Three years after NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped, the long-running CBS drama is still shaping Daniela Ruah’s career. The actress, who played Kensi Blye for 14 seasons, is now stepping behind the camera with her short film My Type, premiering at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Reflecting on her time directing episodes of NCIS: LA and other network procedurals, Ruah says efficiency was the most valuable lesson she learned. “You have to be extremely well-prepared,” she explains. “Anything can change, so being ready allows you to adapt quickly.”
That mindset proved crucial while filming My Type, a romantic short inspired by a real-life couple living with Type 1 Diabetes. When the production unexpectedly ran out of film, Ruah leaned on preparation and teamwork to pivot and keep the project on track—proof that her procedural training continues to pay off.