American Model-turned-Actor Zak Steiner talks about the remarkable journey he’s on and his passion for storytelling, both in front and behind the camera lens

Zak Steiner by Nguyen for DAMAN Apr/May 2024 001.jpg — Suit by Paul Smith

Zak Steiner’s journey from competitive tennis to modeling and then acting is a tale of resilience and serendipity. Following a career-altering elbow injury at 16, Zak pivoted to modeling, catching the attention of industry heavyweights like Bruce Weber and landing his first gig as the face of a Bottega Veneta fragrance. Embracing the uncertainty of his future, Zak ventured into acting, where he discovered a newfound passion that led him to roles in acclaimed film projects. Now, as he sets his sights on filmmaking, Zak’s story reflects the power of perseverance and the endless possibilities that come with following one’s dreams.

Zak Steiner by Nguyen for DAMAN Apr/May 2024 002.jpg — Polo shirt by BOSS ; pants by Jacob Cohen; bag by Kenzo; rings by Vintage Gentlemen

DAMAN: What inspired your transition from modeling to pursuing roles in film and television?
Zak Steiner: I was pretty young when I started in the modeling world as well as the theatrical world, so I think I was really just trying to find something to fulfill my creative endeavors. I felt a different type of creative satisfaction with being on set for TV and film. Not that I didn’t in the modeling world, but it was different. So, I kind of just kept pursuing and chasing that.

Zak Steiner by Nguyen for DAMAN Apr/May 2024 003.jpg — Shirt by Lacoste; hat by Polo Ralph Lauren

DA: How has your background in modeling influenced your approach to portraying characters on screen?
ZS: I think I have a pretty solid foundation when it comes to being on set, being in front of the camera and bringing parts of myself to whatever image is being captured.IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE JUGGLING EIGHT DIFFERENT BALLS AND YOU GOTTA KEEP THEM ALL UP FOR HOWEVER LONG THE SCENE IS. I LOVE IT”

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DA: What, in your experience, are the key differences between modeling and acting? And how have you adapted to them?
ZS: With modeling, your collaboration with the photographer is mainly on set. It’s almost like a dance. Where you move, he/she moves to find that shot. That’s pretty straightforward in my mind. But you’re both working together to attain that great photo. On a TV or film production, you’re collaborating with not just the director of photography but also your scene partners and the director. It’s a massive collaborative effort, along with things like blocking, hitting the marks and portraying whatever emotional depth your character needs for a scene. It feels like you’re juggling eight different balls and you gotta keep them all up for however long the scene is. I love it, though.

IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE JUGGLING EIGHT DIFFERENT BALLS AND YOU GOTTA KEEP THEM ALL UP FOR HOWEVER LONG THE SCENE IS. I LOVE IT

DA: Let’s talk about your upcoming film, “Ghost Trap,” and your character, Jamie Eugley. What attracted you to the complexity and emotional depth that makes up Jamie’s character?
ZS: Yeah, the “Ghost Trap” is a really fun one. It’s a project that I was very happy with sinking my teeth into. The premise essentially revolves around Jaime’s character. When his fiancé́ goes overboard and suffers a brain injury, he’s her caretaker for three years until he falls in love with another woman. There’s also other family drama that ensues. Basically, it’s a really nice slice of life movie.

I think what attracted me to Jaime was just his overall character. The story in itself is really heart wrenching and what he goes through throughout the movie … I feel that most people would pack it up and walk away from that situation. But it shows how good of a character and how much love he has for the ones that are close in his life—and that he’s just a good dude. I think that I can relate with him in that I’d do absolutely anything for my friends or family. Also living the Mainer lifestyle is absolutely awesome.

Zak Steiner by Nguyen for DAMAN Apr/May 2024 005.jpg — Shirt by Michael Kors; jeans by G-Star Raw; rings by Vintage Gentlemen

DA: And how did you prepare for such a multi-layered role?ZS: A week prior to principal photography, my co-star, Greer Grammer, and myself went out for Lobster Boot Camp, where we learned how to drive boats, haul traps, band lobsters and basically live the whole Mainer life. Shout out to Ryan, Cheri and Dan the Lobster Man for taking us in with open arms and helping us out throughout the duration of shooting. But even before that, I was watching a lot of YouTube videos on lobsterman: What their day-to-day was like, how they held themselves, the dialect. Along with homework on my relationship with Jamie and other characters in the movie.

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DA: So, the setting of “Ghost Trap” is a small Maine lobstering community, which certainly adds a unique backdrop to the story. How did the setting influence your understanding of Jamie Eugley’s character and the challenges he faces?
ZS: I think filming in Maine definitely made it authentic and brought a whole new life to the screen as well as everybody’s performances. It’s hard not to do it justice when you’re surrounding yourself with the real deal lobster folk out there. I live in Los Angeles, so it’s a totally different world; and when I was doing my homework on Jaime a couple months leading up to going out to Maine to film, I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the character and the story. 129 But I think that actually doing the things out in Rockland—from actually hauling the traps and driving the boats, going to the local bars with the Mainers, socializing with them—gave me a much better sense of who this guy really was.

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DA: How do you ensure authenticity and remain respectful when portraying characters facing real world issues like in the movie?
ZS: Doing your homework, knowing what you’re talking about and asking questions if you are not 100-percent confident when portraying a character like this. I asked a lot of questions and I learned a hell of a lot.

Zak Steiner by Nguyen for DAMAN Apr/May 2024 008.jpg — Shirt and pants by Kenzo; sneakers by New Balance; rings by Vintage Gentlemen

DA: And now, let’s take a moment to talk about “Euphoria.” Can fans expect your return as Aaron Jacobs in the next season of the show? And what storyline developments are you most excited to explore further for your character?
ZS: I really have no idea what’s going on in season three. I don’t think anyone really does, unfortunately. I think I did hear that it’s going to be a film noir type for season three. I kind of come and go throughout season one and two. I’m not sure what Sam [series writer Sam Levinson] has in store for Aaron in season three but I have nothing but respect for him and everybody on that production. I’m here when they call me.

Zak Steiner by Nguyen for DAMAN Apr/May 2024 009.jpg — Hat by Goorin Bros.; bag by TUMI

DA: What was it like working on the set of “Euphoria”?
ZS: I mean, you’re working with the best in the business on that production. So, my adrenaline is always through the roof. I always have such a great time. All the love to my Jacob’s family as well as Sam and the rest of the cast.

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DA: What aspects of the creative process do you find most fulfilling?
ZS: I think the most creatively fulfilling part of this business is the collaboration with different cast members. It’s like a dance when you’re on set with your scene partner. They may do something that either totally throws you off, fires you up or something very spontaneous that ignites something in you. I love that feeling and I think working with different actors you get different results from your performance. So, really, it’s just the whole collaborative aspect of it that is always exciting and fun for me.

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DA: And are there any particular stories or themes you’re passionate about exploring through your work?
ZS: I really love small town blue-collar characters and stories. “Ghost Trap” definitely aligns with that, from the character to the actual story. But you also kind of know it when you get a really good script and you just think: “Yeah, I’ve gotta play this one…”

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DA: How do you stay motivated and focused amidst the highs and lows of working in this industry? Especially considering just how competitive things can get…
ZS: This is such a good question and it’s something that I’m still trying to figure out. I try to busy myself as much as possible with other creative endeavors in my downtime. It’s such a weird industry where things can happen so last minute, so you’ve gotta be ready. But you can’t live your life constantly being on edge and not booking that trip out to Hawaii because something “might” happen, ya know?

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DA: What advice would you give to aspiring actors or filmmakers who are just starting their journey?
ZS: I’d say: Read plays, watch films, make movies with whatever equipment you’ve got together with friends, go to museums, immerse yourself in not just the theatrical side of art, but art in general.

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DA: Finally, what’s next for you? Any new projects or goals on the horizon that you’re excited about?
ZS: As of now, I’ve got another movie I’m attached to that we’re hoping to film in the middle of this year. I am also in the process of fundraising for a passion project I wrote a couple of years ago. And then there’s whatever Sam has in store for your boy in season three of “Euphoria.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY NGUYEN
STYLING KIMBERLY YVETTE GOODNIGHT
Grooming Maxwell M. for Exclusive Artists using Prada Beauty
Production Ian Phillips for Media Playground PR
Casting Pure Consulting
Model Zak Steiner/ Next Management LA

An in-depth conversation with Zak Steiner of “Ghost Trap” and “Euphoria” fame