Our Directors

Andrea M. Catinella is a London-based director with experience ranging from feature films to vertical productions.
He studied filmmaking at MET Film School, Raindance, and the National Film and Television School in the UK. In 2024, he won Best Short Film at the London Independent Film Festival.
Since November 2024, Andrea has directed 7 vertical productions for ShortMax and Shorten, spanning genres from romantic comedy and fantasy to thriller and action.
Over the past two years, Andrea has directed 7 feature films. Some received theatrical releases in Europe and overseas, while others are currently available on platforms such as Apple TV, Sky Store and Amazon.

Thalia has directed 4 Vertical Dramas and has produced 10.
Thalia is extremely well-versed in the fast paced, high drama demands of the projects.
She always strives to push the project to feel new, entertaining and dynamic. She focuses on the character arc of the main characters to ensure that the audience is invested from the beginning and stays hungry for more.
Thalia ensures that the luxurious locations are well-represented and properly showcased whilst also making sure that every party scene feels lively and energetic and the actors deliver performances that really get the blood pumping.
Thalia also has a background in intimacy coordination and she always works hard to make sure the intimate scenes are sexy, provocative and comfortable for the actors.

Since 2023, Farber has directed over twenty feature-length vertical dramas for various platforms including (but not limited to) ReelShort, Dramabox, Goodshort, Dramapops, KalosTV, etc. Farber works as a director on these vertical micro-dramas across the world. He has directed in Los Angeles, Istanbul, London, and Vancouver. Additionally, he wrote, directed, and starred in the award winning short film "Thoughts and Prayers," executive produced by Amy Poehler.
Danny Farber is a director, actor, writer, and producer born and raised in Chicago, IL. With over a decade in the entertainment industry, Farber's diverse filmmaking portfolio includes vertical dramas, music videos, commercials, narrative projects, and branded content. Farber has a home base in Los Angeles, California but considers himself “globally local” after having found success working in various international markets as a director and actor.
Farber has worked with countless big name brands and corporations, such as (but not limited to) Marvel, NBC, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Universal Music Group, Warner Records, and Chance the Rapper. Over the course of his career, his projects have garnered tens of millions of views across all social platforms. His work has been honored at various film festivals having won awards such as Best Director, Best Dark Comedy, Best Short Film, and Best Supporting Actor.

Ruari Chambers is an award winning director who has been immersed in the vertical drama industry since it arrived in the UK. Ruari has consistently delivered top quality work for the biggest platforms in the industry, generating tens of millions across many platforms.
Through Ruari’s experience directing vertical drama, he has become specialised in filming passionate intimacy scenes, high emotion conflicts and large banquet scenes filled with heart racing dialogue.
"I believe there is a huge amount of potential in the vertical space, lots of room for exciting stories and innovation. I am committed to bringing better and better quality to this fresh and exciting medium, hoping to bring lots of amazing entertainment to the global audience.”

Dan has spent the last year working in vertical drama.
He successfully completed 18 projects for platforms such as Reel Short (Pride & Prejudice), DramaBox (Mafia Obsession), Joy Reels (My Rookie Agent) currently number 6 in the world) and Irresistible CEO’s Dark desires for Shorten Drama produced by Sea Star Productions.
He uses his feature and TV directing experience to keep the production value & work within the tight constraints of vertical drama schedules.
Dan has gained a strong reputation within the vertical drama space being one of the first directors to shoot a vert in the UK and being called ‘King of Vertical drama in UK’ by VerticalDramaLove - a well known fan account for VD fans.
As well as being the chosen director to represent vertical drama in The Guardian newspaper, Dan is also due to sit on the Vertical Drama Awards panel as a judge and expert.

Turkish filmmaker and director.
His work spans film, music videos, and the emerging format of vertical drama. Known for his emotionally resonant storytelling and visually dynamic style, Özen brings a fresh perspective to contemporary screen narratives.
He first gained recognition with projects such as Ozbi: Geceyi Anlatmis (2020), and has since established himself as a distinctive voice in digital-first storytelling. His vertical dramas, including My Billionaire Friend (2025) and Too Young to Love Me (2025), explore modern relationships and identity through a format designed for mobile audiences, blending cinematic quality with accessible, intimate storytelling.
Özen’s work often centres on themes of youth culture, love, and human connection, balancing heartfelt performances with striking visual design. Based in Istanbul, he continues to expand his repertoire across traditional film and innovative digital platforms, positioning himself as a director attuned to both the future of cinema and the immediacy of online storytelling.