Let's talk about Verticals Archiv

️ Do you want to meet quite possibly the coolest guy ever? Then you should definitely tune in to this episode with the wonderful Ryan Jacobucci! @ryanjacobucci

The New York-based actor—and his adorable dog Leeloo —joined me online for a wonderfully entertaining conversation about his journey as an actor, his love for theater , and the many different experiences that have shaped his career. 

Ryan tells me why his singing career never quite took off as planned and just how weird it felt to step onto a Vertical set for the very first time. We talk about what fascinates him so much about Verticals, why he genuinely loves acting in them, and why—despite playing his fair share of questionable characters—he is still waiting for someone to finally cast him as a truly serious Mafioso. 🤌

Naturally, we also discuss my own future Vertical plans. Let’s just say Ryan already knows that he will eventually receive a very specific phone call from me shortly before both he and Leeloo are picked up. No further questions at this time!

We also agree that the Vertical world desperately needs its own version of Ocean’s Eleven. Honestly, how has nobody made this happen yet?

But that is far from everything. Ryan reveals which behavior, in his opinion, should immediately become a “Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $4,000” offense —and what the ladies can expect from him as a firefighter in one of his upcoming Verticals.

And if you have ever wondered under exactly which circumstances Ryan would be officially permitted to appear shirtless in front of his screen during another podcast recording…this episode will finally give you the answer.

Funny, refreshingly honest, delightfully unfiltered, and featuring a very special four-legged guest: this is an episode you definitely do not want to miss!

Verticals with Ryan Jacobucci:

Sexy Professor or secret husband (Dramabox)

When the Blackout Comes (Reelshort)

When Forever Fell Apart (Reelshort)

Daddy, Love Me One Last Time (Dramabox)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

What happens when the man you’ve seen play so many villains is ready to be the good guy for a change? ️

In this new episode I’m joined by actor Liam Silbernagel @liam.silbernagel for a wonderful conversation about his experiences on set and in the world of Verticals. We talk about the roles he’s played, the stories we keep seeing, and why we’d both love to see more good in this format.

Banquet scenes and endless slaps? We agree it’s time to leave some of those familiar moments behind. And after playing so many villains, Liam is absolutely ready for a lovey-dovey good-guy leading role. Who’s going to give him one?

We also talk about what his family thinks of his on-screen “evil side”: why his grandmother was a little shocked, while his mum and siblings weren’t quite as surprised. Liam and I even make a deal for a Vertical I’m planning for the future. And one project we definitely still need? The motorcycle Vertical Liam brought up with Neven Tomic! @neven_tomic ️

What’s Liam’s taste in music? Why does he jokingly call himself a “whore” when it comes to certain foods? And what does he definitely want to have done within the next two years?

You’ll finally hear his answers in this episode.

Verticals with Liam Silbernagel:

Perfectly Played: The Feigned Fools Trap (@kalostvapp)

Freedom After Goodbye (@kalostvapp)

Reborn as Three Cowboys' Ranch Princess (@goodshortdrama)

The CEOs Tiny Surpise (@kalostvapp)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

️ TRIGGER WARNING / CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes open and personal conversations about burnout, fear of failure, performance pressure, emotionally demanding and violent storylines, and the impact these experiences can have on an actor’s mental well-being. We also talk about self-love, self-respect, and finding healthier, more mindful ways to move through life. Please listen with care and take a break whenever you need one.

What happens when the pressure to keep performing becomes too much — and how do you find your way back to yourself?

In this deeply honest and heartfelt episode, I’m joined by actress Emily Gateley @emilygateley, whose career spans television, feature films, and an impressive number of leading roles in Vertical Dramas. 

We talk about Emily’s journey into the Vertical world, how both she and her perspective on the industry have changed over the past few years, and what drew her to this fast-moving form of storytelling. Emily also shares some of her most beautiful memories from set and the moments and people that have made this journey truly special.

But this conversation goes far beyond acting and career highlights.

Emily speaks openly about the parts of Vertical scripts that have sometimes been particularly difficult for her to carry — especially stories filled with violence, abuse, emotional manipulation, and repeated traumatic situations. We explore what constantly stepping into these intense fictional worlds can do to an actor emotionally, even after the cameras stop rolling.

Together, we have a very vulnerable conversation about performance pressure, expectations, burnout, and the fear of not being good enough or of somehow failing — feelings that many people experience, both inside and outside the entertainment industry.

We also talk about learning to recognize personal limits, finding ways to leave emotionally demanding scenes behind, and reconnecting with the things that make life feel lighter, richer, and more meaningful.

At the heart of this episode is a conversation about self-love, self-respect, mindfulness, and the importance of treating ourselves with the same patience, kindness, and understanding that we so naturally offer to others.

This is not only an episode about Emily’s life as an actress. It is an open, compassionate, and deeply human conversation about protecting yourself without losing your passion, allowing yourself to slow down, and remembering that your worth is not measured by how much you achieve.

Honest, vulnerable, thoughtful — and perhaps a gentle reminder that taking care of yourself is never a sign of failure.

Verticals from Emily Gateley:

Accidentally Married My Boss (Shortical)

Not A Stray I Am the Alpha's Cub (ShortMax)

I Chose the Office Laughingstock (Playlet)

Mafia King's Sweet Captive with Triplets (Goodshort)

What turns a good idea into a truly captivating story — and how do you create real depth in a format built around speed, hooks, and cliffhangers? ️

In this episode, I’m joined by screenwriter, director, producer, and bestselling author Isabel Dréan. Isabel’s fascinating journey has taken her from horror and psychological thrillers to Christmas movies and ultimately into the fast-growing world of Vertical storytelling.

We talk about how storylines for Verticals are developed, what separates a compelling story from a collection of familiar tropes, and why emotional depth and multidimensional characters still matter — even when episodes are only a few minutes long.

Isabel is especially passionate about bringing powerful female characters to life and creating women who are strong, complex, and capable of driving their own stories. But she also speaks openly about the darker side of the industry: the shockingly low and unfair rates sometimes offered to screenwriters, predatory contracts, and platforms that take advantage of writers who are under financial pressure and desperate for an opportunity. ️

Having explored digital and episodic storytelling long before today’s Vertical boom — including developing and producing more than 50 original web series — Isabel already understood years ago that audiences would embrace stories told in short, addictive episodes. Today, she shares that knowledge through her work, her masterclasses, and her bestselling book How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 Days.

What does Isabel love most about writing? What gives a story genuine emotional depth? Why did she believe in episodic storytelling before the industry fully recognized its potential? And what needs to change so that writers are finally valued and paid fairly for the stories on which this entire industry depends? ️

All of that — and so much more — in this honest, insightful, and incredibly important conversation.

Verticals from Isabel Dréan:

The Summer I Turned My Sexiest (Gamma Time)

The Prince and the Royal Wedding Planner (Gamma Time)

When Love Finally Found Me (Kalos TV)

The Blind Bride of the Scarred Mafia Boss (Vigloo) 

Actress, dancer, model — and equally at home playing the leading lady or the villain: Aislinn Evans joins me for a wonderfully honest, entertaining, and slightly chaotic conversation about life in the Vertical world.

After beginning her professional journey as a dancer and model, Aislinn discovered acting — and quickly found her place in Vertical dramas. Since then, she has stepped into a wide variety of characters, from romantic leads to women who make life considerably more difficult for everyone around them.

Naturally, this led us straight into one of our favorite topics: the sometimes wonderfully weird — and occasionally completely ridiculous — storylines that make Verticals so unique. Which tropes do we still enjoy? Which ones have officially overstayed their welcome? And what would we both happily never see in another script again?

We also take a closer look at villains. What makes a villain fascinating and fun to watch? What separates a complex antagonist from a character who is simply evil for no apparent reason? And is there actually such a thing as a “good” villain — whatever that is supposed to mean?

But our conversation also moves beyond the wonderfully dramatic world of Vertical storylines. We talk openly about the film industry, the sometimes difficult situations actors can encounter on set, and why intimacy coordinators are so incredibly important — especially when it comes to creating a safe, respectful, and professional working environment.

And speaking of intimate scenes: What does Aislinn do when her parents want to watch one of her Verticals containing those particular moments? What roles are still waiting on her personal dream-role list? And which characters would she love to bring to life in the future?

You’ll find the answers — along with plenty of laughter, honesty, strange storylines, complicated characters, and wonderfully candid moments — in this podcast episode. ️

Some Verticals with Aislinn Evans

The Island Club (Kalos TV)

Divorce Tears from the Alpha, but I Shine Alone (Reelshort)

Marriage Deal (Dramapops)

The Lost Heir: A Christmas Reckoning (Dramabox)

The True Heiress's Perfect Revenge (Shorts)

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical 

From the theatre stages of Kansas to film sets in Los Angeles — Eric Lutz has always been driven by one essential thing: a vision.

Born and raised in Kansas, Eric discovered his love for acting while studying theatre at Kansas State University. Today, he works as an actor, voice actor, and model and has appeared in traditional film and television productions, including a recurring co-star role in Netflix’s GLOW. Vertical audiences may recognize him as Theo Wilder in Boss Me Around If You Dare or as Evan Morgan in When We Meet Again. ️

In this episode, Eric and I talk about visions, wishes, and the importance of knowing where you want your journey to take you — even when the road ahead is anything but predictable. We discuss his transition from theatre to the screen, the types of characters he particularly enjoys portraying, and the roles he would still love to explore in the future.

We also take a closer look at his German roots and, of course, the current situation surrounding AI in the Vertical industry. What opportunities can AI offer? Where are the concerns? And how might it change the way Vertical productions are created in the years ahead?

Naturally, this also gave me the perfect opportunity to share my own European Vertical vision — because anyone who knows me knows that I strongly believe visions need to be spoken out loud before they can become reality.

And since our conversations rarely stay entirely on topic, we somehow ended up discussing Eric’s rather questionable eating habits as well… which immediately cost him a few points with me. ️ Sorry, Eric!

An open, thoughtful, and entertaining conversation about acting, ambition, AI, German connections, the future of the Vertical industry — and why having a vision might be the most important starting point of all. ️

Some Verticals with Eric Lutz:

HOA, You've Been Overthrown by the Queen of Crownstone (Dramabox)

After Prison, Falling for the Billionaire Single Dad (Dramabox)

Your Money Can't Crush My Dignity (Kalos TV)

Alpha of Shadows: The Queen Returns (DreameShort)

Fired, Then I Won the Super Bowl (Dramabox)

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical 

It’s time for our 12th Monthly Recap — and this one is extra special!

We’re celebrating not only one year of Let’s Talk About Verticals, but also one full year of our Monthly Recaps with the ladies! What better way to mark this double anniversary than by getting together once again to look back at everything that happened in the Vertical world throughout August?

Alongside our familiar monthly categories, we also talk about the current shooting situation within the Vertical industry, how busy productions are at the moment, and which exciting new platforms have recently entered the Vertical Space — something we’re all very happy to see!

Of course, we also reveal which performances made our hearts beat faster, which Verticals truly impressed us, and which ones frustrated or disappointed us. So, you definitely won’t want to miss this special anniversary conversation!

Joining the discussion:

* Michaela (Host) — @lets_talk_about_verticals

* Aline — @i.love.verticals

* Dalia — @verticalfilmslover

* Shikha Dia — @verticalviewweekly

* Caitlyn — @verticait

Our Monthly Recap gives you direct insight into the audience’s perspective: what truly stood out — and what definitely didn’t.

This month’s categories:

Actor/Actress of the Month

Supporting Role of the Month

Chemistry of the Month

Vertical of the Month

Crap/Disappointment of the Month

As always, we keep the discussion open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating everything we love about the Vertical industry while also highlighting where there is clear room for improvement.

A wonderfully entertaining, refreshingly honest, and critically reflective anniversary conversation you won’t want to miss. ️

Here’s to one year of Let’s Talk About Verticals, one year of Monthly Recaps, and many more exciting conversations to come!

Enjoy listening!

#podcast #new #community #vertical #bts

️ In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, I’m joined by actress and fellow dog mom Ali Hamilton! @aliraehamilton

Born in South Bend, Indiana, and raised primarily in Cleveland, Ohio, Ali studied at Ohio University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. There, she completed a two-year Meisner Technique and Scene Study program and went on to work in commercials, short films, feature films and, of course, Vertical Dramas.

Before we even pressed record, Ali and I had already spent around one and a half hours talking about our beloved dogs, life and quite a few personal things. So, by the time the actual recording began, this already felt much more like continuing a wonderful conversation than starting an interview.

Ali’s journey into the Vertical world happened almost by accident. A casting director approached her and simply asked whether she would like to attend an open casting call — and that unexpected invitation opened the door to an industry she has since truly fallen in love with.

Since then, Ali has appeared in numerous Verticals, including Idiot Boss Fired Me, Turn the Damn Bus Around, The Mafia’s Innocent Lover and I Slept with My Three Werewolf Stepsons. She loves getting the opportunity to step into completely different characters — although, more often than not, she finds herself cast as the villain. While she clearly knows how to make audiences love to hate her, she would also love to expand her range within the Vertical Space and explore even more diverse roles in the future.

We talk about the characters she has enjoyed playing the most, the lessons she has already learned along the way and what makes this fast-moving, wonderfully unique Vertical world so special to her.

And somehow, our conversation eventually ends with schnitzel and ABBA music — which honestly feels like the perfect conclusion to this wonderfully refreshing, warm and entertaining conversation.

Some Verticals with Ali Hamilton:

Ditched My Cheater Husband for His Billionaire Brother (@shortmax_app)

Idiot Boss Fired Me (@idramatv)

Dragon Firefighter and His Love (@flareflowapp)

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical

️ In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, I’m joined by actor Jason Caceres — one of the true veterans of the Vertical Space, with more than 100 vertical productions already under his belt!

Born and raised in Miami as the son of Cuban immigrants, Jason discovered acting at a young age. What initially began as a way for a shy child to come out of his shell eventually developed into a genuine passion. He later earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Florida International University before facing an important post-college realization: New York’s temperatures and this sun-loving human were simply not meant for each other. ️ So, he traded the East Coast cold for Los Angeles — and has now been successfully working there as an actor for many years.

Alongside his enormous body of work in Verticals, Jason’s career also includes appearances in well-known television productions such as Criminal Minds, Hacks, Pam & Tommy, Insatiable and Kidding. He has also become a recognizable presence in queer storytelling through projects including Boy Culture: Generation X, Open To It and Laid Bare. 

During our conversation, Jason takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable Vertical journey. We talk about the sometimes stupid titles, how the industry has changed over the course of more than 100 productions, what keeps him returning to this fast-moving format and what he has learned from working with so many different teams, platforms and characters.

And while Los Angeles remains his home base, Jason has become more than comfortable packing his suitcase and traveling abroad for Vertical shoots. ️ For him, international productions offer not only exciting new projects, but also the opportunity to experience different working environments, creative approaches and cultures.

A warm, entertaining and insightful conversation you shoudn't miss.

Some Verticals with Jason Caceres:

You've Been Replaced, First Love (Reelshort)

Watch Out! I Call the Final Shots (Dramabox)

Five Years Behind Bars, My Family Begs (Flickreels)

Not Your Daughter Tonight (iDrama)

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical 

️ In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, I’m joined by the wonderfully talented Thresa Richardson @thresa_richardson — actress, writer, producer, director and the newly crowned “Matriarch of the Year 2025.”

Thresa is a true multi-hyphenate whose creative journey has taken many fascinating turns. Before audiences came to know and love her in front of the camera, she was a classically trained vocalist, worked in television production on animated children’s shows and spent many years as a vocal coach and piano teacher.

During our conversation, Thresa takes us back to the beginning of her acting journey and shares how her wide-ranging experiences eventually led her to the Vertical Drama world. We talk about the genres she especially enjoys, the kinds of characters she would still love to explore and which roles she hopes to bring to life in the future.

Of course, we also take a closer look at the constantly evolving world of Verticals. Where might the industry be heading? What could still be improved when it comes to storytelling, production quality, working conditions and the overall viewing experience? And with more and more platforms entering the market, how do we navigate all the different options — and what does this growing variety mean for both audiences and the people working within the Vertical Space?

It was a thoughtful, honest and truly wonderful conversation filled with personal stories, shared observations and exciting ideas about the future of Verticals. Thresa’s warmth, humor and wealth of experience made this an episode I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to miss. 🫶

Tune in and get to know the remarkable woman behind some of our favorite on-screen matriarchs — and discover just how many creative hats Thresa Richardson wears beyond the screen!

Some Verticals with Thresa Richardson:

Accidentally Married My Boss (@shortical)

Do Not Mess with the Pampered Mom (@kalostvapp)

My CEO In-Law Chose Me Over Her Son (@dramawave_official)

Fairy Fae Kingdom (@flareflowapp)

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical

️ In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, I’m joined by actress and producer Lawson Greyson!

Originally from Flagstaff, Arizona, Lawson grew up as a competitive gymnast and dancer before discovering acting at the age of seventeen. Only one year later, she took the leap and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream. Since then, she has built an impressive career across traditional film, television, horror and the world of Vertical Dramas — appearing in more than 40 vertical productions. 

Lawson has been part of the Vertical Space for quite some time. During the early days of her vertical career, she was frequently cast as the villain — and became very familiar with making audiences love to hate her characters. Over time, however, she has found a wonderful balance between villains, leading roles and more vulnerable, multifaceted characters that allow her to show the full range of her acting abilities.

9h

Together with Brittany Marsicek and Phae Amara, Lawson recently founded the women-led production company Gratitud3 Productions. Their first independent feature film, The Perfect Date, is currently in preparation — a warm, character-driven romantic comedy filled with friendship, unexpected love, wedding chaos and the reminder that some of the best moments in life simply cannot be planned.

In our conversation, Lawson gives us an insight into the creation of Gratitud3 Productions, the excitement and challenges of preparing an independent movie and what it means to take creative ownership of the stories you want to bring to life.

If you would like to support Lawson, Brittany and Phae on their journey and help bring The Perfect Date to the screen, you can contribute to their crowdfunding campaign here:

https://gofund.me/5360fab28

From playing villains to creating her own films, Lawson’s journey is one of growth, determination and taking the next courageous step — both in front of and behind the camera.

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical 

️ In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Buzz Leer — a Los Angeles–based SAG-AFTRA actor, model, host, voice-over artist, and the creator and host of The Vertical Buzz.

Buzz shares how he first found his way into acting, why he decided to put his creative career on hold for a while to focus on his family, and how his professional journey led him into the world of sales. But some passions never truly disappear — and eventually, acting found its way back into his life. ️

His love for theater, acting, and hosting — including his work on the show House Detectives — ultimately brought him to Los Angeles, where new opportunities were waiting for him. Today, Buzz has also become part of the exciting and fast-growing world of vertical storytelling.

Of course, we talk about his experiences in the vertical industry and about his own podcast, The Vertical Buzz, which gives a voice to the people shaping this new form of entertainment. But what happens when two podcast hosts sit down together? We exchange thoughts about interviewing guests, creating meaningful conversations, our different perspectives on the industry, and the responsibility that comes with telling the stories of the people behind the productions.

And naturally, there are plenty of personal stories too! What special connection does Buzz have to Germany? What is still waiting on his personal to-do list — and why do German Christmas markets play such an important role? Who knows… perhaps he will finally be able to check that item off his list very soon!

Get ready for a warm, honest, and wonderfully entertaining conversation about family, unexpected career paths, fresh starts, theater, acting, hosting, verticals, podcasting, and the passions that always seem to find their way back to us. ️️

Some Verticals with Buzz Leer.

Her Beast (Dramawave)

Offside (Dramawave)

To Her Beat (Chera TV)

Billionaire Daddy, You Have Sextuplets! (Flareflow)

#new #podcast #bts #community #vertical 

What happens when creativity, humanity, and a passion for meaningful storytelling meet an entirely new way of producing and experiencing film?

In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer Salvador Paskowitz — co-writer of the acclaimed feature film The Age of Adaline, director of The Big Everything, and producer of Justin Chon’s Ms. Purple. Throughout his career, Salvador has collaborated with major studios as well as visionary artists and producers, successfully combining the creative spirit of independent filmmaking with stories that appeal to a wider audience.

Together with his team, Salvador co-founded Super Punchy Studios, a production company dedicated to redefining vertical storytelling through bold, cinematic, and artist-driven projects created for today’s evolving platforms. He also directed the studio’s first vertical cinematic feature, Step by Step. ️

During our conversation, Salvador shares what fascinates and excites him about directing Verticals and why he sees so much creative potential within this still-young format. We talk about the opportunities that arise when filmmakers are willing to explore new perspectives, rethink familiar structures, and create stories specifically for the vertical screen.

Salvador also tells us why he decided to launch a new app and gives us a glimpse into the ideas and vision behind it. We explore what creativity truly means to him, why genuine humanity must remain at the heart of art, and why technological development should never replace the human emotions and experiences that make storytelling so powerful. ️

Of course, we also look toward the future of vertical entertainment and discuss some exciting possibilities that have not yet been fully explored. And while talking about what might come next, Salvador may have shared just a little more than he originally intended about a few of his upcoming projects…

And for everyone who has been wondering: Will Step by Step get a second part? And if so, when might we finally be able to watch it? Salvador has some very interesting things to say about that as well.

Beyond his work in production, Salvador lectures at Loyola Marymount University and mentors the next generation of filmmakers through UCLA’s Professional Screenwriting Program. When he isn’t writing, directing, producing, or teaching, he lives with his family in Orange County, California — and regularly finds time to go surfing.

Tune in for a wonderfully inspiring conversation filled with creative ideas, fascinating insights, lots of humor, a few unexpected spoilers, and plenty of fun. ️

From competitive figure skating ️ to acting, screenwriting, directing and producing , Cosette Hatch has followed a truly multifaceted path through the entertainment industry. As a former member of the US Figure Skating Team, she learned early on about discipline, resilience and teamwork—qualities that continue to shape her work as an actress today.

In this episode, Cosette takes us back to the beginning of her acting journey and talks about her experiences in both Vertical and Horizontal productions . She explains what makes the two formats different for an actor—and why she sometimes deeply misses the Horizontal project she worked on last October.

Cosette also gives us honest and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into life on set . Not every experience is always as wonderful as it may appear from the outside, but she also shares what she is genuinely grateful for and why communication, respect and collaboration matter so much during a production.

And, of course, food becomes part of our conversation too : Why does Cosette usually carry an emergency peanut butter and jelly sandwich with her for professional reasons? How did we discover our shared love of food and officially leave the recording as newly established Food Buddies?

Cosette also shares an important wish for the audience ️ and reminds us that there is always a real person behind every character we see on screen.

Join us for a warm, honest and entertaining conversation about acting, creativity, set life, gratitude—and the unexpected importance of always having an emergency PB&J sandwich nearby. ️

Some Verticals with Cosette Hatch

The Christmas Twin Miracle (Stardust)

Sorority Heiress Takes Her Throne (FlareFlow)

Napolitana for the Mafia Boss (SHRT)

Love Landed with the Amnesiac Heir (Playlet)

My Runaway Fiancé Became My Bodyguard (Kalos TV)

#podcast #verticals #community #bts #new