Industry Insights

VHS Studios Blog

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" about conventional wisdom. Here's where we share insights on vertical filmmaking, industry trends, and the art of storytelling in the modern era.

3
Featured Articles
∞
Movie References
100%
Industry Focus
Open notebook with handwritten title text Content Ideas, blue pen and cup of coffee on pink background, flat lay for blogging or planning, creativity and productivity concept
Industry Analysis
September 1, 2025 • 5 min read

"The Future is Now" – Why Vertical Films Are Taking Over

Remember when Doc Brown said "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads"? Well, in the film industry today, we might say: "Horizontal? Where we're going, we don't need horizontal."

The vertical film market isn't just trending—it's exploding. With over 85% of mobile video consumption happening in vertical format and platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominating viewer engagement, the writing is on the wall. Or should we say, the writing is on the vertical screen.

At VHS, we saw this shift coming before most studios caught on. While others were still thinking in traditional 16:9, we were designing our entire 46,000 sq ft facility around vertical content creation. As Marty McFly learned, sometimes you have to go back to the future—and the future of film is undeniably vertical.

"The market for vertical content is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2026, with 73% of Gen Z preferring vertical video formats over traditional horizontal content."

The beauty of vertical filmmaking isn't just in the format—it's in the intimacy. Vertical films create a personal, immersive experience that horizontal simply can't match on mobile devices. It's cinema designed for how people actually consume content today, not how they consumed it in 1985.

Read Full Article
Drone aerial image of downtown Houston, Texas captured at twilight. The photograph highlights the illuminated skyscrapers, highways, and cityscape under a dramatic evening sky. A vibrant view of one of the largest cities in the United States and a major economic hub.
Local Focus
September 15, 2025 • 7 min read

"Here's Looking at You, San Antonio" – Why the Alamo City is Film's Next Frontier

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world," filmmakers are walking into San Antonio. And they're staying.

While Austin gets the headlines and Los Angeles gets the history, San Antonio is quietly becoming Texas's best-kept secret for film production. With the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program offering up to 22.5% cash rebates and San Antonio's own local film incentives, productions can see significant cost savings that make even the most budget-conscious producer say "Show me the money!"

But it's not just about the money—it's about the opportunity. San Antonio offers something that LA and New York can't: space to grow, cost-effective operations, and a city government that actually wants film production to succeed. At VHS, we're not just riding this wave; we're helping to create it.

San Antonio's Film Advantages:

  • Texas Rebates: Up to 22.5% cash back on qualified productions
  • Local Incentives: Additional city-level support and fast-track permitting
  • Lower Costs: 40-60% lower than coastal markets
  • Diverse Locations: Urban, suburban, rural, and historic settings within 30 miles
  • Growing Talent Pool: Emerging actors, crews, and post-production talent

As Rick Blaine knew, timing is everything. San Antonio's time is now. The infrastructure is building, the talent is growing, and the incentives are real. In five years, when San Antonio is mentioned alongside Atlanta and Vancouver as a major production hub, remember: "We'll always have San Antonio."

Read Full Article
Astronaut runs surrounded by flashing neon lights. Music and nightclub concept. 3d illustration.
Cinema History
September 30, 2025 • 8 min read

"I Can Feel It Coming in the Air Tonight" – The 80s Moments That Defined Cinema

The 1980s didn't just give us great films—they gave us moments that became cultural DNA. From the drum solo that launched a thousand memes to the cars that became legends (and lawsuits), the decade delivered cinema magic that still influences filmmakers today.

Let's start with perhaps the most iconic TV-to-cinema moment of the decade: that Miami Vice scene with Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." You know the one—Don Johnson behind the wheel, that drum break hitting just as the action intensifies. It was television that felt like cinema, and it changed everything about how we use music in visual storytelling.

Fun Fact: The Ferrari Fiasco

Ferrari Testarossa Miami Vice white sports car

The legendary white Ferrari Testarossa from Miami Vice that replaced the controversial replica

Here's a story that would make even the best Hollywood lawyers nervous: Miami Vice originally featured a Ferrari Daytona Spyder—except it wasn't actually a Ferrari. It was a replica built on a Corvette chassis. When Ferrari threatened legal action over the "fake" car appearing on screen, the show's producers had to literally blow up the replica in Season 3. Ferrari, apparently feeling guilty (or recognizing great marketing), then provided the show with not one, but two genuine Testarossa models. Talk about turning a legal threat into a publicity goldmine!

But the 80s gave us so much more than just great car chases. Consider these defining moments that still influence filmmakers today:

Blade Runner's Visual Language (1982)

Ridley Scott didn't just make a sci-fi film; he created a visual template for "the future" that we're still using. Every neon-soaked, rain-drenched cyberpunk aesthetic traces back to Roy Batty's tears in the rain.

The Breakfast Club's Honesty (1985)

John Hughes proved that you could make compelling cinema with just five kids, one room, and honest dialogue. No explosions needed—just real emotion and that perfect Simple Minds needle drop.

Back to the Future's Perfect Plotting (1985)

Every screenwriting teacher points to this film as the gold standard of setup and payoff. That clock tower isn't just set decoration—it's the entire third act, established in act one.

What made these 80s moments special wasn't just their individual brilliance—it was how they understood that great filmmaking is about creating experiences that stick with audiences long after the credits roll. Whether it's a drum solo, a car chase, or a simple conversation in detention, the best cinema moments make you feel something first, think about it second. At VHS, we're carrying that 80s spirit into the vertical film era: "Great Scott!" indeed.

Read Full Article

Stay in the Loop

"I'll be back" with more industry insights, production tips, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of vertical filmmaking.

No spam, just great content. Unsubscribe anytime.

Explore by Category

Industry Insights

Market trends, technology updates, and the future of vertical filmmaking.

2 Articles →

Production Tips

Behind-the-scenes insights and practical advice for filmmakers.

Coming Soon →

Cinema History

Classic moments, legendary films, and the stories behind the stories.

1 Article →

Ready to Create Your Next Vertical Film?

From concept to completion, VHS Studios provides everything you need to bring your vertical film vision to life in San Antonio's premier production facility.

Start Your Project Tour Our Studios

"After all, tomorrow is another day!" — And another opportunity to create something amazing.