The Vertical Buzz

This week on The Vertical Buzz, Season 2 kicks off with the person who helped legitimize the vertical space in Los Angeles. Host Buzz Leer sits down with Tina Contogenis, founder of Eris Talent Agency, to break down why vertical is no longer a trend, how the money and views proved the model, and what actors need to understand if they want to compete in the fastest-growing lane of entertainment. Tina shares the moment she realized actors were earning real money, how Eris built the first agency division focused specifically on vertical content, and what has changed as the space matures from Wild West chaos into a structured marketplace. They also get into what casting is actually prioritizing right now, why vertical is becoming a smarter path than traditional TV for many performers, and what the next wave looks like as AI, deepfakes, and new laws start to collide with talent rights. The episode includes rapid fire takes, must-watch apps, Eris's strict “no assholes” policy, and a day-in-the-life look at what a modern talent agency is juggling with the vertical boom. In this episode, you will learn:• Why Season 2 is about defining the space, not just discovering it• What the first vertical wakeup moment looked like from an agent’s perspective• How views and money proved vertical is an industry, not an experiment• What changed from the early Wild West days to today’s more structured ecosystem• What casting looks for right now, including pace, looks, and versatility• Why vertical wins for working actors, and how to build a real vertical strategy• Must-watch vertical apps and where the best opportunities are heading• The “no assholes” policy and why set culture matters more than ever• AI threats, deepfakes, and what new law is trying to do about it• The future of vertical economics, rates, and how the space may evolve next Chapters00:00 Season Two Begins00:47 Vertical Revolution01:48 Industry Gets Real02:57 Meet Tina Aris04:57 First Vertical Wakeup06:57 Views Money Proof08:59 From Wild West21:18 Casting Looks Talent26:04 Sponsor Break27:05 Why Vertical Wins37:32 Rapid Fire Takes38:34 Must Watch Vertical Apps39:50 No Assholes Policy40:59 AI Threats Ahead42:36 Deepfakes And New Law45:09 Future Of Vertical Economics51:00 Tina Agent Origin Story52:51 Aris Entertainment Expansion56:03 Boundaries Intimacy Negotiations01:01:51 Day In The Life Wrap Up Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers)AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces.Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration.Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Tina ContogenisTina Contogenis is the founder and president of Eris Talent Agency, an international talent agency representing actors and creators across film, television, streaming, and the rapidly expanding vertical drama marketplace. Under her leadership, Eris Talent developed the first agency division focused specifically on vertical content, representing both actors and production companies in the space. She also leads Aris Entertainment, the agency’s development arm, and serves on the board of the Association of Talent Agents. Tina is a voting member of the Television Academy, and Eris Talent is bi-coastal with additional offices in Mexico City and an affiliate in London.Instagram: @tinacontogenis Host: Buzz LeerBuzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio ProductionOwned and operated by Erika and Jason HananInstagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina CanoInstagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan DawleyThe Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb LeerLeer Communications, Inc. Thank youSpecial thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.Host, Buzz Leer

Welcome to The Vertical Buzz. Host Buzz Leer sits down with actor, writer, and director Rick Shepherd to talk about what happens when a traditionally trained filmmaker jumps into vertical storytelling and has to rethink everything for the 9:16 frame. Rick shares his Cleveland performance roots, his training across Case Western Reserve University and grad programs in London and Columbia University, and how COVID became the unexpected runway that pushed him deeper into indie filmmaking, collaboration, and ultimately vertical series. From there, the conversation gets practical and specific: what makes vertical different from horizontal, which genres can thrive in the tall frame, and why indie filmmakers may be sitting on a once-in-a-generation opportunity while the ecosystem is still being built. Buzz and Rick also dive into Rick’s horror vertical series Dead Signal, including what it took to build a higher-quality project with recognizable vertical talent and why horror and action can be perfect for the vertical format. They close with rapid fire, a Cleveland detour, and a real conversation about the fight for the vertical ecosystem as bigger Hollywood players move in and the current platforms decide what the future looks like. In this episode, you will learn:• How Rick Shepherd’s early performance life and theater training shaped his filmmaking mindset• How COVID, indie films, and community collaboration helped Rick transition into vertical work• What it takes to enter vertical filmmaking as a director and actor, even if you come from traditional cinema• Dead Signal and what goes into producing an elevated genre vertical series• Vertical vs horizontal storytelling and how the tall frame changes opportunity, staging, and genre• Why indie filmmakers may have more opportunity in vertical right now than in traditional film and TV• The future of vertical entertainment and why creators need a seat at the table as the space grows• Rapid fire takes plus Cleveland talk, Polish Boys, and the Christmas Story house Chapters0:00 Intro & Welcome3:27 Rick Shepherd Bio8:35 Early Life & Performance Roots11:20 COVID, Indie Films & Moving to LA13:55 Entering Vertical Filmmaking21:26 Dead Signal: The Horror Series25:24 Vertical vs Horizontal Storytelling31:23 The Future of Vertical Entertainment42:31 Rapid Fire & Cleveland Chat47:53 Opportunities for Indie Filmmakers55:13 Dream Vertical Project58:21 The Fight for the Vertical Ecosystem Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers)AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces.Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration.Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Rick ShepherdRick Shepherd is a Los Angeles based filmmaker and actor from Cleveland, Ohio. He holds a BA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University, an MA in Directing from East 15 Acting School in London, and a second master’s in Film and Literature from Columbia University. Rick began as an actor in independent films before moving behind the camera to write and direct, with a focus on performance-driven storytelling. He directs and produces vertical series, performs as a lead actor, is part of a MO Pictures vertical screenwriters talent pool, and founded Backyard Shorts, a company dedicated to developing vertical projects and supporting independent filmmakers.Instagram: @realrickshepherd Host: Buzz LeerInstagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio ProductionOwned and operated by Erika and Jason HananInstagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina CanoInstagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan DawleyThe Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb LeerLeer Communications, Inc. Thank youSpecial thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.Host

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Noah Fearnley, one of the most in-demand actors in vertical entertainment right now, to talk about what it takes to work at a high level in two worlds at the same time: vertical storytelling and traditional television. Noah opens up about the real grind behind the momentum, from juggling nonstop vertical shoots to stepping into major press for Love Story (FX, Hulu, Disney+), the series about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette where Noah plays Michael Bergin. They also dig into his path from football and a major injury, to modeling, to moving to Los Angeles with almost nothing, to booking work, surviving the strike, and then exploding in verticals with 50+ projects. The conversation gets personal and meaningful as Noah shares his mental health journey, what success does and does not change, and why he is now building a mental health foundation. Then they close with a big look ahead at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, the energy of bringing the community together in person, and what comes next for Noah. In this episode, you will learn:• How Noah Fearnley went from football and a knee injury to acting full time• The realities of building an acting career through the strike and hard financial seasons• How vertical storytelling hooked Noah and why he believes actors should start in verticals• The key differences between vertical sets and traditional sets, including pace and prep• What it was like stepping into the FX, Hulu, Disney+ world on Love Story• What people never warn you about success and why it does not fix what is happening inside• Noah’s approach to staying grounded and why he protects the fans by staying intentional• The mental health conversation and Noah’s plan to launch a foundation• Why the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards matters and what the in-person energy will be like Chapters00:00 Meet Noah Fearnley02:34 Bio and Big Credits05:02 Busy Life and Press08:42 From Football to Verticals21:15 Love Story Casting Journey34:30 Staying Vertical Long Term36:47 Rapid Fire Hot Takes40:51 Success Pressure and Staying Grounded50:40 Mental Health and New Foundation01:02:58 Awards and Final Wrap Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers)AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces.Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration.Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Noah FearnleyNoah Fearnley is an American actor from Orange, Connecticut, making serious noise in the fast-rising world of vertical storytelling. With leading roles across Apple TV, Hulu, and the Lifetime Network and more than 50 vertical films under his belt, Noah has quickly become one of the genre’s most recognizable faces. He made his theatrical debut in the 2026 film Mercy alongside Chris Pratt and now plays Michael Bergin in the FX series currently on Hulu and Disney+ Love Story, the story of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Before the camera, Noah built four companies. Off set, he is restoring his 68 Mustang, hanging with his dogs, or getting in a daily workout.Instagram: @noahfearnleyy Host: Buzz LeerBuzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.Instagram: @buzz_leer Produced at Glendale Podcast StudioOwned and operated by Erika and Jason HananInstagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina CanoInstagram: @anakarinacano Theme SongGrace Leer and Bryan Dawley, The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and MediaRobb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc. Thank youSpecial thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.Host, Buzz Leer

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Molly Anderson, one of the most dynamic leading ladies in the vertical space, to talk about what it takes to break through, stay relevant, and deliver real performances in a format where you are moving fast, learning tons of pages, and often getting just a take or two. Molly shares her journey from the pinky of Northern Michigan to Los Angeles, how she pushed through the early stigma around verticals and why the format has actually made her a stronger, more present actor. Buzz and Molly also get into what it feels like when a project unexpectedly blows up, how Molly prepares for emotionally heavy work under pressure, and the wild world of vertical fandom: reading comments, fan encounters, and what the audience response says about where vertical entertainment is headed next. In this episode, you will learn:• Molly’s path from Michigan to LA and why acting was never “just a hobby”• What the early vertical stigma felt like and how it is shifting now• How to craft strong performances at high speed when you are doing 15 to 20 pages a day• Why verticals can force actors into a more present, instinctive process with less prep and more truth• The behind-the-scenes reality: limited rehearsal, limited takes, and constant script changes• What vertical fans actually say and how the fanbase is driving bigger industry attention• Favorite fan encounters, including being recognized in the most unglamorous moments• Where verticals are headed and what needs to improve around safety and set culture• Rapid fire takes, dream roles, and what Molly wants next Chapters00:00 Vertical Buzz Kickoff01:39 Meet Molly Anderson04:39 From Michigan to Acting09:17 First Verticals and Stigma20:19 Crafting Performances Fast37:19 Reading Fan Comments39:49 Favorite Fan Encounters42:32 Where Verticals Are Headed52:31 Hollywood Pressure and Set Safety56:52 Rapid Fire and Wrap Up Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers)AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces.Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA + carbon filtration.Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Molly AndersonMolly Anderson is a vertical actress (since 2023) with nearly 40 vertical credits and growing. She is also the creator of Verticalandia, a sketch series celebrating (and roasting) the vertical world.Instagram/TikTok: @mmactuj & @verticalandia Host: Buzz LeerBuzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio ProductionOwned and operated by Erika and Jason HananInstagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina CanoInstagram: @anakarinacano Music: Grace Leer and Bryan DawleyThe Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb LeerLeer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.-Host, Buzz Leer#VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Acting #ActorsLife #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ShortForm #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Cayman Cardiff—one of the leading male actors in verticals—to talk craft, career strategy, and what it really takes to become recognizable (and re-bookable) in a format where you only get seconds to connect. From a surprising pivot from pre-med to acting, to early bookings, joining SAG, and a breakout run that exploded on DramaBox, Cayman shares how he approached verticals when there was still stigma around the space—and why he decided to go all in anyway. They also get into branding, choosing roles, client notes on set, why natural light can be magic, and Cayman's best advice for longevity: be solutions, not problems. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why Cayman walked away from a pre-med path to pursue acting—and how fast his early bookings hit• How he got into SAG and what that “confidence checkmark” meant early on• The Toronto vertical breakthrough that accelerated everything (and how the opportunities stacked)• The early stigma around verticals—and why Cayman chose to commit anyway• What it looks like to “blow up” on DramaBox—and how it impacts offers and typecasting• How Cayman chooses roles, protects his brand, and avoids scripts that don’t align• Why the business side of verticals is accelerating—and what the next few years could bring• How to handle client notes on set and stay locked in as a performer• Longevity advice: gratitude, professionalism, and showing up with solutions—not negativity Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guest intro02:00 Reading Cayman’s bio04:10 From pre-med to acting07:36 First bookings and SAG10:13 Verticals breakthrough in Toronto11:10 Early stigma and going all in14:07 Blowing up on DramaBox15:04 Choosing roles and brand19:45 Sponsor break AERO.co21:00 Business and future of verticals31:33 Natural light magic32:41 Client notes on set34:19 Advice for longevity39:10 Solutions not problems40:40 Rapid fire and future50:50 Wrapping it up Sponsor: AEIRO Air Purifiers AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150 — powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA + carbon filtration.Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Cayman Cardiff Cayman Cardiff grew up in the South and received his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Spanish at the University of Utah. He began his acting career in middle school in Musical Theater and continued throughout high school, performing in leading roles. After graduating college, he moved to Los Angeles where he successfully started acting full-time. Within the first four months, he booked two commercials and his first movie for Lifetime. More projects soon followed, immediately launching his acting career. Starring in Vertical Micro Dramas he's now led in over 25 with more scheduled producing, writing, and directing projects to come in 2026.Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: @caymancardiff Host: Buzz LeerBuzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio ProductionOwned & operated by Erika & Jason HananInstagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina CanoInstagram: @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.—Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ActorsLife #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

Description In Episode 3 (Part 2) of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer continues his conversation with Michael Naizu, an Asian American actor, writer, producer, and director whose work spans film, television, and vertical storytelling. Michael tells stories about his work in Vertical films and his own feature film, Bound for Glory. 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 Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Michael Naizu Michael Naizu is an Asian American actor, writer, producer, and director whose work spans film, television, and vertical storytelling. He is the founder of PinkHouse Productions and has starred in multiple hit vertical series, including My Secret Agent Husband. His acting credits include Amazon's Christmas Is Canceled and HBO's Hacks. Naizu first created Bound For Glory as a short film in 2020, which was licensed to Asian American streaming platform JoySauce. He has since expanded the project into a feature, which he co-wrote, co-directed, produced, and starred in, recently completing production and set to premiere on the festival circuit in 2026. Instagram @Michaelnaizu 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. Instagram: @buzz_leer 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. —Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #Directing #FilmProduction #TheVerticalBuzz

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 + crew The 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 Welcome00:29 Amber Newcomb's Career Highlights01:52 Middle School Memories02:35 Vertical Film Projects03:17 Challenges and Experiences on Set06:10 Directing Vertical Films27:50 Trial by Fire: Filming Amidst Chaos28:29 Sponsor Break: Arrow Air Purifiers30:07 The Rise of Vertical Films32:07 Directing Techniques and Challenges34:16 Comedy in Vertical Films46:05 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 Website: AEIRO.co 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.Instagram: @ammbz 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. Instagram: @buzz_leer 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. —Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #Directing #FilmProduction #TheVerticalBuzz

A glimpse into the world of Vertical Film with Buzz Leer and guest Angela Liu