SAG-AFTRA Embraces Vertical Content: What It Means for Emerging Actors and Models—and Why Alycia Kaback Says It’s a “Watershed Moment”

By VIP Ignite Blog Staff
Published: October 16, 2025

In a historic move that signals a profound shift in the entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA has officially acknowledged the rise of vertical content as a legitimate storytelling format. The performers’ union announced this week that a new “Verticals Agreement” will be rolled out by the end of the month—one specifically designed to support the booming wave of microdramas and short-form serialized content filmed in portrait mode for mobile-first platforms.

For those outside the industry, this may seem like a technical footnote. But for actors and models — especially those represented by VIP Ignite — this is more than a policy update.

“This is a watershed moment for talent,” says Alycia Kaback, co-founder of VIP Ignite Live and Truth Management. “It’s validation that your work on vertical platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox is legitimate, professional, and protected. And for many new actors and models, these platforms are the new front door to the industry.”

Let’s unpack what this new agreement means, how it changes the landscape for aspiring talent, and what Alycia Kaback says performers should be doing now to prepare for the next wave.

The Rise of the Vertical: From TikTok Trend to Union-Recognized Format

Vertical content—videos shot and edited in portrait mode to be viewed on smartphones—has exploded in recent years. From TikTok and Instagram Reels to dedicated storytelling platforms like DramaBox and ReelShort, audiences are consuming serialized stories in bite-sized increments like never before.

These stories often run 1 to 3 minutes per episode, are high-drama, high-emotion, and overwhelmingly dominated by romance and melodrama titles—such as Fake Dating My Rich Nemesis or Claimed by My Ex’s Alpha Brother (yes, those are real titles). While the budgets for these projects are modest (often under $300,000), their reach is massive.

And until now, performers working on these projects had little to no protection under standard SAG-AFTRA agreements.

“We’re talking about projects that get millions of views and launch real careers—but without union protections, talent were left vulnerable,” says Alycia Kaback. “This agreement changes that.”

What Is the SAG-AFTRA Verticals Agreement?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the new Verticals Agreement will:

• • Cover serialized mobile-first projects with budgets under $300,000.
  • Apply to short-form, portrait-mode content created specifically for platforms like ReelShort, DramaBox, and potentially TikTok-native scripted series.
  • Provide union-backed protections and compensation structures for talent working in this space.

While the full details are still forthcoming, this signals a radical acknowledgment from Hollywood’s most powerful union that the way we tell stories—and the way talent are discovered—is changing.

Why This Is a Big Deal for New Actors and Models

This is not just a policy shift. It’s a paradigm shift—especially for emerging talent without traditional Hollywood access.

Here’s why:

1. Verticals Are Where Discovery Happens Now

If you’re an actor or model waiting to get “discovered” through a big agency or primetime audition… you may already be behind the curve.

“Casting directors are now scrolling before they’re scheduling,” says Alycia Kaback. “They’re watching Reels. They’re watching TikToks. They’re seeing who’s trending on DramaBox. You don’t have to wait to be cast anymore—you can cast yourself in your own vertical series.”

2. Low Budgets, High Output = More Opportunities

Vertical content operates on tight budgets and fast turnarounds—which means more projects, more roles, and more chances for new talent to get on-screen experience.

This new agreement means union coverage now exists for what used to be the Wild West of indie content creation.

“Now, actors and models can step into these productions knowing they’re not just making content—they’re building careers under the protection of the union,” Alycia explains.

3. No More Waiting for the Gatekeepers

Verticals allow emerging talent to bypass traditional gatekeepers—because you can create, publish, and promote directly to your audience. And now, you can do it with SAG-AFTRA protection.

From Web Series to Vertical Hits: The Evolution of Indie Stardom

This is not the first time a digital format disrupted the industry.

• • In the early 2010s, web series like Broad City and High Maintenance made their creators into stars.
  • YouTube birthed household names and inked billion-dollar advertising deals.
  • TikTok and Instagram Reels made influencers out of everyday people.

Verticals are the next evolution of that disruption—but with a stronger emphasis on cinematic storytelling, genre fiction, and professional production standards.

“The next generation of stars aren’t waiting in line at casting calls,” Alycia Kaback says. “They’re acting in verticals. They’re creating content. They’re building audiences. And now, they’re doing it with contracts that respect their work.”

So… What Should Aspiring Talent Do Now?

Here’s what Alycia Kaback recommends actors and models do immediately to capitalize on this moment:

1. Create a Vertical Reel

If you don’t already have short, vertical video content that showcases your look, voice, and acting range — now’s the time.

• • • • • Use your smartphone to shoot high-quality self-tapes in portrait mode.
        • Recreate scenes from vertical dramas or short films.
        • Upload regularly to Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts.

“Your content is your portfolio,” Alycia says. “If a casting director Googles you, your vertical content should be front and center.”

2. Study the Format

Watch the top shows on ReelShort, DramaBox, and similar platforms. Understand the rhythm, pacing, and over-the-top emotional beats of these serialized microdramas.

“You don’t need to reinvent Shakespeare. You need to know how to cry on cue in 45 seconds,” she laughs.

3. Get Trained for Vertical-Specific Acting

Acting for vertical content is not the same as film or stage.

• • • • • You’re closer to the camera.
        • Emotional beats have to hit fast.
        • The energy is different.

Inside VIP Ignite’s Actors Lab, specialized trainings now include how to act, frame, and shoot for vertical casting.

“We’re already preparing our talent for this new format,” says Alycia. “Because this isn’t the future—it’s now.”

Where Does VIP Ignite Fit Into This?

At VIP Ignite, preparing actors and models for where the industry is going — not just where it’s been — has always been the mission.

With the launch of Pixieset, Cast-GPT, and Truth Mgmt’s agent-led submission portal, talent working with VIP Ignite already have a head start when it comes to navigating next-gen casting platforms.

Now, with SAG-AFTRA embracing verticals, VIP Ignite is expanding its training, networking, and submission strategies to include the vertical microdrama world.

“We’re not just watching the industry evolve — we’re building bridges so our talent can lead the way,” Alycia says.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Vertical. Are You Ready?

The old model of “wait for your big break” is officially over.

The new model?

🎬 Create your own break.
📱 Post it in portrait mode.
💼 Make sure you’re covered by a union that now sees you.

“This moment is proof that the work of young, hungry, content-driven talent is not just seen—it’s respected,” says Alycia Kaback. “Actors and models who embrace vertical content are the ones who will shape the next 10 years of entertainment. And we’re going to help them do it.”

If you’re a model or actor who’s serious about building a real career in entertainment—not just waiting for the right audition—there has never been a better time to get in the game.

And that game is going vertical.

About Alycia Kaback

Alycia Kaback is the co-founder of VIP Ignite, Truth Mgmt, and VisionCraft. She has dedicated her career to helping actors, models, and creatives break into the entertainment industry by connecting them directly with top agents, casting directors, and decision-makers. Under her leadership, VIP Ignite has helped thousands of new talent get seen, get signed, and get working.