Casting the Vertical Screen: Finding the Next Generation of Stars
What makes a performer stand out on the vertical screen? This conversation explores how casting is evolving alongside the format, what qualities make talent particularly compelling in vertical storytelling, and how casting professionals and creators are identifying the next generation of stars built for the small screen.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
1:00 PM · AMC 19th Street, Theater 3
Paul Ruddy
Casting Director · DramaBox
Paul Ruddy is Head of Casting and Talent Relations at DramaBox and an Emmy-winning casting director with more than 250 film and television credits. A pioneer in vertical drama casting, he has worked with Netflix, Disney, Hallmark, Lifetime, and Peacock. His work bridges traditional and emerging entertainment platforms, drawing on long standing industry relationships and a track record of discovering and casting talent for audiences across formats.
Candace Mizga
Co-founder and VP of Production & Development at Chera TV. Actor. · Chera TV
Candace Mizga is an actor, producer, writer, and co-founder of Chera TV, where she serves as Vice President of Production & Development. A graduate of NYU Tisch, she has starred in more than 35 narrative productions and helps develop and produce Chera originals across multiple markets. Her recent project Ashton Heights won Best Thriller at the 2026 Vertical Shorts Festival. Mizga is also a co-founder of Muse Motel Studios.
Kylie Karson
Co-founder and Senior VP of Production · Chera TV
Kylie Karson is an actor, director, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. She is the co-founder of Chera TV, a vertical streaming platform dedicated to bold, female-driven storytelling and championing emerging voices in entertainment. Working across film, television, and digital media, Kylie is passionate about creating emotionally honest, visually distinctive stories and bringing a strong female perspective to her work both in front of and behind the camera.
Photo credit: Jackson Davis
Sal Paskowitz
Co-Founder/Creative Director · Super Punchy Studios
Salvador Paskowitz is a screenwriter, director, and co-founder of Super Punchy Studios. He co-wrote the feature film The Age of Adaline and directed the vertical series Step by Step and his newest series, Layover. His work brings cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and emotionally driven romance to the evolving world of vertical entertainment.
