Meet Dana Protsyshak: Filmmaker, Founder of VertIGO, Vertical Storytelling Advocate

About Dana:

Dana Protsyshak is a filmmaker of Ukrainian origin, who has emerged as a leading voice in the rising world of vertical storytelling. She started in verticals in late 2023 with localization of Chinese script in Canada. With successful writing credits, she continued writing verticals for Chinese and Canadian companies as an independent writer, before switching to production. She line produced, ADed and scriptsupervised more than 15 verticals in Canada and Los Angeles. Having been on two sides of creating a vertical - on a writer and production side, Dana felt that it’s more to this format that it’s currently done. On this note, she launched her own production VertIGo (#Vertical I Go) which aims on creating captivating original vertical stories with cinematic visuals, elevating the quality of the vertical content. Currently, she has 10 original projects on her slate, which she’s actively negotiating with a number of platforms. On top of that, she’s developing her own app for vertical dramas, which will reintroduce the vertical format to the vast audiences. One of Dana’s missions as a filmmaker and a founder of VertIGo is to elevate the vertical storytelling and build a community around it. VertIGo Vertical Mixer is the first step to this and she’s excited to tell you more about it.

VertIGO Vertical Mixers: Shaping and Building Vertical Creative Community with Dana Protsyshak

What is the VertIGo Vertical Mixer?

It’s a recurring in-person event in Los Angeles for all creatives, interested in a vertical niche. With a difficult job situation in Hollywood, more and more people turn to verticals but don’t know where to start and those, who are already there, don’t know where to connect with fellow creatives. VertIGo Vertical Mixer is a place where they can meet and get introduced to the vertical format from within.

How did the idea for the VertIGo Mixer come about?

As a person who truly believes in a future of vertical format I wanted to connect with more like-minded creatives to spark creative collaborations. Working from set to set was quite a difficult task, so I’ve decided to launch Vertical Mixers as part of my community building mission around VertIGo.

What makes this event different from other film or creative networking events?

The focus of this event is entirely vertical space. We discuss how to get into this niche, share experience about different verticals we’ve worked and brainstorm on the endless possibilities of this extremely fast-paced niche.

Who is the event for?

Every creative who’s interested in verticals. However, our mixers are becoming more professional. We’re getting attendees from AFI, UCLA, filmmakers, who’ve worked 20 years in Hollywood, owners of small studios, venture entrepreneurs.

Can I attend if I haven’t worked on a vertical before?

Yes, of course. All our very first mixer attendees have never worked on verticals before. With each next mixer, more and more creatives with vertical experience join us and it makes it even more helpful for people who are just thinking of getting into this niche.

What will I get out of it?

Nice evening) You’ll get connected with professionals, who’ve worked on verticals before, get in touch with fellow creatives, find your next big project or big collaborations.

How often are mixers held?

Every month. It’ll be our fifth mixer)

Where are mixers held?

Garden Cafe, Sherman Oaks. 

Is there a cost to attend?

No, but the registration is required for the headcount. Here’s the link for the upcoming mixer

Do I need to bring anything?

Your phone for pictures and contacts)

Will there be any structured activity on the night—talks, pitches, showreels—or is it freeform networking?

This is a freeform networking event, however on the upcoming mixer a big announcement will be made, so stay tuned)

Will there be opportunities to showcase vertical work at the event?

Usually, people show their latest works on the phone on the casual basis during conversation, but it’s just one of the possibilitiest.

Is there any way for those who can’t attend in person to engage or connect afterward?

Is there a place (Discord, WhatsApp, Instagram, email list) where attendees can stay connected between mixers?

There is a Facebook page and group - VertIGo Vertical Storytelling and Community, which we are starting to promote.