Inside Vertical Short Dramas

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Cassandra Yang — CEO of RisingJoy, one of the most active global licensing hubs for micro-dramas, now connected with 50+ platforms across 20+ countries. Cassandra explains what truly defines micro-dramas, why mobile-first storytelling requires emotional hooks over logic, and the biggest misconceptions traditional film/TV professionals still have about the format. She also breaks down global demand trends, the rise of English and Korean short dramas, and the challenges of adapting Chinese content for international markets — from music rights to cultural context. Finally, we talk about the next frontier: co-productions, format licensing, and why the global short-drama market is still at “Level 1” compared to China’s five-year lead. Let’s dive in.---📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 135-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Kristen Brancaccio — a writer-director who has created 16+ vertical dramas across major U.S. platforms, and one of the emerging creative voices shaping the fast-paced directing language of vertical storytelling. In this interview, Kristen shares how she transitioned from TV pilots and YouTube into vertical formats, why pacing and emotional turns matter every 10–15 seconds, and how she balances genre tropes, production realities, and performance direction to craft addictive mobile-first stories. She also talks about working across platforms, adapting romance, mafia, and fantasy tropes for Western audiences, and why she believes vertical dramas open new doors for female creators. Let’s dive in.--📘 Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business(35-page Light Version) — Available on Amazon💰 Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business(Full Edition) — Available here:https://payhip.com/b/jBRKF

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Cypress Bai — founder of Storypod Studio, former Head of Content & Production at DramaWave, and one of the key writer-producers shaping the English-language vertical drama landscape. In this interview, Cypress shares how she first entered the vertical space, how she approaches adapting Chinese and English web novels, and why structure, rhythm, and emotional clarity matter even more in short dramas.We also talk about character design, cliffhangers, book-to-series adaptation, and how Hollywood’s three-act storytelling translates into vertical formats. It’s a sharp, practical conversation for anyone writing, producing, or studying micro-dramas. Let’s dive in.--📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Jeebok Park — the founder of the global micro-drama platform Shortime and Shortime Studio. Jeebok talks about what makes short dramas fundamentally different from film and TV, why emotional engagement matters more than any metric, and how BL/GL fandoms became the foundation of their global growth. We also discuss how Shortime works with creators around the world, what types of stories travel best, and why he believes micro-dramas will become a mainstream global entertainment format. Let’s dive in.---📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Cypress Bai — founder of Storypod Studio, former Head of Content & Production at DramaWave, and one of the key writer-producers shaping the English-language vertical drama landscape. In this interview, Cypress shares how she first entered the vertical space, how she approaches adapting Chinese and English web novels, and why structure, rhythm, and emotional clarity matter even more in short dramas.We also talk about character design, cliffhangers, book-to-series adaptation, and how Hollywood’s three-act storytelling translates into vertical formats. It’s a sharp, practical conversation for anyone writing, producing, or studying micro-dramas. Let’s dive in.--📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode comes from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum,Featuring Jen Cooper — founder of Vertical Drama Love, a global vertical-drama advocate, media commentator, and one of the most influential community-builders in the space.In this conversation, Jen shares how she entered the industry as a fan and became a bridge between creators and audiences worldwide. We discuss fan behavior, global viewing trends, the rise of vertical-drama awards and festivals, and how fan feedback is shaping what gets made.She also talks about shifts in storytelling, concerns around violence and AI-generated content, and why she believes women — and viewers who actually watch vertical dramas — have unique advantages in this ecosystem.Let’s dive in.📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum,with Mauricio Osaki — filmmaker and creative director of Lupi Films, where he develops original short dramas and leads localization for multiple global platforms. In this interview, Mauricio shares how he first entered the vertical-drama space, what makes mobile-first storytelling fundamentally different from film and television, and why he believes the essence of short dramas is a modern, mobile version of the soap opera. We also talk about the craft behind directing: fixing cultural mismatches in localization, choosing actors who can carry emotional intensity in one-minute scenes, and shaping pacing through table reads and post-production. Mauricio offers practical advice for new actors and writers entering the industry, and discusses which genres — from sports to military to horror — are emerging beyond CEO romance. Let’s dive in.---📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode comes from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum,featuring Max Jiang and Joy Quinn, co-owners of 9:16 Productions, one of the most organized vertical-drama teams in the U.S. In this interview, they discuss how they approach performance, pacing, casting, and localization for mobile-first audiences—and why new genres like horror and thriller may be the next frontier in vertical dramas. Let’s dive in.📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum,with Monika (Whitney) Dalman — a Casting Director, industry consultant, and producer who has worked on more than 80 vertical microdramas across multiple global platforms. In this interview, Monika breaks down how vertical casting really works, what production teams often overlook when adapting film/TV workflows to microdramas, and why performance, safety, and communication matter even more in this fast-turnaround format. We also talk about talent pipelines, the challenges of working with new vertical platforms, and how she supports productions from casting through delivery. Let’s dive in.📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode comes from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum, featuring Lucas Zhang, CEO & Founder of Daogu Entertainment and co-founder of Dramago. Lucas has been at the forefront of China’s short-drama evolution — from live-action vertical series to AI-powered motion comics — and his teams have worked across the full pipeline: writing, production, post, distribution, and long-tail monetization. In this conversation, he breaks down:what truly differentiates short dramas from traditional film & TVthe rise of AI motion comics and their global potentialfuture opportunities for creators, platforms, and IP owners Lucas also shares candid insights on user acquisition, long-tail revenue, translation markets, and why AI is becoming an essential tool — not a threat — for short-drama creators. Let’s dive in.------ 📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Kasey Esser — an actor and producer recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the breakout stars of the vertical drama industry. Kasey shares how he entered the U.S. vertical-drama space early on, what he’s learned from starring in viral hits like Fated to My Forbidden Alpha and Love in the Shadows, and why pacing, romance, and emotional clarity matter so much on a mobile screen. We also talk about the rise of action-adventure verticals, how to hook viewers in the first few seconds, and why he believes fan feedback should directly shape the next generation of micro-drama production. Let’s dive in.📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

From the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q4In this episode, we share a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Jenny Rosen —Junior Development Executive at DramaBox, vertical drama screenwriter, and traditionally published author.Jenny’s vertical dramas and web novels have generated over 70 million views across ReelShort and Wattpad/WEBTOON Studio, with her work featured in The Guardian, The Times, ITV, and Der Spiegel.In this interview, Jenny discusses:How she approaches writing for mobile-first audiencesThe differences between web-novel logic and vertical-drama structureWhy pacing, hooks, and emotional beats matter more than plot complexityHow DramaBox works with writers and evaluates story potentialThe future of genre innovation beyond CEO romanceThe rising importance of fan feedback in shaping story developmentIf you want to understand how top creators craft stories for the fast-growing vertical drama ecosystem, this conversation offers invaluable insight.Let’s dive in.📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI

📘 New release: Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 36-page practical guide on short dramas. Covers audience psychology, social trends, scriptwriting methods, paywalls, and ad-driven business models.Available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese👉 Get your Eng copy here: 🔗 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz👉 Available in multiple languages: payhip.com/ShortDramaAllianceIn this episode, we speak with Jeannie He, a short drama producer with over 8 years of experience in content development and production. As a platform-side producer, Jeannie offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how global short dramas are selected, shaped, and optimized for success.She is best known for Pregnant with My Infertile Alpha King, a werewolf-themed series that topped the Western short drama charts for several consecutive weeks. From fantasy and romance to algorithm-driven content packaging, Jeannie’s work blends creative instincts with platform strategy.In our conversation, we explore:• How platforms evaluate and greenlight new short dramas• What genres and tropes dominate global rankings• The creative decisions behind viral titles like Pregnant with My Infertile Alpha King• How producers can align with platform trends without sacrificing storytelling depthIf you want to understand how short dramas go from script to chart-topping success — especially on emerging mobile-first platforms — this episode is packed with practical insights and strategic takeaways.

📘 New release: Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 36-page practical guide on short dramas. Covers audience psychology, social trends, scriptwriting methods, paywalls, and ad-driven business models.Available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese👉 Get your Eng copy here: 🔗 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz👉 Available in multiple languages: payhip.com/ShortDramaAllianceChristy Wang is a PGA producer, angel investor, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Tiklatam, a cross-border MCN focused on short drama production and influencer-driven storytelling across the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil. In this episode, Christy shares how she went from managing social media creators to producing high-performing vertical series in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. We talk about:· How Latin America became a key hub for short drama production· Her TikTok-native approach to casting, budgeting, and distribution· The intersection of short drama, shoppable content, and e-commerce· What platform partners are really looking for in genre stories· How to localize Chinese-style drama structures for Western markets Whether you’re an aspiring producer or platform strategist, this episode offers a global playbook for mobile-first storytelling.

📘 New release: Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 36-page practical guide on short dramas. Covers audience psychology, social trends, scriptwriting methods, paywalls, and ad-driven business models.Available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese👉 Get your Eng copy here: 🔗 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz👉 Available in multiple languages: payhip.com/ShortDramaAllianceIn this episode, we talked with Brandan Dennehy, a pioneer in serialized audio and vertical storytelling, and the founder of Stratagem Content. With over a decade of experience shaping the future of scripted entertainment, Brandan has led the development and production of more than 10,000 hours of audio series, most notably during his time as Head of U.S. Content at Pocket FM, where he helped scale the platform into a global serialized audio leader. Brandan’s career spans multiple intersections: from working as a writer and development executive in Hollywood to launching multi-language audio IPs, optimizing AI-powered story workflows, and spearheading mobile-native storytelling strategies. He’s worked closely with major tech platforms, brand partners, and international studios to transform bold ideas into engaging, binge-worthy series. At Stratagem Content, Brandan now collaborates with creators and companies to bridge the gap between story, technology, and monetization. His current projects span vertical dramas, cinematic audio series, and AI-assisted storytelling pipelines that redefine how global audiences consume serialized fiction. This conversation dives deep into:How Brandan helped shape the U.S. fiction audio marketLessons from scaling high-volume audio IPs and webnovel adaptationsWhy vertical drama is the next frontier for global entertainmentThe role of AI and data in story developmentWhat emerging writers and producers need to know today If you’re curious about where storytelling is headed next — from your headphones to your phone screen — you won’t want to miss this episode.

Today’s episode features Chris Wicke, a 25-year veteran of the film and TV industry and the founder of Embr Entertainment. Chris has been producing vertical mini dramas for platforms like ReelShort and Salty TV, with hits such as Truth or Dare (which ranked #4 on Salty TV) and Married to the Assassin. Before founding Embr, he produced vertical dramas at Be Here Media and has since built Embr Entertainment to focus exclusively on short drama production. With a background spanning film, television, and digital formats, Chris brings both traditional production expertise and hands-on experience in the fast-evolving short drama market. He views short dramas as “feature-length films with 65 to 70 cliffhangers” and has been at the forefront of experimenting with genres like romance, horror, thriller, and action in the vertical format. In this conversation, we explore:· Why short dramas resonate so strongly with audiences· How genres like horror and action translate to the vertical screen· The challenges of adapting Chinese-influenced storytelling for U.S. viewers· What genres and trends may define the next wave of short dramas Chris’s perspective combines industry depth with a pioneering spirit in one of the most disruptive storytelling formats today.

In this episode, we feature a conversation from the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q3 Edition with Steph Tablizo, a Toronto-based multi-hyphenated director and producer reshaping vertical storytelling with cinematic flair, emotional depth, sharp pacing, and a no-compromise approach to short-form drama.With nearly 15 years in film and media, Steph entered vertical dramas two years ago and has since worked on multiple series across Canada. She brings both creative and critical perspective, especially on how female creators can shape content in ways that resonate with predominantly female audiences.Together, we discuss:How short dramas differ from traditional film and TV, with immediate hooks and addictive pacing.Why audiences embrace vertical dramas as quick escapes with high entertainment value.The role of data, tropes, and strong openings in creating hits.How female creators bring unique insights, ensuring safe practices and more empowered characters.Why Steph believes short dramas are the natural next step for Western markets.

In this episode, we feature a conversation from the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q3 Edition with Emma Wang, Executive Producer and Head of Content, and Ben Pengilly, CEO and Founder of On Set Octopus.Emma Wang is the Executive Producer and Head of Content at Onset Octopus, where she leads the project-based writer team and oversees the full process from development to release. As an award-winning screenwriter, she has created multiple hit vertical dramas and brings strong bilingual expertise in both storytelling and execution. Ben Pengilly is an award-winning bilingual producer with 15 years of experience in film and media, now specializing in English-language vertical dramas. As a leading figure in the UK short drama scene, his hit titles include Mafia Lover, Virgin’s Addiction, and Pride and Prejudice, known for delivering high-impact stories with efficiency and scale. Together, they share insights on:Why short dramas are the “next step” in filmmaking, as addictive as social media itself.How genres like BL, Mafia, forbidden love, and British period dramas are reshaping the landscape.The differences in directing, acting, and scriptwriting for vertical content compared to traditional film.Why the UK and European markets are wide open and poised for massive growth in vertical storytelling.

📘 New release: Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 36-page practical guide on short dramas. Covers audience psychology, social trends, scriptwriting methods, paywalls, and ad-driven business models.Available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish.👉 Get your Eng copy here: 🔗 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz👉 Available in multiple languages: payhip.com/ShortDramaAllianceIn this episode, we sit down with Leonid (Leo) Ovdiienko, Co-Founder and CEO of Drama Shorts, one of the fastest-growing vertical drama platforms outside of Asia.Leo started with Alpha Novel, a marketplace for web novels, and quickly pivoted into producing short dramas based on popular IP. Today, Drama Shorts is ranked among the top 15 players worldwide, with an ambitious goal to break into the top 3 this year. The company is producing over 50 exclusive titles across Europe, the U.S., and Ukraine — aiming to reach 100 by the end of the year.In our conversation, Leo explains how his team defines vertical movies (not just “short dramas”), why pace and cliffhangers are essential to hook audiences, and which genres — from CEO romance to paranormal, detective, and fantasy — drive engagement. We also discuss the challenges of expanding into the U.S. market, the role of AI in script development, and what it takes to compete with Chinese platforms that dominate this space.If you’re curious about the future of vertical storytelling and how a European challenger is reshaping the market, this episode is a must-listen.

📘 New release: Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 36-page practical guide on short dramas. Covers audience psychology, social trends, scriptwriting methods, paywalls, and ad-driven business models.Available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish.👉 Get your Eng copy here: 🔗 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz👉 Available in multiple languages: payhip.com/ShortDramaAllianceToday’s episode features a conversation from the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q3 Edition, where I interviewed Dana Protsyshak, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, former screenwriter, and founder of VertIGo. After years of writing and producing vertical content, Dana is now shifting her focus to building bridges across the global vertical drama industry.In this episode, Dana shares her journey from storytelling to community-building and introduces the LA Vertical Drama Market, the first-ever in-person industry event dedicated to vertical dramas. We discuss why she believes platforms should move beyond billionaire-werewolf fantasies, how new genres like thrillers, LGBTQ+ stories, and comedies can unlock fresh opportunities, and her mission to connect creators, producers, and platforms worldwide.Key topics we cover in this episode:· Why Dana is launching the LA Vertical Drama Market· From writer to industry connector: Dana’s personal journey· The untapped potential of genres beyond fantasy romances· Challenges and opportunities for vertical creators· Building a global community for vertical storytellingThis episode offers an inside look at how vertical dramas are evolving from niche content to a global industry — and why Los Angeles is becoming a new hub for creators