, and exploring a character who lives for the spotlight – even as he personally prefers to stay out of it.
You’ve built a successful career as a fashion model. What first drew you to modeling, and how did that path begin for you?
Honestly, what originally drew me into modeling was the belief that it could eventually open the door to acting. At the time, I saw it as a potential pathway to the big screen. Growing up, I really looked up to actors like Channing Tatum and Ashton Kutcher, and I noticed that both of them began their careers in modeling before making the transition into acting. Seeing that made the dream feel more attainable, and it gave me the confidence to believe I could pursue a similar path.
A huge part of that journey began with my agent, Christian Alexander. He believed in me early on and helped get my foot in the door in the modeling world. Through his support, I had the opportunity to work on magazine covers, campaigns, and collaborate with some incredible brands. Those experiences helped shape my career and really laid the foundation for where I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for that chapter of my life, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am without his belief in me from the very beginning.
Modeling and acting both put you in front of the camera, but they require very different skills. What surprised you the most about stepping onto a film set for the first time?
What surprised me the most was the production side of everything. When you watch a movie, you see the finished product, but you don’t always realize how many people and how much effort it takes to create even a single moment on screen. The amount of crew, equipment, and coordination involved is incredible.
There are so many moving parts – lighting, camera work, sound, direction – and everyone is working together to make one scene feel perfect. What really stood out to me was how much time and care goes into capturing just a few minutes of film. It gave me a whole new
respect for filmmaking and for the people behind the camera who help bring those moments to life.
How did the opportunity to appear in Dark Distortion come about, and what made you want to take on the role?
The opportunity came through my dear friend and director, Joseph Herrera. He reached out to me about a film he had just written, and what meant a lot to me was that he actually wrote the character of Dimitri with me in mind. When he told me that while he was writing the script he kept picturing me in that role, I immediately felt honored and excited. Knowing that someone believed I could bring that character to life made it an easy decision for me to say yes. It felt like the kind of opportunity you don’t take lightly.
Your character, Dimitri, is part of a group of influencers whose lives spiral after stealing a mysterious camcorder. How would you describe him and his place in the group dynamic?
I think Dimitri is someone who carries a quiet strength. He’s respected by the people around him, but he’s also a little more independent and reserved than the others. He doesn’t always feel the need to be the loudest voice in the room. At the same time, he has a really genuine and caring side to him. As the story unfolds, especially when Nina enters the group, Dimitri almost naturally takes on this older-brother type of role. He looks out for people in his own way, even if he doesn’t always say much.
The film explores the darker side of curated online identities. As someone working in a very visible industry, did that theme resonate with you personally?
Absolutely. In industries like modeling and entertainment, you’re constantly surrounded by curated images and carefully crafted versions of reality. Social media especially can make it feel like everyone’s life is perfect, when in reality we’re all dealing with our own struggles behind the scenes. That’s one of the reasons I think the story of Dark Distortion is so interesting. It really explores what happens when people become too focused on the image they’re presenting to the world instead of the reality they’re actually living in.
The director, Joseph Herrera, blended crime thriller elements with supernatural horror. What was his approach to guiding you through your first acting role?
Joseph was incredible throughout the entire process. Since this was my first real acting role, he really helped guide me in a way that felt natural and encouraging. His approach was actually very simple – he kept reminding me to breathe and to just be myself. He created such a positive environment on set and was constantly uplifting and supportive. Every day he was encouraging me and boosting my confidence, which meant a lot. Having a director who truly believes in you makes a huge difference, especially when you’re stepping into something new.
The movie was produced on a micro-budget. Did that create a more collaborative or intimate atmosphere on set?
If I had to choose, I’d definitely say it created a very intimate atmosphere. When you’re working on a project like this, everyone is putting their heart into it, and you spend a lot of time together. We were filming 12-hour days, sometimes longer, and that kind of experience naturally brings people closer. By the end of it, it really felt like we had become a family. When I look back on those days on set, I honestly get emotional sometimes because they were some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my life.
You’re part of an ensemble that includes actors like April Hartman, Jada Jay, and fellow model Ethan Vaughan. What was it like working with such a varied cast?
I feel incredibly lucky that I got to work with actors like April Hartman and Jada Jay. They’re both extremely talented and being able to watch them work up close was a great learning experience for me. Seeing how they prepare for scenes, how they approach their characters, and the level of professionalism they bring to the set was inspiring. For someone stepping into acting, being surrounded by people with that level of experience was something I’m very grateful for.
Were you already a fan of horror films before this project, or did this movie spark a new appreciation for the genre?
I was actually already a big horror fan before Dark Distortion. Back in high school, my friends Colin Wagner and Ryan Dickens were the ones who really got me into horror movies. But being part of a horror film definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for the genre. Seeing what it takes behind the scenes to create suspense, tension, and atmosphere made me respect those films even more.
Horror fans always have favorites. What are some of your go-to scary movies?
My all-time favorite horror film is definitely Scream. That’s my go-to movie every Halloween. My friends and I actually made it a tradition years ago to watch it together every year, so it’s become a bit nostalgic for me. After that, I’d say Halloween would be my second favorite, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre would be third. Those films really defined the genre and are still incredibly impactful today.
Modeling can lead to some pretty wild situations. Do you have a memorable or funny behind-the-scenes moment from a shoot?
I’ve honestly had so many over the years it’s hard to pick just one. If you ever run into me in person, I’ll happily tell you a few more. But the one that immediately comes to mind happened during an editorial shoot for a magazine. We were filming on a boat, and the concept was for a few of us to jump off the back into the water while the photographer captured the shot. We had to do the jump over and over again until we got the perfect frame. On the final take, all of us male models jumped in at the same time – and landed directly into a huge school of jellyfish. We all got stung pretty much head to toe. It was one of those moments that was incredibly painful in the moment but, looking back on it now, it’s actually pretty funny. Definitely one of those unforgettable modeling stories.
Since the film deals with influencers and online personas, what’s your own relationship with social media?
It’s actually kind of ironic because I’m the opposite of the character I play in the film. In real life, I’m a pretty private person, and I’ve always valued my privacy. Social media has never been something I’ve felt the need to dive deeply into. That’s part of what made the role interesting for me. In Dark Distortion, I’m portraying someone who lives in that world and embraces the spotlight of social media. So, in a way, it allowed me to explore a side of that culture that’s very different from how I normally live my life.
If you found a mysterious camcorder like the one in Dark Distortion, would you press play—or run the other way?
After making this movie, I’d probably smash the camcorder immediately just to be safe. But if I’m being honest, I’d also be a little curious about what was on it. I think most people would be. There’s always that curiosity that makes you want to see what’s inside something mysterious. So, I’d probably hesitate for a second… and then remind myself of what happens in the movie and destroy it before pressing play.
After making your acting debut, do you see yourself pursuing more roles?
Absolutely – if God allows it. I’d love to continue pursuing acting. I’ve really fallen in love with the process. Preparing for a role, learning a character, and stepping into a completely different mindset is such an exciting experience. There’s also this adrenaline that comes with performing and bringing a character to life that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it. I want to push myself and see how far I can go in this field. Horror will always have a special place for me because of Dark Distortion, but I’d love the opportunity to explore other genres as well and really challenge myself as an actor.
Dark Distortion is available now on all major streaming platforms. Follow Mitchell on Instagram.
