The Jay & Tony Show Show - Vertically Challenged

Recording on location from a sweltering Northern California ranch, Jay and Tony take you behind the scenes of shooting fast-paced vertical microdramas. Pulling direct observations from a pocket notebook on set, they break down the real-world mechanics of producing 9x16 content: why framing for vertical requires completely rethinking insert shots and cutaways, the logistical headache of turning long summer daylight into night shoots, and how the tight margins force tough decisions around AI visual effects. From navigating ravenous background extras decimating craft services to the high art of casting the ultimate oversized "thug" to sell the story, this is a raw, funny, and practical look at what it actually takes to direct, shoot, and survive indie vertical production in the heat of the moment.

Instagram:  @vertically_challenged_pod_jtss
TikTok:  @vertically_challenged_jt
YouTube:  @vertically_challenged_pod_jtss
Reddit:  @vert_challenge_pod
Contact:  jay@jayandtonyshow.com
The Jay and Tony Show:  www.jayandtonyshow.com

Broadcasting straight from the rural trenches of Northern California in 100-degree heat, Jay and Tony give a raw, unfiltered look into the daily chaos of producing vertical micro-dramas. They dive deep into the unique production challenges, from wrestling with lighting to negotiating phone etiquette on set to the hilarious nightmare of extras raiding crew catering. They also explore whether generative AI can solve background shot challenges and share the unpredictable reality of last-minute "thug casting" when you need a convincing villain on the fly.
Instagram:  @vertically_challenged_pod_jtss
TikTok:  @vertically_challenged_jt
YouTube:  @vertically_challenged_pod_jtss
Reddit:  @vert_challenge_pod
Contact:  jay@jayandtonyshow.com
The Jay and Tony Show:  www.jayandtonyshow.com

Broadcasting straight from the rural trenches of Northern California in 100-degree heat, Jay and Tony give a raw, unfiltered look into the daily chaos of producing vertical micro-dramas. They dive deep into the unique production challenges, from wrestling with lighting to negotiating phone etiquette on set to the hilarious nightmare of extras raiding crew catering. They also explore whether generative AI can solve background shot challenges and share the unpredictable reality of last-minute "thug casting" when you need a convincing villain on the fly.

Jay, Tony, and Meagan Johnson continue their deep dive into the evolving vertical drama landscape. In Part 2, they discuss the power of community reviews, the clash between audience demands and app data, and the subtle cultural differences in storytelling tropes between Eastern and Western markets. The conversation turns to the rise of AI in short-form media—exploring everything from Uncanny Valley acting and AI script-writing to niche trends like cat verticals—and concludes with a look at what it takes to build real viewer retention in the digital age.
Instagram:  @vertically_challenged_pod_jtss
TikTok:  @vertically_challenged_jt
YouTube:  @vertically_challenged_pod_jtss
Reddit:  @vert_challenge_pod
Contact:  jay@jayandtonyshow.com
The Jay and Tony Show:  www.jayandtonyshow.com

Broadcasting straight from the rural trenches of Northern California in 100-degree heat, Jay and Tony give a raw, unfiltered look into the daily chaos of producing vertical micro-dramas. They dive deep into the unique production challenges, from wrestling with lighting to negotiating phone etiquette on set to the hilarious nightmare of extras raiding crew catering. They also explore whether generative AI can solve background shot challenges and share the unpredictable reality of last-minute "thug casting" when you need a convincing villain on the fly.