Aaron Feder | Coordinating Safety & Intimacy on Vertical Film Sets: The Vertical Buzz Episode 4

Description In filmmaking, some of the most powerful moments can also be the most dangerous—or the most vulnerable. In this episode of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Aaron Feder—one of the leading stunt + intimacy coordinators in the vertical film world—to break down the unseen work that keeps sets safe, performers protected, and stories honest. From the core principles of stunt work (think: angles, dummies, and doubles) to the real-world liability behind on-set safety, Aaron explains what coordinators actually do, what productions often miss, and how vertical’s speed changes everything. Then we go deep on intimacy: the levels of intimacy, why “no surprises” is the golden rule, how boundaries get communicated, and what happens when a coordinator has to stop the day due to pushback from production.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • What stunt coordinators and intimacy coordinators actually do—and why both roles are about safety (physical + emotional) • Why a coordinator must be comfortable saying “no” (and thinking, “Would I explain this to a judge?”) • How vertical’s pace is fueling a boom in stunts/intimacy work—and forcing new on-set “tricks” • The levels of intimacy (1–5) and how that framework protects actors and keeps expectations clear • How to set boundaries early, build trust fast, and run scenes with no surprises • Why budget limitations don’t eliminate safety—they just change how you shoot the moment • What it looks like when a coordinator stops the day, handles pushback, and keeps talent protected • Where vertical films are headed next—and what genres could thrive as the audience evolves   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 03:26 What Coordinators Do 05:16 Stunts Origins and Lessons 07:04 On Set Safety and Liability 21:16 Vertical Boom and New Tricks 34:42 Intimacy Levels Explained 36:09 Boundaries and No Surprises 37:38 Budget Limits and Safety 40:12 Stopping the Set and Pushback 56:18 Verticals Future and Final Wrap   Sponsor: 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 + carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co   Guest: Aaron Feder From child actor and early stunt training to an award-winning international hospitality career, Aaron Feder walked away from it all to return to film. Today, he’s a leading stunt and intimacy coordinator in the vertical space, with over 100 projects and credits including Discovery+, Monster Season 3, and Spider-Man Noir. Instagram: @inequal.parts   Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer   The Vertical Buzz is a Glendale Podcast Studio Production Produced by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio   Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano   Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song”   Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer — Leer Communications, Inc.   Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer   #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Stunts #IntimacyCoordinator #SetSafety #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ShortForm #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz