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Today, we’re once again going behind the scenes – shining a light on the people who truly bring a Vertical to life. This time, I sat down with Amy Casazza

And what can I say? Someone who is Head of Hair, Makeup & Special Effects definitely has a lot of stories to tell

Originally, Amy started out in the bridal industry ‍️ before finding her way into film almost by accident – and eventually into the world of Verticals. But like so many others, she quickly got hooked… and hasn’t been able to let go ever since

Thanks to talents like Amy, actors don’t just look amazing on screen – they feel authentic in every scene ️

For the pirate vertical “Kiss of the Pirate King”, Amy and her team created stunning, detailed looks that truly transport us into a pirate world full of atmosphere and adventure

In our conversation, she shares what made the research for this project so special, what it was like filming on a ship at sea , and the unique challenges that came with it ️

Was she able to transform Nick, Emma, and the entire pirate crew into authentic characters of that era? And what was her very first thought when she got asked to join this project?

Dive into a world of costumes, pirates, and behind-the-scenes magic together with Amy and me

 And get ready for “Kiss of the Pirate King” – releasing May 8 on MyDrama

Some Verticals Amy Casazza worked on:

Kiss of the Pirate King (MyDrama)

Romancing the Star (MyDrama)

Swapped Bodies with My Secret Crush (MyDrama)

All I Want for Christmas Is My Quarterback Husband (Dramabox)

Highs-Stakes Heartthrob (MyDrama)

#vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community

We’ve wrapped up Easter and already moved past the fourth month of the (vertical) year — and April definitely delivered a lot to unpack  

Beyond our usual categories, this month calls for a broader, more critical perspective. One of the most defining trends right now is the growing impact of AI on the vertical ecosystem From content production to storytelling structures and scaling capabilities, AI is increasingly reshaping the rules of the game — and challenging existing success models.

At the same time, there’s notable movement on the talent side A well-known actor is no longer ReelShort-exclusive and is now appearing in new contexts. This highlights just how dynamic and competitive the space has become.

On the platform front, we’re also seeing fresh momentum A newly launched, heavily promoted app has entered the market, aiming to establish itself through strong positioning and aggressive marketing. Whether it can sustain that momentum remains to be seen — but it has already captured attention.

All in all, April once again shows how fast-paced and multifaceted the vertical universe is  

Between technological disruption, rising competition, and new entrants, it’s more important than ever not just to track developments — but to actively interpret them.

Joining the discussion:

* Michaela (Host) @lets_talk_about_verticals

* Aline @i.love.verticals

* Dalia @verticalfilmslover

* Shikha Dia @verticalviewweekly

* Caitlyn @verticait

* Meagan @realreeldrama

Our Monthly Recap gives you direct insight from the audience perspective on 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 it open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating what we love about the Vertical industry while also calling out where there’s clear room for improvement.

A refreshingly entertaining yet critically reflective conversation you don’t want to miss ️

Enjoy listening!

️ In today’s episode, I’m joined by model and actor Volodymyr Pielikh—thanks to Bianca from UAFandom for making this conversation happen

We dive into his journey into the vertical world after years of modeling and appearing in TV commercials, his very first shoot, and his first werewolf vertical

With refreshing honesty, we talk about the acting challenges behind verticals—what can make them difficult to shoot or even ruin them afterward. I also share my perspective as a viewer —why I stopped watching some of his projects and how a lack of chemistry between leads can impact the experience, while Volodymyr explains why this happens so often.

We also explore his goals and dreams : shooting outside the US & Canada (ideally in Europe ), learning sword fighting ️, and bringing those skills into future verticals. And yes—he already has the perfect helmet for a Troy-inspired time-piece ️

And do you want to know what became his favorite food after his time in the jungle—but something he sadly hasn’t had again since?

(Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not something common… and I’m not sure who else, like me, feels slightly grossed out by it )

An open, honest, and entertaining conversation full of humor, charm, and vision. Enjoy listening!

Some Verticals with Volodymyr Pielikh:

The Summer I Turned My Sexiest (Gammatime)

Seducing My Sisters Ruthless CEO Husband (Moboreels)

My Wife Never Knew Who I Was (Joyreels)

Ballerina Reborn for Revenge (Dramabox)

Baby Daddy That Not Your Kid! (Goodshort)

#vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community

️ In today’s episode, actress Mary Foster @mary_jacqq joins me as we dive into her journey in the vertical space, her broader acting career, and everything that comes with it.

Many of you might know her from her iconic villain roles — but thanks to the wide variety within vertical storytelling, she’s also taken on the role of the best friend more than once. She truly enjoys both sides and is excited to keep expanding her vertical portfolio. Shooting abroad is definitely high on her wishlist!

We also talk about the importance of mental balance and self-care in such a fast-paced industry. Mary finds peace in gardening and makes sure to take intentional breaks to avoid burnout. A healthy work-life balance ️ is essential — and often underestimated.

How does Mary prepare for her roles? What does it really take to step into a character? And how has playing strong, confident villains impacted her personally?

All this and so much more in our wonderful girl talk

 Tune in — it’s definitely worth a listen!

Some Verticals with Mary Foster:

Brave New Beginning with My Fire Captain (@dramawave_official)

My Poor Husband Is the Real Boss (@dramabox_official)

His Love Was A Lie (@dramabox_official)

Dont Mess with the XXL Heiress (@dramabox_official)

Taming the Football Bad Boy (@dramabox_official)

#vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community

A bucket list for 2026 is a beautiful thing – and it truly comes alive when you keep adding new goals to it.

Max Shusterman is my guest, and together we’re adding fresh items to his bucket list. One we can already check off: recording a podcast episode together. ️️

When his dream of becoming a professional ice hockey player didn’t work out, Max decided after college to fully focus on acting and modeling – and moved to New York. After many acting classes, he took his first steps into the vertical space and has been moving from role to role ever since.

An important support early on was Hunter Kohl, who stood by his side as a lead actor and colleague in his first two vertical productions.

From lovey-dovey good guy to assistant, bully, or total a**hole – Max embraces the full range of characters and truly loves that diversity.

One small thing still on his bucket list: he hasn’t had the chance to shoot outside of New York City or New Jersey yet – but that’s high on his list to change soon.

Over the years, acting has taught him not to take things for granted and to appreciate life more deeply. He values a great atmosphere on set and still carries one big dream from childhood: playing the lead in an ice hockey vertical – combining two of his greatest passions.

What kind of stories he wants to tell next, how his singing journey is going, and what else we added to his bucket list – you’ll hear it all in this episode.

Enjoy listening!

Some Verticals with Max Shusterman:

Bitchy BFF It's Your Turn to Pay (Goodshort)

Victory Is in Hand (Goodshort)

Code of the Heiress (Goodshort)

Dare to Harm the Billionaire's Wife? (Goodshort)

Lion's Dawn (Dramabox)

#vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community

️ New Fan Episode – featuring Vicky from Verti.Verse

What would the vertical industry be without its audience? That’s exactly what I dive into in this new episode with Vicky from Verti.Verse – and so much more.

Vicky entered the vertical space quite early – like many others: she saw an ad, just wanted to take a quick look… and that was it, she was hooked.

Since then, she has watched countless verticals and become a true pillar of the fan community. One of her biggest contributions: a self-built database that gives you a clear overview of many actors’ filmographies – including exactly which platforms their verticals can be found on.

And if that’s not enough, she also maintains a birthday list so you never miss an important date

In this episode, we talk about:

her favorite genres – and what really annoys or even triggers her

the kinds of stories she’s still hoping to see

why “Verticals made in Germany” are long overdue (hello Autobahn )

We also get a peek into her “actor wishlist”:

Who she’d love to see in lead roles – including Adam Chisnall and Evan Camacho

The perfect role she has in mind for Nick Ritacco

And why verticals featuring Teig Sadhana have a surprisingly calming effect on her

A packed episode full of fan insights, passion, and unique perspectives from the community.

Definitely worth tuning in!

A light European breeze runs through this episode, as American-Irish actor Aidan Farren joins me ️

We talk about his experiences shooting verticals in China , his ambition to break into European vertical productions, and what it’s really like to watch his own work on screen

Of course, we dive into the classic tropes—“Proposals” and “Towel Drops” —and explore what no vertical story can go without. Together, we even imagine the ultimate Vertical Bingo Card

Aidan also shares how working on verticals has helped him grow—not only as an actor, but as a person What he’s learned along the way and how it has shaped him makes for a truly insightful conversation.

When it comes to his dreams, he’s drawn to roles like a special agent à la James Bond ️ or a firefighter —characters with the “license” to help others. At the same time, he’s eager to explore a wide range of acting opportunities beyond verticals

Like many of us, he’s ready for more comedy and romcom in verticals —and hopes to see less violence against female leads, as he openly shares his discomfort with those roles.

And since Aidan is a big pizza lover , we couldn’t skip the ultimate debate: pineapple on pizza—yes or no? Plus, we talk about School of Rock and even end up discussing closed car windows

All that and so much more—honest, fun, and entertaining moments—await you in this episode. Enjoy listening!

Some Verticals with Aidan Farren:

Claiming His Angel in White (Kalos TV)

Return of the Hidden Chef Goddess (Playlet)

Goodbye After 99 Forgiveness (Flareflow)

Making of an Heiress (Kalos TV)

Reborn: Melody of Second Chances (Kalos TV)

It’s finally happening: the first pirate ship is setting sail into the rough Vertical seas! ️

I had the chance to speak exclusively in advance with four of the key people behind the project. 

Julie Bruns

Nic Westaway

Steven Kammerer

Rob Hunt

Together, we dive into the filming process, look back at how it all began, and talk about what an incredible adventure it was to bring this Vertical to life.

Of course, I was especially curious about what you, the audience, can expect—especially since so many are asking for fresh stories instead of the usual Vertical tropes. And I can tell you: the first details sound absolutely amazing!

No banquette scenes

Only ONE slap!

No hospital scenes

And no frustrating, unresolved cliffhangers

Instead, get ready for:

Stunning nature & outdoor scenes

A real ship

️ The raw, untamed sea

Incredible outfits

️ Spectacular fight scenes

A Vertical full of adventure, tension, and dreams—enhanced by a completely original, specially composed soundtrack

Get ready to be just as fascinated and excited as the cast & crew were during filming!

Releasing on CandJar & Mauvipix – stay tuned!

Are you in the mood for a mix of Canada , verticals , and a full-on food tour —all combined with a generous portion of humor and fun? Then you’re absolutely in the right place with this conversation between Marcus Kelly Curtis and me

️ Small trigger warning: There’s a very high chance this episode will make you hungry—and might leave you with a strong urge to plan a food trip to Germany ️

Marcus and I dive into a relaxed and entertaining conversation about his original career plans as an ice hockey player , which then shifted toward studying neurology —until his mom encouraged him to give acting school a try … where he ultimately found his true passion.

Since he’s always loved stepping into different roles and entertaining people, it didn’t take long for Marcus to become very grateful for that life-changing advice

His lightness, humor, and genuine desire to entertain make acting his dream job

 Always in a good mood—and known to improvise on set —Marcus has an impressive ability to remember scripts, even after a skull concussion

What he ate that day, though? That’s a different story…

What does he wish for his future in the vertical world?

  More shoots outside of Canada

Better storylines

And more screen time to stay longer with the characters he grows to love ️

His must-have on set?

 Good vibes and colleagues who can keep up with his energy

We’ve already (mostly ) planned his 2026 food trip across Germany and Switzerland —now I’m just waiting for his message about when he’s landing so we can kick off the adventure

 Think: Carpool Karaoke, ABBA songs , and lots of amazing food ️

This episode is packed with humor, great stories, and even some deeper, thoughtful moments

 Enjoy listening—and stay tuned for our upcoming food trip vlog

Some Verticals with Marcus Kelly Curtis:

Twisted Heart (Joyreels)

Rescued by the Rugged Mountain Man (Dramabox)

Mafia Forbidden Catch (Dramawave)

My Husband's Best Friend Claims Me (FlickReels)

Victorian Heiress Survival Guide (Kalos TV)

It’s time for a new episode featuring another actress ️ (actors have been dominating a bit lately )

Shanna Sinow took the time to have a wonderful and fun conversation with me about verticals

 She knows exactly what it’s like to get hooked by vertical ads—and then suddenly needing to watch the full story, unable to stop So she truly understands the audience better than many others

By now, she’s become an essential part of the vertical world From vampires to rom-coms , from young adult to the spicy ones ️—there’s nothing she can’t bring to life.

Still on her acting wishlist? A mermaid , a pirate lady , or even a detective

Why hasn’t she played a villain yet? She thinks she looks “too nice”

 Would she like to change that? Because playing the bad side sounds exciting? — Hell yes

Getting kidnapped? She’s already got plenty of experience with that… at least on screen

And one iconic scene many people still remember instantly?

 The legendary construction helmet scene with Robert Palmer Watkins in “Escaping the Bridezilla”

Definitely a moment that made a lot of people smile!

We talk about all of this and so much more from her experiences in the vertical world

  This is one episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

Some Verticals with Shanna Sinow:

First Love, First Sin with My Stepbrother (Drama TV)

Bound by My Ex's Dad (Dramapops)

Surrogate Bride of My of Ex's Uncle (Kalos TV)

Engraved on Your Heart (Dramabox)

Goodbye Husband, Don't Regret When I'm Gone (Dramawave)

There are many paths that can lead to a vertical career — and today’s guest, Steinar Bakke, is the perfect example.

Born in Norway, Steinar started his journey in the army before moving to the United States to study Software Engineering. After successfully working as a software developer, he asked himself: why not try something completely new?

This mindset took him all the way to Australia , where he worked both as a head chef and an actor. When the pandemic hit, life pressed pause — and he returned to his roots in engineering back in Norway.

Today, Steinar has been living in South Korea for nearly three years, fully embracing the career that truly fulfills him: acting and modeling. He continues to travel the world for jobs ️ and hopes to bring his work to Europe in 2026.

His first experiences shooting verticals? Let’s just say… unforgettable

In this episode, we talk about:

  His unconventional career journey

  The evolution of the vertical industry

  Life and work across different countries

  Lessons learned along the way

And one surprising fact: Steinar once worked as a chef in a German restaurant — and is basically a pro when it comes to cooking Schweinshaxe

A conversation full of insights, humor, and inspiration — don’t miss it!

Some Verticals with Steinar Bakke:

Desire Under Our Uniforms (Kalos TV)

The God of Speed: the Legend Returns (Netshort)

Love's Second Chance (Kalos TV)

Jilted! Now Im Exs Stepmother (Kalos TV)

Return of That Banished Girl (ShortMax)

In today’s episode, I sit down with the talented actor Douglas Jung to talk about his journey and experiences in the world of vertical storytelling

Almost by chance, Douglas landed his first vertical role in 2023 through a friend—and he’s been hooked ever since. Fast forward to today, he’s already contributed his acting skills to over 40 verticals!

We also dive into a topic close to his heart: diversity in casting

As a half-Asian actor, Douglas shares his wish to see more opportunities for people with diverse cultural backgrounds to land leading roles. Right now, he sees promising progress especially on platforms like CandyJar

Music plays a huge role in his creative process

 From powerful soundtracks to carefully curated playlists, Douglas uses music to fully immerse himself in his characters and set the right emotional tone.

We also talk dreams and ambitions

 Shooting in Europe is high on his list, and he’s excited about exploring Sci-Fi roles to push the boundaries of the vertical space

And here’s a fun tip

Want to leave Douglas completely speechless? Just tell him you’ve never seen Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, or James Bond… trust me, it works!

A fun, honest, and inspiring conversation with a genuinely great person—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

Some Verticals with Douglas Jung:

Billionaire Daddy, You Have Sextuplets! (Flareflow)

The Last Gambling God (Playlet)

The Lost Heir: A Christmas Reckoning (Dramabox)

Sweet Wild Bride of Mine (Reelshort)

BillionHeir's Obsession

The first quarter of the Vertical year 2026 is already behind us—and it really feels like things are picking up speed. There’s no shortage of exciting topics and developments across the verticals, and plenty to unpack and take a closer, more critical look at.

Curious about what didn’t quite impress us this March—and what completely stole our hearts? Then you’re in exactly the right place for my monthly roundtable with the ladies!

Joining the discussion:

* Michaela (Host) @lets_talk_about_verticals

* Aline @i.love.verticals

* Dalia @verticalfilmslover

* Shikha Dia @verticalviewweekly

* Caitlyn @verticait

* Meagan @realreeldrama

In this episode, we talk about a trend that’s been hard to ignore: many major platforms have recently been introducing “new” verticals—features and formats that, in reality, we’ve already seen on other platforms for quite some time.

We take a closer look at what’s currently happening in platform development, why this wave of “reinvention” feels so familiar, and where we’re starting to see potential challenges and limitations emerge.

Our Monthly Recap gives you direct insight from the audience perspective on 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 it open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating what we love about the Vertical industry while also calling out where there’s clear room for improvement.

A refreshingly entertaining yet critically reflective conversation you don’t want to miss ️

Enjoy listening!

This conversation is one I could have continued for hours — TJ Wilk @tjwilkofficial shared so many fascinating stories from his life that I was completely captivated and rarely felt this thoroughly entertained.

A born drummer, TJ has already released two music albums (including on Spotify). In 2023, he entered the Vertical World as an actor — but his journey there was anything but ordinary. From international modeling success to starring in a TV show, working as a “manny,” attending acting school, and so much more, his path has been incredibly diverse.

Originally, TJ pursued Olympic ambitions in springboard diving during college. But thanks to Mark Wahlberg, he developed an interest in modeling and acting — eventually trading his swimsuit for underwear campaigns, a modeling career, and acting classes. 🩲

At first, acting didn’t come easily. As he shares, memorizing lines for auditions was a real challenge.

Only after learning new techniques — and realizing that his role in a long-running TV series no longer fulfilled him — did he decide in 2023 to fully commit to his acting dream. His very first audition? A vertical — without even knowing what that was.

Today, TJ has become a key figure in the vertical scene, captivating audiences daily with numerous lead roles. Drumming remains a big part of his life, just like his daily gym routine to stay “camera ready” at all times.

And what’s the story behind Kermit the Frog?

And why didn’t his Superman flannel pajamas impress a woman?

All this — and many more fascinating, entertaining stories — await you in this episode. Enjoy listening!

Some Verticsls with TJ Wilk:

Drowning his Restraint (@loveshots.app)

Love Me Later, Pay Me Now! (@kalostvapp)

My Scar, His Debt to Pay (@playletshort)

Mafia Majesty (@goodshortdrama)

Mafia Daddy Next Door (@kalostvapp)