Happy Sunday, Creative Army!

Let’s kick things off with a huge shoutout to everyone who has already jumped into this month’s Introduce Yourself Weekend. Thousands of creatives from around the world are connecting, sharing their stories, and building relationships that can lead to collaborations, opportunities, and lifelong friendships.

If you haven’t made your introduction yet, you still have time. Head over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge before the weekend wraps. Be bold. Introduce yourself. Your next great opportunity could be just one connection away. Now, let’s grab that coffee and dive in…

This week’s featured video comes from In Depth Cine- Cinematography Style: Dan Laustsen

Laustsen’s cinematography doesn’t just present images; it creates atmosphere. His work feels immersive, intentional, and emotionally charged. Whether collaborating with visionary directors like Guillermo del Toro or Chad Stahelski, he consistently crafts worlds that feel heightened, operatic, and bold. What stands out immediately is his expressive use of color. Steel blue. Deep amber. Vivid reds. Rich greens. Laustsen often builds scenes around complementary color theory, particularly the powerful contrast between blue and orange. He washes environments in cool steel blue tones, then punctuates them with warm practicals, candles, lamps, sunlight beams, that carve dimension and emotional contrast into the frame. The result is not just visually striking. It guides the eye, shapes depth, and reinforces character psychology.

He pairs this painterly lighting approach with wide focal lengths, typically 24mm to 27mm lenses, allowing us to experience more of the environment. Rather than isolating characters in tight close-ups, he pulls us into the space. The camera glides, floats, tracks, observes. It often feels omniscient, as if we are being guided through the world rather than shown fragments of it.

Laustsen reminds us that the tools serve the story, but when used boldly, they elevate it beyond the literal.

Speaking of evolving visual languages, let’s talk about something many of you have been asking about: vertical filmmaking and micro-dramas.

Is this a passing trend? Or is it here to stay? I believe we are in a gold rush moment. There’s a lot of energy, a lot of capital, and a lot of content being produced quickly and inexpensively. But I don’t see this as another Quibi situation. Quibi was spending heavily on top-tier talent. This movement is the opposite. It’s lean. It’s fast. It’s scrappy.

The good news? It’s putting people to work. Many creatives who have struggled over the past few years are getting back on set. They’re gaining experience. They’re staying sharp. Even if the pay isn’t massive, the gears are turning again. That matters.

Now, will it consolidate? Every technology boom does. AI is a perfect example. In the early stages, everyone rushes in. Eventually, the companies with the deepest pockets rise to the top. There will likely be a handful of dominant vertical platforms that become the “A24 of vertical,” so to speak. Then there will be niche players and independents carving out specific lanes.

But here’s the practical takeaway for you. Right now, there is opportunity. These projects are being born quickly. They are not always demanding pristine three-act perfection or high-concept packaging. If you’re a writer, it’s not a bad idea to have a few vertical projects in your back pocket. That doesn’t mean you abandon long-form storytelling. It means you stay adaptable. Gold rushes reward early movers. Consolidation rewards the prepared. The key is understanding where you fit in the cycle.

Are you experimenting with vertical storytelling, or are you focusing on traditional long-form projects right now? And do you see vertical as a stepping stone, a parallel lane, or a distraction? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

As always, here at Stage 32, we love sharing stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them. You can keep up with all of our videos by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube Channel. For more inspirational, educational, and motivational content on all things entertainment industry, follow me on Instagram and X @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

In Depth Cine | Cinematography Style: Dan Laustsen

RBWalksIntoABar | Vertical Content: Here to Stay or Spur of the Moment?

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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