The Vertical Buzz

The Vertical Buzz is a podcast all about the world of vertical entertainment -- this includes vertical film, vertical series, vertical advertising, and vertical apps.

The Vertical Buzz is a tv podcast hosted by verticalbuzzdistro, with 30 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

verticalbuzzdistro hosts The Vertical Buzz, a tv show with 30 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #4

  Richard Cambridge | AI, Gran Turismo, & The Future of Film: The Vertical Buzz S3E4

  Aug 20, 20261h 21mS3

  Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with British actor, producer, entrepreneur, and technology innovator Richard Cambridge. Richard has spent more than 25 years working across acting, film, television, and entertainment technology, with credits including Gran Turismo, Hollyoaks, The IT Crowd, and Disney's Suspect: The Shooting of John Charles de Menendez. He's also the co-founder of WeAudition and VertiCast, two platforms built around creating opportunity and connecting actors with the people making entertainment. Richard's career sits at the intersection of performance and technology, making him uniquely positioned to talk about where entertainment is headed. He and Buzz dig into the explosive growth of vertical storytelling, how VertiCast came to be, and why Richard believes creator-led content is becoming one of the biggest forces in entertainment. ️ Richard also shares some incredible stories from Gran Turismo, including the intense training required to perform real pit stops, what it was like shooting in Dubai, and how his background fixing cars helped prepare him for the role. The conversation gets deep on AI, too. Richard believes AI should be viewed as a tool rather than something artists should fear, while keeping human connection at the center of storytelling. They also discuss wearables, the creator economy, paywalls, cliffhangers, and what the future of filmmaking could look like. And because this is The Vertical Buzz, there's plenty of talk about actors, opportunity, mental health, and why Richard believes people shouldn't wait to start creating. In this episode, you will learn: • How curiosity shaped Richard's career in acting and technology • How WeAudition evolved into VertiCast • What Richard saw happening in vertical entertainment before many others • What it took to perform real pit stops for Gran Turismo • How his experience fixing cars unexpectedly helped his acting career • Why Richard believes AI and human performance can coexist • Where creator-led entertainment is headed • How wearables could change the way we consume content • Why paywalls and cliffhangers are so important to vertical storytelling • Why Richard believes everyone should start creating now ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Creative Life Mission 01:11 Show Intro and Guest Reveal 02:51 Bio and Sponsors Roll 04:51 Curiosity and WeAudition Origins 08:22 VertiCast and Vertical Boom 11:08 Acting Roots and Many Hats 20:30 Gran Turismo Set Scale 27:57 Pit Stop Training Chaos 28:27 Snow to Dubai Heat 29:38 Real Life Tire Change 30:11 Hollyoaks Soap Grind 34:16 Cameras and Vertical Workflow 35:48 Cars and Early Fixing Days 38:12 AI vs Human Performance 52:46 Sports and Startup Speed 53:38 AI Future of Filmmaking 55:19 Life Outside Entertainment 57:32 Paywalls and Cliffhangers 01:01:03 Verticast and Partnerships 01:07:24 Wearables and Creator Economy 01:12:08 Legacy Favorites and Farewell ️ 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 Swipe. Cast. Create. VertiCast helps actors, producers, casting professionals, and creators connect in the fast-moving world of vertical entertainment. Instagram: @verticastapp Guest: Richard Cambridge Richard Cambridge is a British actor, producer, and technology entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience across film, television, and entertainment technology. His acting credits include Gran Turismo, Hollyoaks, The IT Crowd, and Disney's Suspect: The Shooting of John Charles de Menendez. He is also co-founder of WeAudition and VertiCast, platforms designed to create opportunity and connections for actors and entertainment professionals. Instagram: @richcambridge ️ Host: Buzz Leer Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley Public Relations Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. ❤️ Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

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  Episode #3

  Jackson Tiller | Why Everyone Wants This Leading Man: The Vertical Buzz S3E3

  Aug 13, 20261h 14mS3

  ️ This Week on The Vertical Buzz Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with one of the breakout stars of vertical entertainment, Jackson Tiller. Jackson's journey to Hollywood was anything but conventional. Growing up in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, he initially pursued nursing before making the leap into acting and eventually heading west to Los Angeles. After years of grinding in LA, one unexpected opportunity in 2023 changed the trajectory of his career and introduced him to vertical storytelling. Today, Jackson is known for starring in hit verticals including The Diamond Rose, 30 Days of Love, Dracula's Kiss, and From Contract Lover to the Billionaire Bride. He talks openly about the realities of becoming a leading man in this rapidly evolving industry, from the intense pace of vertical production to the passionate fans who have embraced the format. Buzz and Jackson also get into one of the biggest issues facing actors right now: AI. They discuss the opportunities and threats AI presents, the possibility of digital replicas, and why Jackson believes real actors and AI can ultimately occupy their own lanes. The conversation also gets personal, with stories about Jackson's childhood, sports injuries, his transition from nursing to acting, dream roles, doing his own stunts, North Carolina pride, and the roles he would absolutely refuse to play. And yes... we settle the North Carolina barbecue debate. ️ In this episode, you will learn: • How Jackson went from nursing student to full-time actor • Why one opportunity changed his Hollywood career • How he discovered vertical storytelling in 2023 • What it takes to become a leading man in vertical entertainment • How vertical acting differs from traditional film and television • Jackson's thoughts on AI and the future of acting • Why he believes AI and live-action entertainment can coexist • What actors should know before entering the vertical industry • The dream roles Jackson hopes to play someday • Why he refuses certain roles on principle • And, of course, where Jackson stands on North Carolina barbecue ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Coin Flip to LA 00:16 First Set Reality Check 00:43 AI and Vertical Advice 01:16 Show Intro and Guest Bio 02:40 From Nursing to Acting 05:24 Asheville Roots and Family 09:02 Sports Injuries and Mindset 11:54 Sponsor Break and Casting App 12:54 Theater Class to Hollywood Leap 17:27 LA Hustle to Vertical Breakthrough 39:04 Vertical Scripts Level Up 40:02 AI Pros and Job Fears 40:53 Dream Roles and Stunts 42:24 Advice for Newcomers 43:35 Rapid Fire and Verticast 48:42 North Carolina Roots 50:40 Embarrassing Stage Moment 54:36 Teddy Bear Persona Reveal 01:02:38 Creative Freedom on Set 01:07:35 AI Replicas 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 plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co ⚡ Rapid Fire Sponsor: VertiCast Swipe. Cast. Create. VertiCast is built for the fast-moving world of vertical entertainment, helping actors, directors, and casting professionals connect. Instagram: @verticastapp Guest: Jackson Tiller Jackson Tiller is one of the breakout stars of global vertical entertainment. Originally from North Carolina, Jackson took an unconventional path to Hollywood, beginning his college career in nursing before pursuing acting. After moving to Los Angeles and discovering vertical storytelling in 2023, he quickly established himself as one of the industry's recognizable leading men. His credits include The Diamond Rose, 30 Days of Love, Dracula's Kiss, and From Contract Lover to the Billionaire Bride. Known for his authenticity, emotional depth, and screen presence, Jackson is helping define the next generation of mobile-first entertainment. Instagram: @jacksontiller__ ️ Host: Buzz Leer Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley Public Relations Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. ❤️ Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

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  Episode #2

  Scott Brown | What MrBeast Taught Me About Storytelling: The Vertical Buzz S3E2

  Aug 6, 20261h 21mS3

  ️ Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer welcomes Emmy-nominated director, writer, and producer Scott Brown, founder and CEO of Second Rodeo Productions. With more than 1 billion organic views across projects featuring MrBeast, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Larry King, and major global brands, Scott brings a unique perspective on where digital storytelling and vertical entertainment are headed next. Fresh off speaking at Cannes Lions, Scott explains why verticals are just one part of a much larger scripted digital revolution. He shares lessons from Hollywood, the creator economy, and premium digital content while discussing why attention, retention, and authentic storytelling matter more than ever. Buzz and Scott also dive into directing for phone screens , the legacy of Quibi, MrBeast's storytelling philosophy, common mistakes creators make, and why the next generation of entertainment won't fit neatly into one format. If you want to understand where Hollywood, creators, and vertical storytelling are all headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In this episode, you will learn: • Why Scott believes scripted digital content is entering a massive new era • How Cannes Lions is beginning to embrace vertical storytelling • What working with MrBeast, Dwayne Johnson, and Larry King taught him • The traits shared by the world's most successful creators • Why verticals succeed by focusing on story before stars • How to direct specifically for mobile audiences • The biggest mistakes new vertical creators make • What Quibi got right before its time • Why retention is the new currency of entertainment • Where Scott believes the industry is headed next ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Digital Scripted Gap 01:06 Show Intro and Guest 02:33 Bio and Sponsors 04:37 Cannes and Creators 07:02 Luck and Microdramas 09:44 Laguna to Film School 14:55 Defining Success 17:10 Top Creator Traits 20:10 Larry King Stories 23:17 Why Vertical Wins 39:36 Verticals As Real Movies 40:55 Directing For Phone Screens 42:28 Hook Fast Retain Viewers 45:00 Quibi Lessons Legacy Vs Digital 47:07 MrBeast Energy Curve Endings 49:20 Common Vertical Mistakes 50:39 Rapid Fire And Verticast Plug 55:59 Shabu Shabu Deep Dive 01:06:14 Directing Prep And Intentions 01:13:16 Future Opportunities And Farewell ️ 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 The casting app built for the speed of vertical storytelling. Instagram: @verticastapp Guest: Scott Brown Scott Brown is an Emmy-nominated director, writer, creative producer, and founder of Second Rodeo Productions. His work has generated more than 1 billion organic views through working with MrBeast, Dwayne Johnson, Larry King, Under Armour, Ford, Gatorade, Roku, BET, and many others. Scott has become one of the leading voices connecting Hollywood filmmaking, the creator economy, and premium vertical storytelling. Instagram: @scottbrowndirects ️ Host: Buzz Leer Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley Public Relations Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. ❤️ Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

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  Episode #1

  Brooke Moltrum | How Verticals Changed My Life: The Vertical Buzz S3E1

  Jul 30, 20261h 25mS3

  Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. Season 3 begins with one of the brightest stars in vertical entertainment, Brooke Moltrum. Host Buzz Leer sits down with the award-winning actress to talk about her journey from the small town of Camas, Washington, to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in vertical storytelling. Brooke shares how competing at the Jimmy Awards helped launch her career, why theater shaped her as an actress, and how vertical films gave her the confidence to rediscover her love for acting. She also opens up about blocking for the vertical frame, balancing emotional performances, advocating for herself on set, and why the format has become a legitimate new path for actors. Buzz and Brooke also discuss dream roles, musicals, AI, Wes Anderson, Verticon, Broadway, Hollywood, success, producing, and the incredible community that's forming around vertical entertainment. In this episode, you will learn: • How Brooke went from small-town Washington to starring in more than 40 vertical productions • What competing at the Jimmy Awards taught her about performance • Why theater continues to influence her acting style • How vertical filmmaking restored her confidence as an actress • The biggest differences between acting for vertical and traditional film • Why blocking and framing are unique in vertical storytelling • How Brooke approaches emotionally demanding scenes • Why actors should advocate for themselves on set • How AI may impact the future of entertainment • What success means to Brooke beyond awards and recognition Chapters 00:00 Falling for Acting 06:04 Camas Roots and Early Training 08:54 Volleyball vs Theater Choice 12:48 Brigadoon to Jimmy Awards 16:37 Broadway Trip and Webber Bump 20:02 College Transfer and LA Move 25:15 First Vertical Breakthrough 28:59 First Vertical Film Lessons 30:32 Mastering Vertical Blocking 31:46 Vertical vs Horizontal Freedom 32:54 Role That Restored Confidence 37:35 Dream Roles and Musicals 39:08 AI and the Future of Verticals 49:46 Rapid Fire and Hometown Stories 55:53 Wes Anderson Favorites 56:14 Fan Love Moments 57:54 Broadway Hollywood Verticals 59:39 Success Home Advice 01:02:53 Turning Down Roles Boundaries 01:08:33 Producing Directing Next 01:14:51 Origins Favorites Farewell 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, share availability, and make it easier for casting directors and producers to find them quickly. Instagram: @verticastapp Guest: Brooke MoltrumBrooke Moltrum is an award-winning actress based in Los Angeles whose career spans theater, film, and vertical entertainment. Originally from Camas, Washington, she competed at the prestigious Jimmy Awards before launching her professional acting career. Today, Brooke has starred in more than 40 vertical productions, earned Best Actress honors at the 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival, and received the 2026 Best On-Screen Couple award alongside Nick Ritacco for Love Always Finds Its Way. Known for her emotional authenticity and versatility, she continues to be one of the most recognizable performers in the vertical space. Instagram: @brookemoltrum 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

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  Episode #15

  Chris Nguyen Campbell | How Great Vertical Films Are Made: The Vertical Buzz S2E13

  Jul 23, 20261h 22m

  Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with acclaimed director Chris Nguyen Campbell, one of the filmmakers helping redefine what premium vertical storytelling can be. Chris shares his journey from theater and film school to directing for Brat TV before becoming one of the industry's most respected voices in vertical entertainment. He opens up about overcoming bullying, discovering filmmaking, navigating the early "Wild West" days of verticals, and why he believes these stories deserve the same care and cinematic craftsmanship as traditional film and television. Buzz and Chris dive into directing actors, balancing client notes with creative vision, building tension on tight schedules, working with stunts, and why Hollywood is finally beginning to recognize the legitimacy of vertical storytelling. They also discuss production budgets, raising the creative bar, the collaborative spirit of the vertical community, and what the future holds for directors entering the space. In this episode, you will learn: • How Chris Nguyen Campbell found his way from theater to directing • Why the early days of vertical filmmaking felt like the Wild West • How Brat TV prepared him for the fast pace of vertical production • Why he believes vertical stories deserve cinematic quality • How directors balance client feedback while protecting the story • Techniques for creating suspense and emotional tension on tight schedules • Why practical directing matters more than big budgets • How stunt coordination and performance work together • Why Hollywood is beginning to embrace vertical entertainment • What advice Chris gives to the next generation of directors Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:34 Chris Philosophy on Vertical 02:59 Sponsor Shoutouts 03:51 Early Vertical Wild West 06:21 Theater Roots and Bullying 12:22 Film Spark and ArtCenter 23:09 Brat TV to Vertical Shift 28:05 Unexpected Vertical Gig 29:16 Pride Versus Verticals 30:09 Directing Vertical Basics 32:03 Clients Notes Politics 35:31 Hollywood Legitimacy Shift 41:21 Wild West Community Energy 44:17 Directing Process And Clips 56:41 Favorite Shoot Sets 57:21 Budget Versus Reality 58:01 Building Tension Tricks 58:59 Cast And Stunts 01:00:51 Directing Tradeoffs 01:02:07 Rapid Fire Round 01:09:37 Direction And 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, share availability, and make it easier for casting directors and producers to find them quickly. Instagram: @verticastapp Guest: Chris Nguyen Campbell Chris Nguyen Campbell is a Los Angeles based director known for bringing cinematic storytelling to the world of vertical entertainment. After studying film and design at ArtCenter College of Design and building his directing career with Brat TV, Chris became one of the industry's emerging creative voices, directing acclaimed vertical series while advocating for higher production values and stronger performances. His philosophy is simple: vertical stories deserve the same artistry and care as any other form of filmmaking. Instagram: @chriscampbellfilm 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

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