Beyond the Ad: Building Branded Vertical Series
Beyond the Ad: Building Branded Vertical Series
Brands are moving beyond traditional advertising to create vertical series audiences actually choose to watch. Featuring short selections from projects created for Crocs, Audible, and birddogs, this session explores what it takes to turn brand goals into compelling entertainment. From creative development and production to talent and audience, the conversation will unpack where brands fit into the process and how story can build lasting engagement beyond a single post.
Films in This Program
Sunday, October 18, 2026
1:30 PM · AMC 19th Street, Theater 2
Owen Gambill
Editor & DP · Jamin Studios LLC
Owen is a Brooklyn-based editor and cinematographer whose work spans from feature-length documentaries to digital content for Sidetalknyc. He recently edited a half-hour documentary with Everything is Stories on the infamous 1980s bank robber Shane Enholm, aka the "Ponytail Bandit."
Thomas Pallier
Director, Producer · Enzyme Films
Thomas Pallier is a director and producer bringing big-screen craft to the smallest screen. A Chapman University MFA graduate, he has become one of microdrama's leading voices, creating some of the biggest hits on CandyJar and DramaWave, generating millions in views and revenue. He is the founder of Enzyme Films, a Los Angeles production house. His work stands for cinematic storytelling, elevated production value, and authentic performances.
Grace Swanson
Head of Production and Development · SuperOrdinary (SuperLab)
Grace Swanson is the Head of Production and Development at SuperLab, SuperOrdinary's entertainment studio. Since joining the company a year and a half ago, she has built SuperLab from the ground up, leading the development and production of branded series and original programming. SuperLab’s series have generated over 300 million views across Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
Swanson is an actor and producer with four years of experience across traditional film & television, 40+ vertical series with every major platform, and digital content. Her experience both on camera and behind the scenes informs her approach to developing compelling stories and building series with long-term franchise potential.
Swanson studied economics, theatre, and business at Northwestern University. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in Los Angeles.
Photo credit: Ben Cope
