Listen in as hosts Scott Simmons, Katie Hinsen, and Michael Kammes talk about the profound technological and economic evolution that film and television production is undergoing. Driven by the integration of AI tools, unified post-production software, and shifting distribution models, AI is functioning as an intelligent assistant within platforms like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Creative Cloud. These tools can automate mundane tasks and execute natural language commands, allowing creative professionals to focus on higher-level craft. But how is doing so better or further enabling direct-to-consumer digital launches?

At the same time, the rise of vertical micro-dramas represents a major creative and financial frontier. Unlike failed predecessors like Quibi, these fast-paced, high-retention productions feature specialized storytelling grammars, fast turnarounds, and modest budgets, catering heavily to non-traditional demographics such as older female soap-opera fans. Powered by accessible camera gear, streamlined editing, and AI-assisted visual effects, this format lowers entry barriers, empowering filmmakers and actors to transition into independent producers who own their intellectual property while developing an entirely new language for digital storytelling.

Two special guests, Kasey Esser and Vanessa von Schwarz, join the conversation to share their experiences with vertical micro dramas. And of course, there’s a handful of very cool things or us post-production people to get excited about.

One Cool Thing

Katie: I met a VFX editor named Corinne Pickett who lives on a boat. She showed me pics of her at home setup, where she does VFX editing and online editing, ON A BOAT. https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-pickett-56b1b820/

Michael: Alan Smithee on YouTube – Resolve Studio with scripting and workflow extensions

Scott: ‘The Odyssey’ Was Shot on Real Film. This Is the Only Place Left Making It. (NY Times gift article link: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/12/arts/kodak-film-the-odyssey.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ClE.Pc0N.RqlLsjWbAs6g&smid=url-share)