Directing a Vertical Series For Candy Jar, Feature Films & More With Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas

Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins me this week to break down the making of her debut feature film Keily: Homecoming Dweeb, a YA romance that bridges classic rom-com elements with bold visual experimentation.

Emily shares how the project grew out of a Candy Jar–financed vertical web series, why she embraced an unconventional format to connect with Gen Z, and how she maintained her distinctive voice on both the series and the feature.

We also dive deep into practical directing craft - from navigating budgets and production constraints to lens testing, working with young actors, rewriting on set, and keeping tone at the center of every decision. Topics include:

• Moving from commercials to narrative filmmaking by way of a vertical series
• Why embracing nontraditional formats can expand your audience reach
• Practical strategies for navigating low budgets without sacrificing vision
• The role of zoom lenses and lens testing in creating emotional storytelling
• Building authentic performances with young actors through collaborative rehearsals
• Managing tone as a director’s primary responsibility
• Much more.

Links from the show:

Watch Keily: Homecoming Dweeb on Candy Jar

Keily: Homecoming Dweeb on IMDb

Emily Elizabeth Thomas – Official Portfolio

Sign up for exclusive filmmaking newsletters each Sunday.