Vidal Palacios is a multifaceted creative professional whose journey through the entertainment industry spans acting, directing, and innovative storytelling technologies. Through his company, Firecracker Media, he continues to push the boundaries of narrative expression while honoring traditional storytelling craftsmanship.
Entertainment Background
Known professionally as Vidal Peterson, his acting career includes memorable appearances in Disney's "Something Wicked This Way Comes," Roger Corman's "Wizards of the Lost Kingdom," Star Trek: Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and the original Beverly Hills 90210. His performances have earned critical recognition, including a Drama-Logue Critic's Award for ensemble performance and an Irene Ryan Award nomination at the Kennedy Center for Best Supporting Actor.
His industry experience deepened during his time as a development assistant at a production company with a first-look deal at Dreamworks/Universal, where he gained valuable insight into the studio development process. Beyond acting, his technical expertise in cinematography includes work as Camera Utility and First Camera Assistant on Arriflex and Panavision systems, contributing to music videos, director reels, and independent films.
Current Projects
Vidal is currently seeking representation for "Pagoda of the Blood Mask," a Japanese gothic screenplay that follows a tyrannical prince seeking sanctuary in a warrior-monk's temple during a plague. This atmospheric narrative weaves supernatural elements with themes of fate and retribution, all set against the backdrop of a mysterious puppet play that unlocks dark secrets from the prince's past.
Through Firecracker Media, he's developing several innovative projects that blend traditional storytelling with emerging technologies:
- An AI-assisted adaptation of Jack London's "The Red One," utilizing custom-developed scriptwriting tools that enhance the creative process while maintaining narrative integrity
- Project Thea, an ambitious interactive storytelling framework that explores new possibilities in character interaction and narrative development
- A groundbreaking retelling of Hesiod's Theogony, currently four episodes deep, that demonstrates the potential of AI-enhanced narrative techniques while honoring classical storytelling traditions
Innovation in Storytelling
Palacios's work at Firecracker Media represents a unique fusion of entertainment industry expertise and technological innovation. His projects demonstrate how emerging technologies can enhance rather than replace traditional storytelling methods, creating new possibilities for narrative engagement while maintaining the emotional depth and authenticity that audiences seek.
Earlier Career Highlights
His diverse background includes contributions to the pioneering e-zine "Cult of the Dead Cow" and executive producer roles on multiple bilingual anti-smoking projects for the Los Angeles County Department of Health. His participation in the experimental theater playwright workshop GUNFIGHTER NATION, led by John Steppling, reflects his ongoing commitment to exploring new forms of storytelling.
He can be contacted at: vidal.palacios@firecrackermedia.co