What does it take to direct a feature film's worth of pages in a single day?

Thalia Kent-Egan would know. As one of London's earliest directors in the vertical drama space, she's been shooting at breakneck speeds since the format began booming in the city — where productions have tripled since January.

In this episode, Thalia takes us inside the chaotic, bonding, sometimes brutal world of vertical production. We talk about the technical adjustments — why mid-shots beat close-ups, how data shapes every creative decision, and the craft of shooting two cameras with no time for second takes. She also speaks candidly about the harder realities: industry instability, the sexism in director hiring, and how she protects her own creative voice while taking on client work that doesn't always reflect it.

As an intimacy coordinator turned director, Thalia brings a rare dual perspective — one focused as much on actor care as on craft. She shares why building lasting relationships with cast and crew matters even more in a format this fast, and how she stays grounded inside an industry that runs on adrenaline.

Plus: her own short films in development, a moment with Eve Ensler (V), and where she hopes vertical storytelling goes next.

Connect with Thalia Kent-Egan
Website: thaliakentegan.com
Instagram: @thaliakentegan

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