We had the good fortune of connecting with Zach Porter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What makes me most proud of my art up to this point is my hard work and dedication to the craft over anything else. During my time at performing arts school I spent countless hours rehearsing in the odd hours of the night while most of my peers were partying or sleeping in order to become the absolute best I could be. I was obsessed. I took any and every opportunity available to perform and clock in more time towards my 10,000 hours. That along with creating my own short films on weekly basis to become as sharp as I could possibly be. My goal was to become the best actor on the planet as far as craft. I often compare myself to a boxer who has 300 plus amateur fights before entering the pros. Now working on the professional level, I work like a veteran as far as experience, even though I am in the beginning of my career as far as my “prize fighting record” goes. I started with no connections in this industry, but doing what I did in the “amateurs” has awarded me the opportunity to work along side artists I used to dream about working with. I’m looking forward to continuing this trend.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a big fan of universal studios. That would be first on my list and there is plenty to do there as far as, entertainment and seeing shows, getting some classic Hollywood history, and eating some great (but terrible for you) food on city walk.

I am also a huge comedy fan so we couldn’t go through the week without hitting the comedy store at least a couple times.

We have to stay active so the countless hikes and views in LA are a must.

And maybe booking an Airbnb fit for a big time movie director with all the bells and whistles including a game room/arcade and a home movie theater.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My grandfather who I called Abuelo. He was an immigrant from Peru, South America. He worked 3 different trades in Peru to save up the funds to get his family away from an environment of extreme crime and poverty and into the land of opportunity , the U.S. He is the reason I am lucky enough to be born here and pursue what I want, rather than be forced into limited options. Although he only spoke Spanish, he instilled confidence and belief in me through his nuggets of wisdom and encouragement. He was the one who encouraged me most and helped me realize who I am and who I can become. He would call me “El Preferido” which means the preferred one, the messiah, or the chosen one.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7465820/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_q_zachary%2520daniel

Image Credits
James Pratt (headshot), Avery Archie @averyvisuals (on set still), Alfonso Solis @caliproject (other photos)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.