What happens when an actor who has spent decades working in traditional television, film, and theatre finds themselves at the center of an entirely new form of storytelling?

I welcomed Buzz Leer to VersaVision this week for an in-depth conversation about his career, the evolution of the entertainment industry, and why vertical/micro dramas may be one of the biggest opportunities actors aren't paying enough attention to.

Buzz has had one of those careers that seems to have a little bit of everything. He began as the host of HGTV's House Detectives, went on to build an extensive acting career with credits including Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, neXt, and Days of Our Lives, became a two-time Webby Award winner for the Being Golden podcast, and has now appeared in more than 40 vertical productions. What I loved about our conversation was hearing Buzz describe how all of those seemingly different experiences have ultimately come together in what he's doing today.

We talked about what first drew Buzz into vertical entertainment, how dramatically the format has evolved, and what he discovered about his own acting when he started working in this space. One of the things that really surprised me was his realization that vertical acting actually brought him back to his stage training. The performances required bigger choices, more immediacy, and a different kind of energy than traditional television and film.

Buzz also gave us a firsthand look at what it's actually like to work on these productions. After doing more than 40 verticals in just a few years, he's had a front-row seat to the evolution of the format - watching crews grow, production value increase, and the entire ecosystem develop at an incredible pace. And eventually, he realized something: somebody needed to document what was happening. That realization became The Vertical Buzz.

Most importantly, Buzz's message to actors interested in verticals was refreshingly simple: do it! If an opportunity gives you another chance to work, get on camera, collaborate with different actors and directors, and continue developing your craft, why wouldn't you take it?

Whether you're curious about vertical acting, interested in Buzz's incredible career journey, or trying to understand where the entertainment industry is heading next, this conversation is a really fun look at what happens when you stay adaptable, keep working, and recognize an opportunity while it's still emerging.

WORD OF THE WEEK: Grateful

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Lucky (Apple TV), Sugar (Apple TV), Slow Horses (Apple TV), Obsession (Peacock)

A huge thanks to our team:

Producer: Devyn Arnold | Intro: Tamika Katon-Done

Assistants: Will Peroni | Ian Butter

_____________________________________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's leading casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level.

Your support helps us continue creating these conversations.

What happens when an actor who has spent decades working in traditional television, film, and theatre finds themselves at the center of an entirely new form of storytelling?

I welcomed Buzz Leer to VersaVision this week for an in-depth conversation about his career, the evolution of the entertainment industry, and why vertical/micro dramas may be one of the biggest opportunities actors aren't paying enough attention to.

Buzz has had one of those careers that seems to have a little bit of everything. He began as the host of HGTV's House Detectives, went on to build an extensive acting career with credits including Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, neXt, and Days of Our Lives, became a two-time Webby Award winner for the Being Golden podcast, and has now appeared in more than 40 vertical productions. What I loved about our conversation was hearing Buzz describe how all of those seemingly different experiences have ultimately come together in what he's doing today.

We talked about what first drew Buzz into vertical entertainment, how dramatically the format has evolved, and what he discovered about his own acting when he started working in this space. One of the things that really surprised me was his realization that vertical acting actually brought him back to his stage training. The performances required bigger choices, more immediacy, and a different kind of energy than traditional television and film.

Buzz also gave us a firsthand look at what it's actually like to work on these productions. After doing more than 40 verticals in just a few years, he's had a front-row seat to the evolution of the format - watching crews grow, production value increase, and the entire ecosystem develop at an incredible pace. And eventually, he realized something: somebody needed to document what was happening. That realization became The Vertical Buzz.

Most importantly, Buzz's message to actors interested in verticals was refreshingly simple: do it! If an opportunity gives you another chance to work, get on camera, collaborate with different actors and directors, and continue developing your craft, why wouldn't you take it?

Whether you're curious about vertical acting, interested in Buzz's incredible career journey, or trying to understand where the entertainment industry is heading next, this conversation is a really fun look at what happens when you stay adaptable, keep working, and recognize an opportunity while it's still emerging.

WORD OF THE WEEK: Grateful

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Lucky (Apple TV), Sugar (Apple TV), Slow Horses (Apple TV), Obsession (Peacock)

A huge thanks to our team:

Producer: Devyn Arnold | Intro: Tamika Katon-Done

Assistants: Will Peroni | Ian Butter

_____________________________________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's leading casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level.

Your support helps us continue creating these conversations.

Emmy Award-winning casting director Paul Ruddy, the King of Casting for verticals and micro-dramas, took time out to join me on VersaVision! We dug into how much casting has changed, what actors need to understand to navigate the business today, and the misconceptions that still hold them back.

Paul has spent 27 years in the entertainment industry, beginning his career in talent representation before making the transition into casting. Over the past 25 years, he’s cast major television shows, film, theatre, commercials, and some of the biggest emerging platforms in the industry. He’s also the recipient of an Emmy for his casting work on The Eastsiders. What really stood out to me throughout our conversation, though, was the perspective that comes from having watched this business evolve firsthand.

We talked about what actually happens after an actor submits an audition, why getting the audition itself is a victory, and why not booking a role often has absolutely nothing to do with how talented you are. Paul also broke down some of the biggest misconceptions actors have about casting, including the idea that casting directors are "gatekeepers." His perspective? They're gate openers. And he explained exactly what that means.

We also got into the realities of self-tapes, preparation, memorization, and what casting directors can recognize within the first few moments of watching a tape. Paul got incredibly candid about the simple mistakes that can hurt an audition, why actors don't need to turn their self-tape into a mini movie, and why being prepared gives you the freedom to actually make choices instead of simply trying to remember your lines.

And then we dove into one of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now: vertical dramas. Paul was there near the beginning of this rapidly expanding format and has watched it evolve almost month by month. We talked about why he believes verticals are much more than a passing trend, how they're creating opportunities for thousands of actors, and why performers shouldn't dismiss a format simply because it doesn't look like the traditional career path they imagined.

Most importantly, Paul shares a philosophy that I think every actor should take seriously: work begets work. Every audition, every job, every relationship and every opportunity can become part of the bigger picture of your career.

Whether you're trying to understand what happens on the other side of your audition, looking for new ways to create opportunities, or simply trying to keep up with how quickly this industry is changing, this conversation with Paul is packed with insight, honesty, and plenty of things I think actors need to hear.

PHRASE OF THE WEEK: Work Begets Work

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Tuner (Prime), Casting By (HBO)

Producer: Devyn Arnold | Intro: Tamika Katon-Donegal

Assistants: Will Perino, Ian Butter

_____________________________________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's leading casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level. Your support helps us continue creating these conversations.

I sit down with casting director Devon Brady for a fascinating conversation about what casting directors are really looking for, and why so many actors are focused on the wrong things.

Devon has had one of the most unique journeys into casting. Before spending the last seven years casting projects for Disney Channel, Netflix, Nickelodeon, YouTube Premium, DramaBox, and ReelShort, he worked in both Human Resources at Lionsgate and talent management (which I'm quite impressed by!). Those experiences gave him a perspective that very few casting directors have, and throughout our conversation, he shares how each stop along the way has shaped the way he evaluates actors today.

We talk about what actually makes an actor memorable after an audition, why authenticity will always stand out more than trying to give casting directors what you think they want, and the biggest misconceptions actors still have about the casting process. Devon also offers an honest look at why the "best" audition doesn't always book the job, and how so many decisions are made based on the bigger picture of the project.

We also dive into the rapidly growing world of vertical dramas. As someone who's cast extensively for DramaBox and ReelShort, Devon explains why he believes this format is creating legitimate opportunities for actors and why it's a space performers shouldn't ignore. We discuss how casting changes across platforms, what makes someone successful in vertical storytelling, and where he believes the industry is heading over the next several years.

Whether you're just starting your career or have been auditioning for years, this conversation is filled with practical insight that will change the way you think about casting, auditions, and building relationships in this industry.

WORD OF THE WEEK: BREATHE

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Widow's Bay, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, The Pitt

A huge thanks to our team:

Producer: Devyn Arnold

Intro: Tamika Katon-Donegal

Assistants: Will Perino | Ian Butter

____________________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's top casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level. Your support helps us continue creating these conversations.                                                           

I sit down with casting director Devon Brady for a fascinating conversation about what casting directors are really looking for, and why so many actors are focused on the wrong things.

Devon has had one of the most unique journeys into casting. Before spending the last seven years casting projects for Disney Channel, Netflix, Nickelodeon, YouTube Premium, DramaBox, and ReelShort, he worked in both Human Resources at Lionsgate and talent management (which I'm quite impressed by!). Those experiences gave him a perspective that very few casting directors have, and throughout our conversation, he shares how each stop along the way has shaped the way he evaluates actors today.

We talk about what actually makes an actor memorable after an audition, why authenticity will always stand out more than trying to give casting directors what you think they want, and the biggest misconceptions actors still have about the casting process. Devon also offers an honest look at why the "best" audition doesn't always book the job, and how so many decisions are made based on the bigger picture of the project.

We also dive into the rapidly growing world of vertical dramas. As someone who's cast extensively for DramaBox and ReelShort, Devon explains why he believes this format is creating legitimate opportunities for actors and why it's a space performers shouldn't ignore. We discuss how casting changes across platforms, what makes someone successful in vertical storytelling, and where he believes the industry is heading over the next several years.

Whether you're just starting your career or have been auditioning for years, this conversation is filled with practical insight that will change the way you think about casting, auditions, and building relationships in this industry.

WORD OF THE WEEK: BREATHE

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Widow's Bay, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, The Pitt

A huge thanks to our team:

Producer: Devyn Arnold

Intro: Tamika Katon-Donegal

Assistants: Will Perino | Ian Butter

____________________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's top casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level. Your support helps us continue creating these conversations.                                                          

This week on VersaVision, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the industry's top casting directors, Lisa Zambetti and I have to say, this became one of my favorite conversations we've had on the show.

What struck me most about Lisa wasn't just her incredible résumé. It was her humanity.

After spending decades as an actress, casting director, teacher, and mentor, she has a rare ability to see this business from every angle. We talked about her journey from Broadway and Off-Broadway to learning under the legendary casting director Billy Hopkins, and how those experiences shaped the way she champions actors today.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was hearing Lisa explain that casting directors are often championing actors far more than actors realize. That perspective alone has the power to change the way you walk into your next audition or when you start putting together a tape for an audition you have been asked to do.

We also went behind the scenes of Criminal Minds, where Lisa shares what it was really like creating an entirely new world of characters every eight days, why hearing "no" isn't the end of the story, and how one unforgettable audition can actually influence the direction of an entire television series.

Another part of our conversation that stayed with me was hearing about the incredible work behind Reservation Dogs. Lisa shares the story of travelling across Oklahoma holding open casting calls, discovering Indigenous performers who had never acted before, and helping create opportunities that genuinely changed lives. It's a beautiful reminder that great casting isn't simply about experience: it's about authenticity, truth, and finding the right person to tell the story.

And I loved that Lisa are on the same page with just about everything, and I actually love those moments because they create the best conversations.  One of the main issues we both agreed on:  there will never be a substitute for an honest, truthful human performance.

If you're an actor, filmmaker, creative person, or simply someone who loves hearing how great stories are brought to life, I think you'll take something valuable away from this conversation.

I'd love to hear what resonates with you most after you listen.  Send us an email to [email protected]

If you would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us at: [email protected]

LISA'S WORD OF THE WEEK: UNBOTHERED

LISA'S VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Orphan Black

INSTAGRAM: @LisaZambettiCasting

A huge thanks to our team:

Producer: Devyn Arnold and Intro by: Tamika Katon-Donegal

________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's leading casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing their real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level. Your support helps us continue creating these conversations and we thank you for your unwavering support.

This week on VersaVision, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the industry's top casting directors, Lisa Zambetti and I have to say, this became one of my favorite conversations we've had on the show.

What struck me most about Lisa wasn't just her incredible résumé. It was her humanity.

After spending decades as an actress, casting director, teacher, and mentor, she has a rare ability to see this business from every angle. We talked about her journey from Broadway and Off-Broadway to learning under the legendary casting director Billy Hopkins, and how those experiences shaped the way she champions actors today.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was hearing Lisa explain that casting directors are often championing actors far more than actors realize. That perspective alone has the power to change the way you walk into your next audition or when you start putting together a tape for an audition you have been asked to do.

We also went behind the scenes of Criminal Minds, where Lisa shares what it was really like creating an entirely new world of characters every eight days, why hearing "no" isn't the end of the story, and how one unforgettable audition can actually influence the direction of an entire television series.

Another part of our conversation that stayed with me was hearing about the incredible work behind Reservation Dogs. Lisa shares the story of travelling across Oklahoma holding open casting calls, discovering Indigenous performers who had never acted before, and helping create opportunities that genuinely changed lives. It's a beautiful reminder that great casting isn't simply about experience: it's about authenticity, truth, and finding the right person to tell the story.

And I loved that Lisa are on the same page with just about everything, and I actually love those moments because they create the best conversations.  One of the main issues we both agreed on:  there will never be a substitute for an honest, truthful human performance.

If you're an actor, filmmaker, creative person, or simply someone who loves hearing how great stories are brought to life, I think you'll take something valuable away from this conversation.

I'd love to hear what resonates with you most after you listen.  Send us an email to [email protected]

If you would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us at: [email protected]

WORD OF THE WEEK: UNBOTHERED

LISA'S VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Orphan Black

INSTAGRAM: @LisaZambettiCasting

A huge thanks to our team:

Producer: Devyn Arnold and Intro by: Tamika Katon-Donegal

________________________________________

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's leading casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level. Your support helps us continue creating these conversations and we thank you for your unwavering support..

This week, I'm joined by actor Michael Kostroff for a thought-provoking, and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to build a career with purpose, resilience and longevity in the entertainment industry.  

Michael and I do not always agree or see eye to eye, and that's exactly what makes this conversation so engaging.  We challenge each other's perspectives, question long-held beliefs and explore different approaches to building success in your career. You may find yourself agreeing with one of us, both of us, or changing your own perspective along the way.

We talk about his long-awaited Broadway debut in DOG DAY AFTERNOON, joining the cast of Marvel's Spider Noir (Michael is excellent in it by the way), and how changing your environment can reignite your creativity when you feel stuck.  Michael also shares the mindset that has helped him navigate decades of change while continuing to grow as an artist

He opens up about mental health, the healing power of art, and the importance of self‑grace while navigating an unpredictable career, plus his book The Stage Actor’s Handbook and lessons for working actors at any level. The book is now being taught in many universities in America.

Join me as we explore what it truly means to build a career that doesn't just endure, but continues to evolve.

WORD OF THE WEEK:  SELF-GRACE

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: BAD SISTERS, THE WIRE, YEARS AND YEARS, IDIOCRACY

You can also find Michael Kostroff on Instagram: @michael_kostroff

Producer: Devyn Arnold                                                                                                                                              Intro by: Tamika Katon-Donegal

_________________________

To everyone listening, I hope this episode encourages you to approach your work with greater authenticity, curiosity, and courage.

VersaVision is streaming on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and download the latest episodes so you never miss insight like today’s show with Anthony.  Thank you again, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. See you all next week!

This week, I'm joined by actor Michael Kostroff for a thought-provoking, and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to build a career with purpose, resilience and longevity in the entertainment industry.  

Michael and I do not always agree or see eye to eye, and that's exactly what makes this conversation so engaging.  We challenge each other's perspectives, question long-held beliefs and explore different approaches to building success in your career. You may find yourself agreeing with one of us, both of us, or changing your own perspective along the way.

We talk about his long-awaited Broadway debut in DOG DAY AFTERNOON, joining the cast of Marvel's Spider Noir (Michael is excellent in it by the way), and how changing your environment can reignite your creativity when you feel stuck.  Michael also shares the mindset that has helped him navigate decades of change while continuing to grow as an artist

He opens up about mental health, the healing power of art, and the importance of self‑grace while navigating an unpredictable career, plus his book The Stage Actor’s Handbook and lessons for working actors at any level. The book is now being taught in many universities in America.

Join me as we explore what it truly means to build a career that doesn't just endure, but continues to evolve.

WORD OF THE WEEK:  SELF-GRACE

VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS: BAD SISTERS, THE WIRE, YEARS AND YEARS, IDIOCRACY

You can also find Michael Kostroff on Instagram: @michael_kostroff

Producer: Devyn Arnold                                                                                                                                                  Intro by: Tamika Katon-Donegal

_________________________

To everyone listening, I hope this episode encourages you to approach your work with greater authenticity, curiosity, and courage.

VersaVision is streaming on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and download the latest episodes so you never miss insight like today’s show with Anthony.  Thank you again, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. See you all next week!

Word of the Week: SANTUARY

Viewing recommendations: OBSESSION, WIDOW'S BAY.

Today’s guest is acclaimed acting teacher, filmmaker, writer, director, and creative activist Anthony Meindl. As the founder of Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop, he has spent more than twenty-five years helping actors around the world discover truthful, authentic performances while building one of the most respected acting communities in the industry.

Anthony’s work extends far beyond the classroom. Through films like Where We Go From Here and his latest feature, Memento Mori, he explores some of the most important conversations of our time - including grief, identity, climate change, healing, and our shared humanity. 

Today we dive into Anthony’s recent projects, what authenticity truly means in this space, and why storytelling has the power to change both individuals and society. 

Anthony, thank you for such a thoughtful and inspiring conversation. Your work reminds us that acting is about so much more than booking roles or delivering performances. It’s about connecting with ourselves, with one another, and with the stories that help us better understand the human experience.

Website:  www.anthonymeindl.com

Thank you to Producer: Devyn Arnold and  Tamika Katon-Donegal for the intro.

_______________________________________________________

ANTHONY MEINDL BIOGRAPHY:

Anthony Meindl is an award-winning writer, director, acting teacher, and creative activist whose work explores the intersection of humanity, social justice, climate change, and emotional truth. Through film, theatre, teaching, and public speaking, he creates work centred on awakening empathy and connection in the modern world.

His feature film Where We Go From Here, inspired by the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, premiered at Outfest, received multiple festival awards, and was acquired by HULU. His latest feature, Memento Mori, explores the climate crisis through interconnected stories filmed across five continents.

As founder of Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop, he has built an international creative community spanning more than a dozen cities over the last twenty-five years. His students have included some of the most acclaimed and well-known actors, musicians, and activists working across film, television, theatre, and music. He has trained Academy Award winners, Grammy winners, Emmy & Golden Globe nominees and BAFTA nominees. 

Meindl’s work consistently bridges artistic expression with activism, focusing on themes of human rights, environmental responsibility, identity, grief, healing, and collective transformation.

_______________________________________________________________

To everyone listening, I hope this episode encourages you to approach your work with greater authenticity, curiosity, and courage.

VersaVision is streaming on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and download the latest episodes so you never miss insight like today’s show with Anthony.  Thank you again, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. See you all next week!