Introducing ZBS’S
VERTICAL Department
- ZBS Vertical and Film Immersive (3x/week)
- ZBS Weekly Vertical Class (1x/week)
- ZBS 2 Day Summit: The Vertical Revolution – how the next generation of stars is being made
The rise of micro dramas
Verticals, also known as micro-dramas, are quickly becoming a major storytelling medium alongside film and television attracting the biggest networks, production companies and stars including Netflix, Disney+ .
To prepare our actors to rise to the occasion, ZBS has created a curriculum designed to help elevate, educate and innovate through classes, immersives, industry partnerships and summits--resulting in a direct pipeline for our students into this exploding industry. Watch the video and read the offerings below:
ZBS Weekly Vertical
Class (1x/week)
Every Mon: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM PT
Class is Hybrid (Online & In-Person)
Every Tue: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM PT
Class is Hybrid (Online & In-Person)
- Each genre covered over a month (4 classes/each)
- Two weeks focussed on audition
- Two weeks focussed on set
The Vertical Format Lab: Decoding the Future of Media
IMMERSIVE (3X/WEEK)
Begins Jul 13, 2026
Every Mon, Wed & Fri: 10:30 AM - 1 PM PT
Immersive is Hybrid (Online & In-Person)
WEEK 1: THE BLUEPRINT | Deep-dive acting work on a traditional TV genre (e.g., procedural dramas like NCIS).
WEEK 2: THE TRANSLATION | Deconstruct and adapt the acting process for that specific genre, shifting it to the unique pacing and framing of the 9:16 vertical screen.
WEEK 3: THE WORK | High-volume writing, script polishing, and rehearsal continuing with that same genre in the vertical space.
WEEK 4: THE INDUSTRY LAB | A live, in-room showcase of the work developed in that genre over the month. Heads of development from major vertical apps, showrunners, and casting directors enter the lab to see what we've created, workshop their own pipeline material with the room, and actively scout talent.
Why This Model Works: Industry leaders aren't just coming to give feedback—they are entering the room because they want to see what we've discovered about the performance styles and pacing required for the 9:16 screen. By functioning as full, forward-thinking creators and solving these creative challenges together, participants build organic, deep-seated industry bonds rooted in active, live creation.
Please note: This program is offered for educational, training, and professional development purposes only. Participation is not a promise of employment, auditions, casting opportunities, agency or management representation, career advancement, or any specific professional result.
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Hollywood bridge
I’ve worked with him for four years. He’s passionate about what he does, and it makes us passionate. We’re a family. ZBS is a community…a second home
Whenever I get a script I always ask myself, WWZD—What would Zak Do?
During the camera tests and throughout rehearsals and filming on my Netflix series, “Julie and the Phantoms”, Zak’s work with our young actors provided them with the tools that enabled them to accomplish outstanding work. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was a magician
Zak speaks the language of the soul and is able to stir his actors on the deepest levels of artistic and personal transformation.
His connection to his students is unlike anything I’ve seen…the work is incredibly brave
Zak Barnett taught me to love my craft. Before I came to the studio I loved acting and I knew it was all I wanted to do, but I didn’t know why. I found myself in a place where I was giving good auditions, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Going through his classes allowed me to find my own wants and meld them into one. I learned to love the art of acting and find joy in making something special, something only I could create.
He’s made a lot of impact and a lot of change… I cannot recommend him enough!
