330 S La Brea Ave 330 South La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036 Break into vertical storytelling, get seen by casting directors, and learn how actors are building careers in the 9:16 creator economy 🎬 Vertical Video Acting Summit (April 17–18)The Vertical Video Acting Summit is the premier event for actors, filmmakers, and content creators ready to break into the fastest-growing format in entertainment: vertical video (9:16). Whether you're an aspiring actor, influencer, or digital storyteller, this hybrid (in-person + online) experience gives you direct access to the casting directors, agents, and production leaders shaping the vertical content industry. 🚀 What You’ll Learn - How to book roles in vertical series and short-form content - The storytelling techniques behind viral vertical videos - How actors are building sustainable careers in the creator economy - Insider strategies from casting directors, agents, and production executives - How to grow your audience and monetize your content 🌟 Event Highlights 🎤 Industry Panels Learn directly from top writers, directors, casting directors, talent agents, and production executives working in vertical content. 🎭 Live Acting Workshops (In-Person + Online) Hands-on training specifically designed for vertical performance and on-camera storytelling. 🎥 FREE Open Casting Call Get seen by leading vertical production companies and casting directors actively looking for new talent. 🥂 VIP Experience (Limited – Only 10 Spots) - Front-row seating at all panels - Exclusive after-party with speakers & industry insiders - Premium networking opportunities 👥 Who Should Attend - Actors (beginner to professional) - Filmmakers & directors - Content creators & influencers - Social media managers - Digital entrepreneurs 💡 Why This Event Matters Vertical storytelling is reshaping the entertainment industry across platforms like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. This summit gives you the tools, access, and connections to stay ahead and succeed. 🎟️ Secure Your Spot Join us April 17–18 in person or online and take your first step into the future of acting and content creation. ScheduleDAY 1: April 17 Panels + Afterparty 10:00 AM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 9:30 AM PT) 1. Verticals 101: From Myth to Reality What verticals really are, how they work, and how they differ from traditional formats. Chris Campbell (Director), Mal Young, Amy Sullivan Riley (Writer & EP - THIS IS US) - FlareFlow, Paul Ruddy Casting - PRC, Karla Mosley (Actress), Rion Ezra (Director) - Seraphim Studios Moderator: Zak Barnett - ZBS 11:00 AM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 10:30 AM PT) 2. From Scroll to Screen: How to Get Cast in Verticals Auditions, representation, casting challenges, and what decision-makers are actually looking for. Alex Amsellem (Casting Director) - Good Short, Erin Orcutt (Actor), Tonja René (Manager) - Established Artists, Tina Contogenis - Eris Talent, Irvin Gelb (Manager) - IGM Media, Harriette Feliz (Agent) Moderator: Cayman Cardiff (Actor) 12:30 PM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 12:00 PM PT) 3. Behind the Shoot: What to Expect on a Vertical Production Budgets, schedules, intimacy/stunts, and how vertical sets differ from traditional shoots. D. Candis Paule (Intimacy Coordinator), Zheyu Liang (Head of Production) - FlareFlow, Angela Liu (Producer) - FlareFlow, Maximillian Seed (Producer) - Seraphim Studios, Nick Ritacco (Actor), Brooke Moltrum (Actress) Moderator: Tina Contogenis - Eris Talent 2:30 PM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM PT) 4. The Business of Verticals: Apps, Budgets, and Where the Money Is How verticals are financed, distributed, and monetized — and what's changing fast. J. Thomas Mayfield (Producer & Head of Casting) - Snow Story Prod, Devon Brady (Casting Director, CSA Co-VP of Communications), Ken Zheng (Director) & Livi Zheng (Producer) - Sun & Moon Prod., Samantha Silliman (Producer) - FareFlow, JJ Michaels (Actor) Moderator: Buzz Leer (Actor/Podcast Host) 4:00 PM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 3:30 PM PT) 5. Representation, Contracts & Reality: Navigating Verticals as an Actor SAG contracts, agents, overseas work, and common misconceptions. Karla M. Rodriguez (Head of Talent Relations) - GoodShort, Michael Nunnery (Manager) - Two Tigers Management, Anthony Lien (Casting Director) - GoodShort, Sam Myerson (Actor), Jessica Johnson - SAG, Silas Wang (Head of Talent) - DramaBox Moderator: Paul Ruddy - PRC 5:30 PM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 5:00 PM PT) 6. Where We've Been — and Where We're Going: The Future of Verticals A forward-looking conversation on innovation, global expansion, and the next phase of the vertical landscape. Tyler Gallant (Prod. Executive) - Eris Entertainment, Sikandar Sidhu (Executive Producer) - DramaBox, Yijun Zhu (Showrunner) & Analisa LaBianco (Showrunner) - DramaWave, Dom Buggs - DramaWave, Tina Contogenis - Eris Entertainment Moderator: Robin Tang (Content & Growth Strategy) - FlareFlow 7:30 PM PT 🎉 VIP Experience Only accessible with a VIP Pass. Here's what's included: - ◆Access to all Day 1 panels - ◆Priority seating - ◆Exclusive VIP After-party with panelists DAY 2: April 18 Panels 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 9:00 AM PT) 🎓 Workshop A: Acting for Verticals: The 9:16 Foundation The Art of the Vertical Frame Master the nuances of 9:16 storytelling in this "Vertical 101" for new actors. Learn to make bold, fast choices that pop on mobile screens while exploring audition and on-set formats. Taught by ZBS Faculty with a 30-minute Q&A with Producer/Director team Maximillian Seed and Rion Ezra. 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM PT (DOORS OPEN AT 9:30 AM PT) 🎓 Workshop B: Acting for Verticals: Advanced Authenticity in an Elevated Format This 3.5-hour intensive helps seasoned actors balance grounded performances with high-energy vertical styling. Re-contextualize the medium and sharpen your technical 9:16 skills. Taught by ZBS Faculty with a 30-minute Q&A with Producer/Director team Maximillian Seed and Rion Ezra. 3:00 PM PT ONWARDS 🎬 Open Casting Call Your chance to be seen by the most prominent casting directors and production companies in the vertical space. Register now and show up ready to perform! FREE — In-Person & Online