Why Vertical Film Is Changing Hollywood | Danny Farber

Vertical filmmaking is changing Hollywood faster than most creators realize. In this episode of Drinking During Business Hours, director, actor, writer, and producer Danny Farber joins Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler for a sharp, funny, behind-the-scenes conversation about vertical storytelling, platform strategy, acting, directing, producing, and what it takes to build a creative career in today’s entertainment industry. Danny shares what he’s learned directing more than twenty feature-length vertical dramas for platforms like ReelShort, Dramabox, GoodShort, Dramapops, and KalosTV — and why success in vertical content requires more than traditional filmmaking craft. This episode dives into pacing, audience behavior, mobile-first storytelling, authenticity on set, international production, and the constant balance between art and commerce. If you’re a filmmaker, actor, producer, writer, content creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to understand where the industry is headed, this episode is packed with real insight on the future of storytelling. Drink of the Podcast (NOT SPONSORED) 2022 Shafer TD-9 Napa Cabernet + La Fiorita Brunello About Danny Farber Danny Farber is a Chicago-born director, actor, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. His work spans vertical dramas, music videos, commercials, branded content, and narrative film, with projects generating tens of millions of views across social platforms. Since 2023, he has directed more than twenty feature-length vertical dramas across productions in Los Angeles, Istanbul, London, and Vancouver. He also wrote, directed, and starred in the award-winning short film Thoughts and Prayers, executive produced by Amy Poehler. Guest Links Danny Farber Instagram:   / sirdannyfarber   Website: https://www.sirdannyfarber.com/ Pretty Awesome Productions: https://www.sirdannyfarber.com/shop Thoughts and Prayers:   / c8uo4eopz5v   FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalste... FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic   / sarahjhalsteadcomic   X @sarahjhalstead   / sarahjhalstead   Website https://sarahjhalstead.com/ Rich IG @richchassler   / richchassler   FB @chasslerfans   / chasslerfans   X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler Website https://richardchassler.com/ 📧 [email protected] 🎧 Please rate & review the podcast on your favorite platform — it helps more than you know! Chapters 00:00 Welcome back and intro 02:45 The business of show business 05:37 Meet Danny Farber 08:32 Why creators must respect the platform 11:12 The art of vertical storytelling 14:02 The real challenges of production 16:48 Authenticity in performance 19:13 Balancing art and commerce 22:32 International productions and global filmmaking 27:25 Building relationships in the industry 32:08 How directing and storytelling are evolving 37:43 Understanding the vertical format 47:07 Leadership, collaboration, and communication on set If you enjoyed this episode, like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a filmmaker, actor, producer, or creative friend trying to stay ahead of where the industry is going. #DannyFarber #VerticalFilmmaking #FilmmakingPodcast