Next Door Director Caroline Plyler on Queer Storytelling & Vertical Filmmaking

Declan and Silvan sit down with Caroline Plyler, director of the hit vertical romance Next Door, to discuss her journey from actor and script supervisor to first-time director. Caroline shares how her own experiences  shaped the story, why she wanted to create the "queer Disney Channel movie we never got," and what it has been like seeing audiences around the world connect with Kit and River's love story.We explore the rise of vertical filmmaking, how platforms like Candy Jar are changing the way stories are discovered, and why Caroline believes mobile-first storytelling is here to stay. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at directing Next Door, working with first-time leads, collaborating with cast and crew, and the realities of making a film for today's social-media generation.We discuss queer representation in media, the importance of joyful LGBTQ+ stories, Caroline's love of Sophia Coppola, the books she'd love to adapt, and her advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry.Next Door is available now on Candy Jar.Fine Caroline on Instagram and Tiktok: carolinegrayplylerFind CandyJar on Instagram and Tiktok: watchcandyjarJoin our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCCFind us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.podWrite to us: [email protected] Declan: Instagram: declan712Tiktok: declanmccallion1Find Silvan:Instagram: SilvatesTiktok: silvates1Listen to the Podcast on:Apple podcast: Spotify podcast: Amazon podcast: Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/NqD-jMfkq7gListen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697Chapters00:00 Introduction to Next Door and Its Impact02:41 Caroline's Directorial Debut and Personal Connection06:01 The Unique Appeal of Next Door10:20 Creating a Wholesome Queer Narrative12:03 The Importance of Diverse Queer Representation15:18 Audience Reactions and Surprises16:59 Caroline's Journey to Directing20:01 The Role of Script Supervision25:24 The Importance of Preparation in Filmmaking35:16 Preparation and Respect for the Crew36:06 Directorial Styles and Preferences38:06 Inspirations from Iconic Directors39:39 The Journey with Candy Jar Productions42:00 Resonating with the Story of Nextdoor46:28 Creating a Lighthearted Queer Romance48:52 Vertical Storytelling: A New Format54:27 The Impact of Second Screen Watching01:03:04 The Future of Vertical Storytelling01:04:32 Opportunities with Candy Jar Productions01:06:49 The Impact of Fan Creations01:09:08 Adapting Queer Stories01:16:01 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers01:19:42 Quickfire Questions with Caroline01:24:30 The Heart of 'Next Door'