Daniela Ruah is trading procedural drama for intimate storytelling. The former NCIS: Los Angeles star will premiere her short film My Type at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, showcasing her evolution as a director.
Ruah says working on network procedurals taught her the importance of efficiency and adaptability. “You have to be ready for anything,” she says, noting that preparation allows directors to problem-solve under pressure.
That skill became invaluable when My Type—shot on 16mm film—ran out of stock during production. The team reworked the schedule and locations, a move Ruah credits entirely to preparation and teamwork.
The film, inspired by a real couple living with Type 1 Diabetes, blends romance with awareness, marking a thoughtful new direction for the actress-turned-filmmaker.