Who is Dylan Mandel?
I'm a 19 year old actor and filmmaker from New Jersey. I currently study Theater Acting and Cinematic Arts at USC. I have been working on stage, in front of the camera, and behind the camera for more than half of my life. My passions are fueled by my strong creativity, vast imagination and happy-go-lucky nature.
My Work
Burning the Old Man (Short) - "Bobby"
I was beyond excited to work on this USC Senior film. Not only did I get the chance to film on a private jet set, but I got to work with future filmmakers and a talented acting friend, Jonathan Wolf.
The Letter - "Rob"
USC Student film. The project challenged the student to write a short with no dialogue, while still showing strong emotions and a clear relationship. I was asked if I wanted to play the role of "Rob", and after reading the short screenplay, I was on board for this fun, little romance piece.
Nothin But Net - "Jack"
A USC student film. When I saw the title of the screenplay, I thought I'd be able to show off my basketball skills, but after seeing who I was cast as and reading the screenplay, I quickly realized that Jack is a terrible baller. But luckily, he has a good friend Celia who helps him out. I had a lot of fun on this shoot, and had a blast doing so much physical acting.
Heart On A Sleeve - "Neighbor" "Man-Moth"
A unique USC student film, where I was the flamboyant neighbor of a materialistic "cool guy". I also got to portray the "Man-Moth", which was fun.
Not Okay - “Marcus”
A one-shot drama filmed by, and starring, teen intensive filmmaking students. It was Film of the Month in August ‘22, beating out at least a dozen other shorts at the New Jersey Film School. After usually being seen as a comedic actor, it was nice to play with these new levels of emotion. (And my ankle was actually broken!) Later in the year, it was accepted and shown at a National Student Film Festival in New York.
The Lie - “Quinn”
This rom-com is about the coming together of two nervous teens who are both secretly in love with each other. It was the first teen short film from NJFS to incorporate a male-female kiss.
The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse - “Dale”
This comedy short is about a meeting between the four… No… FIVE horsemen of the Apocalypse. It was submitted and accepted into an International Student Film Festival.
Love, Tommy - Writer and Grip
13 year old Dylan Mandel came up with the idea for a stop motion rom-com while sitting in a dark closet. I wrote the script that following week. A year later, when I was just 14, it won an award at the Gold Coast International Film Festival.