Description
What does it really take to direct vertical films? In Episode 2 of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Amber Neukum, LA-based director/writer/producer and a driving force behind Juice Box Films, to break down the pace, platform rules, and on-set realities of directing in the vertical space.
From shooting 10 pages a day (and sometimes far more) to navigating coverage formulas, performance constraints, and “extra voices” that show up mid-shoot, Amber shares what separates smooth, respectful sets from chaotic ones—and why verticals can be the best “reps” a director or actor can get right now.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What’s different about directing vertical vs. horizontal storytelling (stamina, pacing, performance)Why vertical productions often live in a 1 to 2 take reality and what that demands from actors + crewThe platform-driven coverage formula (wide/close/insert, stunt coverage, slow-mo rules)Framing rules like why profile can be discouraged (and when it’s allowed)What directors often get wrong on vertical sets (communication, kindness, mobility, tone)How to handle “too many cooks” (co-directors, EPs/platform reps giving notes on set)Why verticals are powerful for skill-building (repetition, low-stakes learning, rapid growth)The future of verticals into 2026 and beyond (more cinematic moves, new genres, bigger players)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Amber Newcomb's Career Highlights
01:52 Middle School Memories
02:35 Vertical Film Projects
03:17 Challenges and Experiences on Set
06:10 Directing Vertical Films
27:50 Trial by Fire: Filming Amidst Chaos
28:29 Sponsor Break: Arrow Air Purifiers
30:07 The Rise of Vertical Films
32:07 Directing Techniques and Challenges
34:16 Comedy in Vertical Films
46:05 The Future of Vertical Films
Sponsor: AEIRO
AEIRO Air Purifiers identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create an optimal indoor environment for homes and professional spaces.
Featured on set at Glendale Podcast Studio: AEIRO AC-150
Guest: Amber Neukum
Amber Neukum is an LA-based director, writer, and producer, and one of the driving forces behind Juice Box Films. This year, her team proudly premiered their latest project at Sundance, earning Oscar-qualifying status. Amber’s films have also been showcased at prestigious festivals such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, Mammoth Film Festival, HollyShorts, and the Cannes American Pavilion.
Amber began her career in public relations before making a foray into acting, working full-time as an actor in Atlanta, Georgia. She gained experience across television, film, commercials, and short films before transitioning behind the camera. A film school graduate, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her work and continues to focus on telling stories about deeply human, eccentric female characters.
Host: Buzz Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space with 30+ vertical short-form features to his credit, plus TV/film work including HGTV’s House Detective (65 episodes), FOX’s neXt, NBC’s Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, and more.
Produced at Glendale Podcast Studio
Owned & operated by Erika & Jason Hanan
Instagram: @GlendalePodcastStudio
Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley — “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song”
Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer — Leer Communications, Inc.
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
#VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #Directing #FilmProduction #TheVerticalBuzz