Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Troy Brookins, actor, producer, former athlete, and one of the driving forces behind MicroHouse Films.Troy shares the origin story of MicroHouse Films, the new vertical platform he is building with Taye Diggs, Autumn Federici, and Shelby Stone, and why their mission is to create a space where underdogs, creators, and fresh voices can bring premium vertical stories to life. Buzz and Troy also talk about the upcoming MicroHouse Films app, the paywall model, the launch of Tides of Temptation, and how vertical storytelling can connect features, spin-offs, and mobile-first audiences in new ways.They also get into Troy’s Cleveland roots, faith, football journey, NFL stint with the Cleveland Browns, and how sports prepared him for acting, producing, and leadership. Plus: behind-the-scenes stills from the MicroHouse Films originals, casting cameos, AI, premium talent, VertiCast Rapid Fire, and Troy’s bigger vision for the future of storytelling.In this episode, you will learn:• How Troy Brookins helped launch MicroHouse Films• Why MicroHouse Films is focused on creators, underdogs, and premium vertical stories• How Troy, Taye Diggs, Autumn Federici, and Shelby Stone came together• Why vertical content is built for today’s mobile audience• How the MicroHouse Films app and paywall model will work• How Troy’s Cleveland roots, faith, and football background shaped his mindset• What Troy learned from his sports journey and NFL experience• How Tides of Temptation connects to a feature film• Why speed, quality, and teamwork matter in vertical production• How premium talent and AI may shape the future of the spaceChaptersSponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers)AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces.Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration.Website: AEIRO.coRapid Fire Sponsor: VertiCastVertiCast is a casting app built for the speed of vertical storytelling. Actors can create profiles, upload clips, share availability, and make it easier for casting directors and producers to find them quickly.Instagram: @verticastappGuest: Troy BrookinsTroy Brookins is an actor, producer, former athlete, and co-founder of MicroHouse Films. His credits include Only Child on Starz, Forever: Terry McMillan Presents, Disney’s Stargirl, All American, S.W.A.T., and Young Sheldon. A Cleveland native and former football player, Troy brings the discipline of sports, a deep sense of faith, and a creator-first mindset into his work in entertainment. With MicroHouse Films, he is helping build a new home for premium vertical storytelling and opening doors for creators, actors, and audiences in the mobile-first era.Instagram: @whostroyHost: Buzz LeerInstagram: @buzz_leerA Glendale Podcast Studio ProductionInstagram: @glendalepodcaststudioSocial Media Coordinator: Ana Karina CanoInstagram: @anakarinacanoTheme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan DawleyPublic Relations and Media: Robb LeerLeer Communications, Inc.Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family.Host, Buzz Leer