Let's talk about Verticals

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.9hTogether 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

Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Richard Trotter spent his childhood and early adult years immersed in sports. ⚾️⛳️ He played baseball at college level and competed professionally in golf before shifting his focus to acting almost five years ago.
Today, Richard loves the variety that acting offers and the opportunity to step into completely different characters. For him, being well prepared is just as important as creating an environment in which everyone on set feels comfortable and respected. 🎬 He also believes that certain characters deserve a little more background story to make their actions, emotions, and development truly believable.
Richard values open and honest feedback about his performances because, in his eyes, it is the only way to keep learning, improving, and growing as an actor.
Of course, we also take a closer look at the audience’s perspective: How does the audience feel about AI-generated Verticals and characters? What does a story need to truly pull viewers in and keep them emotionally invested? And what can feel particularly weird or unrealistic—especially when it comes to sports or cooking Verticals? 🤔⚾️👨‍🍳
A wonderfully honest conversation about sports, passion, emotions, personal growth, and the little details that can make—or break—a story.Tune in and enjoy! 🎧✨
Some Verticals with Richard Trotter:
Pregnant with My Nemesis (TikTok)Your Love Broke My Heart (Reelshort)Sinful Nights with My Exs Uncle (Playlet)An Embrace from the Ashes (Dramapops)Reborn to Love the Alpha King (Dramabox)
#podcast #verticals #community #bts #new