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Nick Ritacco | Pirates, Shakespeare, and Vertical Fame: The Vertical Buzz S2E7
Season 2 · Episode 7
Thursday, June 11, 2026 • Duration 01:10:04
Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Nick Ritacco, a Chicago-born actor, athlete, baseball fan, and one of the standout leading men in the vertical drama space.
Nick shares how a high school injury led him from baseball into theater, how New York and Shakespeare shaped his foundation as an actor, and how early TV roles on Homeland and Law & Order: SVU helped push him toward Los Angeles. From there, Buzz and Nick get into his rise in verticals, the role that changed everything, what it takes to keep working in this fast-moving format, and why the vertical community has become so meaningful to him.
They also break down Kiss of the Pirate King, Nick’s pirate vertical with Emma Reinagel, including the behind-the-scenes reality of shooting on a real ship, sword fights, costumes, and why genre experimentation is pushing the space forward. Plus: Chicago sports, theater roots, hidden food spots, AI concerns, fan connection, and the future of vertical entertainment.
In this episode, you will learn:
• How Nick Ritacco went from baseball dreams to theater
• Why Chicago, New York, and Shakespeare shaped his acting foundation
• How Homeland, Law & Order: SVU, and Lifetime led him toward LA
• How Nick found verticals before the space had a clear name
• Why Fated to My Forbidden Vampire changed his life
• What makes vertical acting different from traditional film and TV
• How Kiss of the Pirate King was made on a real ship
• Why vertical fans and community matter so much
• How Nick thinks about AI, rules, and protecting actors
• Why vertical storytelling is still just getting started
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz
01:00 Meet Nick Ritacco
02:57 Chicago Sports Rivalries
04:29 From Baseball to Theater
09:35 New York and Shakespeare
12:02 First TV Breaks and LA Move
17:06 Finding Vertical Stardom
25:27 Quiet Air Purifier Pitch
26:17 Role That Changed Everything
27:43 Tropes Getting Better
28:52 Pirate Vertical Behind Scenes
32:08 Hooking Viewers and Fan Favorites
36:29 Trailer Reaction and Rapid Fire
42:35 Chicago Theater Roots
45:46 Hidden Chicago Eats
46:20 Thanksgiving at Marios
47:01 Favorite Chicago Movies
48:53 New York Summer Stories
52:55 Vertical Acting Mindset
55:03 AI Fears and Rules
01:02:00 Vertical Community 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
Rapid Fire Sponsor: VertiCast
VertiCast is a casting app built for the speed of vertical storytelling. Actors can create profiles, upload clips, showcase social links, and make it easier for casting directors and producers to discover them quickly.
Website: VertiCastApp.com
Instagram: @verticastapp
Guest: Nick Ritacco
Nick Ritacco is a Chicago-born actor, athlete, and avid baseball fan. After realizing he probably would not become the starting shortstop for the White Sox, Nick moved to New York City, where he earned his BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and trained at the Stella Adler Studio for Acting. He performed in numerous theatrical productions, helped launch a Shakespearean theater company, and later moved into television with a recurring role on Showtime’s Homeland and a co-star role on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU. After moving to Los Angeles with his tabby cat Cora, Nick has worked in Lifetime Movie Network projects and has become one of the most recognizable actors in vertical dramas, with more than 40 verticals and counting.
Instagram: @nick.ritacco
Host: Buzz Leer
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
Paul Ruddy | From Emmy Winner to Vertical Casting: The Vertical Buzz S2E6
Season 2 · Episode 6
Thursday, June 4, 2026 • Duration 01:15:49
Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Emmy Award-winning casting director Paul Ruddy, one of the most influential casting voices in the vertical space today.
Paul is currently casting at DramaBox and has worked across more than 250 film, television, digital, and vertical projects for platforms including Netflix, Disney, Hallmark, Lifetime, Fox, Paramount Plus, Peacock, ReelShort, Pocket FM, and DramaBox. In this episode, Buzz and Paul break down how vertical casting actually works, why the space is growing so fast, and what actors need to understand if they want to stand out.
They talk about Paul’s early agency days at Abrams Artists and The Gersh Agency, the cake trivia moment that unexpectedly pushed him toward casting, his Emmy win for EastSiders, and how the pandemic changed the casting process forever. Then they go deep on verticals: how actors are being discovered, why the first 20 seconds of an audition matter, how agents are finally embracing the space, and why vertical is becoming a legitimate new lane of entertainment.
This episode also introduces VertiCast, our new industry sponsor for the Rapid Fire segment. VertiCast is built specifically for the fast-moving world of vertical casting, helping actors create profiles, upload clips, and get discovered by casting directors and producers.
In this episode, you will learn:
• How Paul Ruddy went from law school to talent agencies to casting
• What working at Abrams Artists and The Gersh Agency taught him about actors
• The unexpected cake trivia story that pushed Paul toward casting
• How Paul won an Emmy for EastSiders and found out in his kitchen during the pandemic
• Why self-tapes are not going away and why actors need to master them
• How Paul first discovered verticals through Pocket FM
• Why verticals remind Paul of early Hallmark and classic soap opera evolution
• What casting directors look for in the first 20 seconds of an audition
• Why preparation, strong choices, and knowing the script matter more than perfection
• How casting volume works when companies are making 10 to 20 verticals a month
• Why agents and managers are now building vertical divisions
• How unknown actors can still break through if the audition is strong
• Why every audition matters, even if you do not book the role
Eric Guilmette | Vertical's Most Romantic Leading Man: The Vertical Buzz S2E5
Season 2 · Episode 5
Thursday, May 28, 2026 • Duration 01:11:16
Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Eric Guilmette, one of the most recognizable leading men in the vertical drama world, to talk about the unusual path that brought him from romance novel covers to nearly 50 vertical films, producing, poetry, and a rapidly growing fan base.
Before vertical storytelling exploded, readers were already connecting with Eric’s face on more than 200 romance novel covers. That early romance audience gave him a unique understanding of the tropes, fantasies, and fan connection that now drive the vertical space. Eric and Buzz break down how that world connects directly to vertical dramas, why early productions had serious growing pains, and how the industry has evolved from chaotic sets into a legitimate entertainment lane.
They also dive into Eric’s work as a producer, including Love and Blood, the vampire vertical that became one of Buzz’s favorite projects of the year and won Best Supernatural Vertical at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards. Eric also opens up about his poetry book Sex and Oatmeal, how writing became a form of healing, the Ink Collective event in London, his connection with fans through Cameo, and where he believes vertical storytelling is headed next.
In this episode, you will learn:
• How Eric Guilmette went from romance novel covers to vertical drama stardom
• Why the romance novel world and vertical dramas have such a strong audience overlap
• What Eric’s first vertical experiences were really like and how the space has improved
• Why vertical view counts can be complicated and what the numbers really mean
• How Eric stepped into producing with Love and Blood
• Why cinematic storytelling matters if verticals are going to keep growing
• How Sex and Oatmeal became a poetry book, a healing tool, and a creative extension of Eric’s life
• What Eric learned from building The Ink Collective in London
• How Cameo and fan messages have changed his relationship with the audience
• The realities of vertical filming, including speed, intimacy scenes, title changes, and production pressure
• Why Eric believes the future of verticals depends on better stories, more genres, and real human creativity
Chapters
00:00 Vertical Buzz Cold Open
01:27 Meet Eric Guilmette
05:05 Awards and Vertical Fame
06:15 First Verticals and Growing Pains
07:59 Modeling Origin Story
09:28 Romance Cover Breakthrough
12:10 Books to Verticals Pipeline
14:19 Sponsor Break and Reset
15:18 Views Numbers Reality Check
17:38 Producing Love and Blood
37:37 Sex and Oatmeal Book
37:56 Poetry as Healing
38:57 Ink Collective London
40:18 Cameo and Fan Impact
41:01 Rapid Fire Acting
44:03 Vertical Filming Realities
45:37 Massachusetts Rapid Fire
51:58 Sponsor Break Aiiro
52:53 Fan Questions Answered
01:02:16 Future and Farewell
Royce Lundquist | Surfing the Vertical Wave: The Vertical Buzz S2E4
Episode 14
Thursday, May 21, 2026 • Duration 01:23:48
Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Royce Lundquist, one of the most exciting new leading men in the vertical space, to talk about his fast rise as an actor, his creative roots, and the new ventures he is building beyond the screen.
Royce shares his journey from being a homeschooled theater kid in a Navy family, to studying at the Orange County School of the Arts, Pace University, and Loyola Marymount University, to finding his way into vertical films with Queen of the Court. He also talks about surfing, discipline, SoCal roots, and why determination has shaped both his acting career and his entrepreneurial path.
Then Buzz and Royce dive into the craft of vertical acting, what makes a true leading man in the 9:16 world, and how the space is changing as new platforms and creators push for more elevated storytelling. Royce also breaks down Playback, To Her Beat, Monkey Boy Films, and his new real estate storytelling venture with The Ivy Group, including Open House Open House and The Duel.
In this episode, you will learn:
• How Royce Lundquist went from theater kid to vertical leading man
• Why surfing, discipline, and determination shaped his creative mindset
• How Royce found vertical films and what changed his mind about the format
• What it was like working on Queen of the Court, Call Sign Legacy, To Her Beat, and Playback
• How vertical acting demands preparation, specificity, and strong character choices
• What fans respond to in a great vertical leading man
• Why the vertical space is moving beyond formula and into more elevated storytelling
• How Monkey Boy Films started and what Royce is building as a director and producer
• How Open House Open House and The Duel are turning real estate marketing into cinematic storytelling
• Why Royce sees vertical entertainment as unpredictable, fast-moving, and full of opportunity
Chapters
00:00 Vertical Buzz Intro
01:17 Meet Royce Lundquist
03:27 Theater Kid Origins
05:28 SoCal Roots and Commute
07:32 Surfing and Determination
11:01 Finding Vertical Films
15:27 Call Sign Legacy Stories
20:35 Vertical Craft and Set Life
28:16 Sponsor Break Aeiro
29:28 Leading Man and Elevating Space
42:04 Royce's New Ventures
43:15 Playback Story Breakdown
44:19 Mexico City Shoot
44:39 Monkey Boys Origins
46:22 First Musical Vertical
48:55 Trailer Reactions
52:19 Sponsor Break Aeiro
53:23 Monkey Boy Business Model
59:14 Open House
01:02:21 The Duel And Wrap Up
D'Arcy Smith | Vertical Acting Goes to School: The Vertical Buzz S2E3
Season 2 · Episode 3
Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 01:14:01
Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where the vertical entertainment world finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with D'Arcy Smith from the University of Cincinnati to talk about a major shift for the vertical space: vertical storytelling is entering academia.
D'Arcy is teaching vertical performance at the university level, which means this format is no longer just something actors stumble into on set. It is becoming something performers can study, train for, and understand before they ever walk into an audition room. Buzz and D'Arcy break down what vertical acting requires, why the style is different from traditional film and TV, how students react to the format, and why more acting programs may need to catch up fast.
They also talk about D'Arcy’s student vertical productions, the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards nomination, data and audience reach, why scripts can feel cheesy, and how actors can still ground the work in truth. Then they hit rapid fire, Cincinnati food culture, Findlay Market, voiceover training, motion capture, and the future of digital performance.
In this episode, you will learn:
• Why vertical storytelling belongs in the classroom
• How D'Arcy Smith started teaching vertical performance at the University of Cincinnati
• What students first think when they encounter vertical dramas
• How acting in verticals differs from traditional film and TV
• Why vertical requires emotional commitment, physicality, and speed
• How student productions are being built around short vertical episodes
• What the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards nomination meant for the program
• Why academia needs to adapt as vertical entertainment grows
• How data, views, and global reach change the way creators understand audiences
• Why actors need to “eat the cheese” while still grounding the story in truth
• How voiceover, motion capture, and digital performance connect to the future of acting
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz
01:08 Meet D'Arcy Smith
02:30 Why Teach Verticals
04:43 Curriculum Pushback
06:23 Inside the Class
07:03 Acting Style Shift
09:03 Student Productions Setup
13:04 Award Nomination Story
17:42 Academia Must Adapt
25:19 Data and Audience Reach
39:12 Eat The Cheese
39:45 Why Scripts Feel Cheesy
41:14 Ground It In Truth
42:10 Rapid Fire Begins
42:49 Format Skills And Future
45:37 Cincinnati Food Debate
49:57 Findlay Market Must Do
51:09 Sponsor Break Aiiro
52:33 Awards Community Vibes
54:21 Voice Lab And Wrap Up
Felix Merback | Vertical's Smoothest Villain: The Vertical Buzz S2E2
Season 2 · Episode 2
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 01:13:04
Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where the vertical entertainment world finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Felix Merback, one of the hottest leading men in vertical storytelling right now, to break down what makes this format so addictive, what acting for closeups really demands, and why the vertical boom is still wide open for creators who are willing to move fast.
Felix shares his origin story from arriving in LA post-2020 to booking his first vertical, why the Wild West era was the perfect time to get in, and how he had to recalibrate his craft for the phone booth frame of 9:16. Then Buzz and Felix go deeper into the business side, including the origin of FMA Productions and how a new wave of creators is trying to push vertical storytelling forward without alienating the audience that made the format explode.
They also hit rapid fire, set life snacks, dream co-stars, on-set red flags, hidden talents, and the pressure every creator feels to capitalize on this moment while the industry is still being built in real time.
In this episode, you will learn:
• What acting for vertical closeups forces you to unlearn and rebuild as a performer
• Why vertical hooks audiences so fast, and why it is hard to stop at one episode
• Why getting in early mattered and what the Wild West taught the pioneers
• The difference between being a working actor in verticals versus being labeled a vertical actor
• The origin of FMA Productions and how Felix is thinking like a builder, not just a lead
• How vertical storytelling is changing, including what needs to evolve next
• Rapid fire takes, set snacks, dream co-stars, and red flags on set
• How Felix thinks about fame versus control, and the pressure to capitalize
• What makes verticals viral, and what the future of vertical Hollywood could look like
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz
01:31 Meet Felix Merback
03:26 Felix Origin Story
05:30 Acting for Vertical Closeups
09:18 Why Vertical Hooks Us
10:43 Early Adopters and Wild West
14:15 Working Actor vs Vertical Actor
20:11 Sponsor Break Aero AC150
21:10 FMA Productions Origin
28:37 Changing Vertical Storytelling
37:12 Rapid Fire Warmup
38:05 Set Life Snacks
38:24 Dream Co Star Pick
39:13 On Set Red Flags
40:21 Hidden Talents Revealed
41:41 Fame Versus Control
42:03 Pressure To Capitalize
45:29 Future Of Vertical Hollywood
46:58 What Makes Verticals Viral
57:48 Projects Fans And Farewell
Tina Contogenis | A Talent Agency Goes Vertical: The Vertical Buzz S2E1
Episode 13
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Duration 01:14:02
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
Chapters
00:00 Season Two Begins
00:47 Vertical Revolution
01:48 Industry Gets Real
02:57 Meet Tina Aris
04:57 First Vertical Wakeup
06:57 Views Money Proof
08:59 From Wild West
21:18 Casting Looks Talent
26:04 Sponsor Break
27:05 Why Vertical Wins
37:32 Rapid Fire Takes
38:34 Must Watch Vertical Apps
39:50 No Assholes Policy
40:59 AI Threats Ahead
42:36 Deepfakes And New Law
45:09 Future Of Vertical Economics
51:00 Tina Agent Origin Story
52:51 Aris Entertainment Expansion
56:03 Boundaries Intimacy Negotiations
01:01:51 Day In The Life Wrap Up
The Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards | The Vertical Buzz Season 1 Finale: Episode 12
Season 1 · Episode 12
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 01:40:40
Welcome to the Season 1 finale of The Vertical Buzz. This is a special edition episode and a full preview of the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards happening this Thursday in Los Angeles. Vertical is moving fast, but the biggest story is even bigger: fans are not just watching anymore. Fans are shaping what wins, what gets made, and what becomes the next breakout.
Buzz Leer is joined in studio by Sam Silliman and Amy Sullivan Riley, with Jen Cooper joining remotely from the UK. Jen is the founder of Vertical Drama Love and the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, and this episode is your inside look at how the awards work, what makes a winner, and why this community has grown into a sold out live Hollywood theatre event with a global live stream.
Then the panel breaks down the top nominees in the Vertical of the Year category, reacts to nominee clips, talks genre trends, and debates what is actually pushing the medium forward right now. If you love vertical dramas, this is the episode to watch before the big night.
Welcome to the Season 1 finale of The Vertical Buzz. This is a special edition episode and a full preview of the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards happening this Thursday in Los Angeles. Vertical is moving fast, but the biggest story is even bigger: fans are not just watching anymore. Fans are shaping what wins, what gets made, and what becomes the next breakout.
Buzz Leer is joined in studio by Sam Silliman and Amy Sullivan Riley, with Jen Cooper joining remotely from the UK. Jen is the founder of Vertical Drama Love and the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, and this episode is your inside look at how the awards work, what makes a winner, and why this community has grown into a sold out live Hollywood theatre event with a global live stream.
Then the panel breaks down the top nominees in the Vertical of the Year category, reacts to nominee clips, talks genre trends, and debates what is actually pushing the medium forward right now. If you love vertical dramas, this is the episode to watch before the big night.
In this episode, you will learn:
• How the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards works and how the winners are chosen
• What separates a nominee from a winner and why global voting matters
• What makes a vertical feel like a true Vertical of the Year contender in 2026
• Why vertical is evolving so fast and how audience behavior drives what gets made
• Reactions and debate on the top Vertical of the Year nominees across multiple platforms
• How the Fan Awards grew from an online fan project into a live event in Los Angeles
• Where vertical entertainment is headed next and what fans are demanding more of
Rick Shepherd | Pushing Vertical Boundaries: The Vertical Buzz Episode 11
Season 1 · Episode 11
Thursday, April 16, 2026 • Duration 01:07:12
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
Chapters
0:00 Intro & Welcome
3:27 Rick Shepherd Bio
8:35 Early Life & Performance Roots
11:20 COVID, Indie Films & Moving to LA
13:55 Entering Vertical Filmmaking
21:26 Dead Signal: The Horror Series
25:24 Vertical vs Horizontal Storytelling
31:23 The Future of Vertical Entertainment
42:31 Rapid Fire & Cleveland Chat
47:53 Opportunities for Indie Filmmakers
55:13 Dream Vertical Project
58:21 The Fight for the Vertical Ecosystem
Emma Reinagel | Vertical Acting in 9:16: The Vertical Buzz Episode 10
Episode 10
Thursday, April 9, 2026 • Duration 01:04:40
This week, Buzz is joined by Emma Reinagel, one of the most highly sought-after rising stars in the vertical entertainment world. Emma and Buzz break down what it really takes to act in 9:16, why the format is exploding, and how the next generation of actors is using verticals as a fast-track training ground.
They also talk about their feature film The Abduction of Sal Bedford, a found footage documentary-style sci-fi horror that won Best Sci-Fi Feature at the LA Independent Film Festival, plus what a typical vertical day looks like when you are moving nonstop for 12 hours and the script is still evolving. Emma shares practical advice for actors who want to break in, how she builds character playlists, and why vertical performance is intentionally bigger while still needing truth and nuance. The episode closes with fan connections, social media growth, and where vertical entertainment might be headed as AI ramps up.
In this episode, you will learn:
• What made The Abduction of Sal Bedford such a unique acting challenge and why the table read mattered
• Emma’s journey from St. Louis to LA and how she booked her first LA project fast
• What Emma’s first vertical experience was like and why early scripts could be messy
• Acting in verticals vs traditional film, including size, speed, and client notes on set
• What a typical day on a vertical set looks like when you are in every scene
• Rapid fire Q and A, including character playlists and what makes someone stop scrolling
• How fans connect and how Emma’s social media has grown in the last few months
• Where vertical entertainment could go next, including AI, quality shifts, and safer sets
• Advice for young actors on how to start, what to submit, and how to be a great teammate on set
Chapters
0:00 Intro
3:42 The Abduction of Sal Bedford
8:25 Emma’s Journey from St. Louis to L.A.
13:55 First Vertical Film Experience
19:45 Acting in Verticals vs Traditional Film
27:07 A Typical Day on a Vertical Set
38:29 Rapid Fire Q&A
44:36 Fan Connections & Social Media
46:50 The Future of Vertical Entertainment
56:55 Advice for Young Actors
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
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz
01:23 Meet Paul Ruddy
03:42 Vertical Growth Talk
04:31 VertiCast Sponsor Intro
06:00 Agency Roots and Leap
13:18 Cake Trivia to Casting
15:41 Speed and Craft at Scale
18:23 Emmy Win Story
23:29 Pandemic Changed Casting
31:46 Finding Verticals and Stars
37:06 Vertical Goes Legit
38:36 Soap Opera Evolution
40:07 Audition Process Today
40:29 Hook Them Fast
43:12 Casting Volume Reality
44:08 Finding Actors Properly
46:10 Agents Embrace Verticals
51:08 Rapid Fire Casting
01:00:54 Fan Questions Deep Dive
01:10:34 Wrap Up And Where To Find
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
Rapid Fire Sponsor: VertiCast
VertiCast is a casting app built for the speed of vertical storytelling. Actors can create profiles, upload clips, showcase social links, and make it easier for casting directors and producers to discover them quickly.
Website: VertiCastApp.com
Instagram: @verticastapp
Guest: Paul Ruddy
Paul Ruddy is an Emmy Award-winning casting director currently serving as a casting director at DramaBox. With more than 250 film, television, digital, and vertical projects to his credit, Paul’s work spans Netflix, Disney, Hallmark, Lifetime, Fox, Paramount Plus, Peacock, ReelShort, Pocket FM, and DramaBox. He began his career at leading talent agencies including Abrams Artists and The Gersh Agency before moving into casting across film, television, theater, and new media. Paul received a 2020 Emmy Award for his work on the Netflix series EastSiders and has become one of the key casting voices helping define the vertical drama space.
Instagram: @paulruddycasting
Host: Buzz Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
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: Eric Guilmette
Eric Guilmette is an LA-based actor, producer, poet, and one of the most recognizable faces in vertical dramas. He has starred in close to 50 vertical films across major platforms, including You Belong to Me, Chosen by Fate, Campus Rivals, and Love and Blood, which he also created and produced. Before verticals, Eric built a major presence in the romance world as a model on more than 200 romance novel covers. He is also the author of the poetry book Sex and Oatmeal and a co-founder of The Ink Collective, a poetry and contemporary art event platform. Eric won the 2024 Vertical Legend and Best Actor awards at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards and received the Sapphire Vision Award in 2025.
Instagram: @erictaylorguilmette
Host: Buzz Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.
Instagram: @buzz_leer
Produced at Glendale Podcast Studio
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song
Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley, The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media
Robb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
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: Royce Lundquist
Royce Lundquist is an LA-based actor, filmmaker, musician, and entrepreneur whose creative roots began in childhood as part of a Navy family living in cities around the country and abroad. He trained at the Orange County School of the Arts, studied in New York at Pace University, and earned his BA in Theater Arts from Loyola Marymount University. As an actor, Royce has appeared in award-winning films including 34902, Love’s Perfect Song, Wanted, and Queen of the Court, the project that introduced him to the vertical format. He is also the co-founder of Monkey Boy Films, where he directs and produces across film, music, commercial work, and cinematic real estate storytelling.
Instagram: @royce_lundquist
Host: Buzz Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media
Robb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
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: D'Arcy Smith
D'Arcy Smith is the Director of the Digital Performance Lab at the University of Cincinnati and a professor of acting and voice working at the cutting edge of actor training, motion capture, animation, and digital performance. With more than 20 years of experience as an international voice director and coach, he is also the creator of Vocal Combat Technique, a groundbreaking method used in programs around the world. D'Arcy lives at the intersection of art, technology, and the future of performance, and is helping bring vertical storytelling into academic training.
Instagram: @darcysmithdirectlr
Host: Buzz Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song
Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley, The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media
Robb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
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: Felix Merback
Felix Merback is an LA-based actor and producer and one of the biggest breakout names in vertical storytelling today. He has become a go-to leading man in micro dramas, with viral projects including Game of Choice and Billionaire Daddy. Felix got to Los Angeles in 2021, booked his first vertical in 2023, and has built a full-time career in the space while continuing to work in traditional film and television. He is also a co-founder of FMA Productions, a new production company focused on expanding what vertical storytelling can be, with projects designed to bridge vertical audiences with more elevated filmmaking.
Instagram: @Felix_Merback
Host: Buzz Leer
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
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 Contogenis
Tina 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 Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Fan Awards
01:32 Meet the Panel
02:11 Amy Sullivan Riley Spotlight
03:36 Sam Silliman Spotlight
05:01 Jen Cooper Spotlight
06:37 How the Awards Work
08:54 What Makes a Winner
20:07 Sponsor Break
21:13 Nominee Clips Begin
44:56 Halfway Front Runners
49:25 Rom-Com Nostalgia
50:42 Pizza Guys Meet Vampires
52:33 Camp Horror in Vertical
54:54 Queen of the Court
58:04 Sponsor Break Aero AC150
58:44 Queen Never Cry Again
01:02:50 Taming My Bullies
01:07:07 Water Boy BL Hit
01:12:50 Picking the Overall Winner
01:17:33 Fan Awards Origin Story
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: Sam Silliman (@samanthaalex)
Sam Silliman is an award-winning executive producer and showrunner known for crafting high quality digital and narrative content for major platforms including Vice, Hulu, Starz, Netflix, and HBO. Since entering the vertical space in 2023, her projects have generated hundreds of millions of views. She is known for thoughtful leadership, strong collaborations, and prioritizing an exceptional on-set experience.
Guest: Amy Sullivan Riley (@amsullz)
Amy Sullivan Riley began in traditional film and television before becoming an early adopter in the vertical drama space in the United States. She is currently the Head of US Content for Flare Flow and has served as head writer and executive producer on more than 15 micro dramas. Her recent hit Oops, I Married My Bestie’s Brother reached a record 220 million views in 10 days.
Guest: Jen Cooper (@verticaldramalove)
Jen Cooper is the founder of Vertical Drama Love and a globally recognized voice in vertical and micro dramas. Through reviews, commentary, and fan driven initiatives like the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, she has helped connect fans, creators, and industry professionals worldwide. The awards drew tens of thousands of votes across more than 100 countries and are bringing the community together in Los Angeles for a live celebration.
Host: Buzz Leer
Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space.
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media: Rob Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
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 Shepherd
Rick 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 Leer
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
The Vertical Buzz Theme Song
Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Thank you
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
Host, Buzz Leer
Guest: Emma Reinagel
Emma Reinagel is a Los Angeles based actor and producer originally from St. Louis, Missouri. After earning her BFA in Acting from Missouri State University, she moved to LA and quickly began working across film and television. She has starred in 10+ feature films and 20+ vertical series, and she is also producing new projects with a focus on empowered female leads, diverse casts, and safe, positive sets for cast and crew.
Instagram: @emmareinagel
Host: Buzz Leer
Instagram: @buzz_leer
A Glendale Podcast Studio Production
Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan
Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio
Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano
Instagram: @anakarinacano
Theme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley
"The Vertical Buzz Theme Song"
Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer
Leer Communications, Inc.
Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.
-Host, Buzz Leer