The Official Infrastructure of Vertical.
Founded in 2025, the Vertical Production Association of America is the industry body for vertical-format film and series production. It sets production standards, verifies talent credentials, operates the casting exchange and talent registry the format runs on, and represents the people who make it.
Two Portals.
One Ecosystem.
VCX and VTR are the operating engine of the association: a casting exchange and a verified talent registry built for the vertical format.
A casting platform connecting productions with verified talent. Breakdowns, structured submissions, a self-tape studio with a built-in scene partner, and contract tools, with performance-based pricing: productions pay nothing until talent is booked.
- Character builder and breakdown posting
- Self-tape studio with scene partner and sides
- Members: talent pays 1% on bookings, capped at $1,500 a year; productions pay $25 per booking, capped at $375 a month
- Verified talent matching through VTR
A production-verified record of the vertical workforce. Credits are confirmed by the producing company rather than self-reported, creating a credential that platforms, casting directors, and immigration counsel can rely on.
- Production-verified credits
- CVA, CVD, CVP, and CVS certification tracks
- Documentation support for O-1, P-1, and EB-1 petitions
- Free to register for VPAA members
Four Stakeholders.
One Standard.
For Vertical Platforms
Short-drama and vertical-first platforms need a reliable supply of format-trained talent and certified content. VPAA is designed as the institutional counterpart: a verified talent pool, a quality seal, and a single partner for standards and compliance.
Talent Discovery
Search VTR-verified talent by location, credential, credit history, and availability.
Content Licensing Desk
A planned channel for licensing finished, VPAA-certified vertical content directly from member productions.
VPAA Pulse
An industry data program in development: format trends, production volume, and talent activity.
For Producers
From independent creators to established studios, VPAA gives productions the infrastructure to compete: casting tools, standard agreements, certification, and a path to platform relationships.
VCX Casting
Post breakdowns, review verified submissions, run self-tapes, and book. Free until you book.
Contract Library
Standard talent, co-production, and licensing agreements for the vertical format, reviewed by entertainment counsel.
VPAA Seal Certification
The quality mark that signals a production meets association standards for crew, pay, and delivery.
For Talent
Actors, hosts, and performers building a career in vertical production. VTR gives you a verified credit record. VCX puts you in front of productions. The association only charges when you book.
VTR Verified Profile
Every credit confirmed by the production. A record that speaks for itself to casting and to immigration counsel.
VCX Representation
Submit to breakdowns and get booked. Members pay 1% on confirmed bookings, capped at $1,500 a year. Nothing until you book.
VPAA Academy
CVA certification, script lab, and platform-literacy courses. Curriculum in development.
For Collaborators
Directors, cinematographers, editors, colorists, composers, and every creative professional behind the lens. VPAA connects you to productions, certifies your work, and builds your standing in a format-first industry.
CVD Certification
Certified Vertical Director: the credential that tells platforms you understand the format.
Job Board
Production and crew roles posted by member companies. Opening with the first production cohort.
Co-Production Matching
Pairing directors and DPs with productions seeking vertical-format expertise.
Every Tool the
Industry Needs
Built in the open. Each program shows its current status so members know exactly what is live today and what is coming.
VCX Casting Exchange
Breakdowns, submissions, self-tape studio with scene partner, and booking.
Open VCX LiveVTR Talent Registry
Verified credits and certification tracks for the vertical workforce.
Open VTR Accepting requestsVisa Documentation
O-1, P-1, and EB-1 institutional support letters for international members.
RequestRate Guide
Reference rates for every role, format, and tier, so members know what fair pay looks like before they sign.
Contract Library
Standard talent, co-production, and licensing agreements for the vertical format.
Platform Specs
Delivery requirements for major vertical platforms: aspect ratios, frame rates, audio, captions.
Creator Fund
Development and production grants for member projects. No equity taken.
Legal Network
Entertainment attorneys with vertical-production experience, by state.
Member Benefits
Group health, production insurance, and wellness programs negotiated for the membership.
The Verticals
The association's annual awards recognizing excellence in vertical production. Inaugural ceremony and submission window to be announced.
Become a Founding Member
The first 100 founding members of each tier shape the standards, vote on bylaws, and are permanently recognized as builders of the vertical production economy.