Inside Vertical Short Dramas

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.

In 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.

Today’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 storytelling This 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

Kate HE is a multidisciplinary storyteller born in Hangzhou and trained in both the U.S. and U.K., with a background in film, theatre, psychology, and mythology. She brings emotionally rich narratives to life across screen and stage, with recent short drama work including In My Sister’s Stead: The Reckoning.In our discussion, Kate shares her insights on how women are shaping the future of vertical short dramas, bringing unique perspectives and creative approaches to storytelling. We also dive into the evolution of audience habits, cross-cultural production challenges, and the growing opportunities for female voices in the global short drama industry.Key topics we cover in this episode:Why female creators are redefining vertical storytellingKate’s approach to crafting emotionally rich narrativesThe rise of female-led teams in short drama productionsHow cross-cultural experiences shape creative perspectivesWhat makes vertical dramas different from traditional formatsOpportunities and challenges for women in the global content marketWhether you’re a creator, producer, or industry professional, this episode offers a unique lens on how female voices are reshaping the future of vertical dramas worldwide.

In this special episode, recorded as part of the lead-up to the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q3 Edition, I interviewed Bogdan Nesvit, the co-founder and co-CEO of HOLYWATER — the tech company behind MyDrama, My Passion, and My Muse. HOLYWATER’s content ecosystem now reaches over 55 million users worldwide, empowering creators to produce high-quality stories, series, and books, distribute them to global audiences, and shape a new era of content.In our conversation, Bogdan shares his insights on building an AI-first entertainment platform, integrating exclusive book IPs, interactive storytelling, and vertical streaming. We also discuss how MyDrama leverages data-driven IP testing, AI-powered video production, and innovative marketing strategies to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving short drama industry.Key topics covered:· Connecting books, IPs, and vertical video streaming· AI’s role in content creation and scaling production· Differences between short dramas and vertical video series· How dopamine-driven storytelling hooks Gen Z· Future monetization: subscriptions, IAPs, and ads· Insights into global competition and MyDrama’s edge Whether you’re a creator, investor, or just curious about the vertical drama boom, this episode offers an insider’s view on where entertainment is heading.

「Roundtable」From Basics to Future VisionWhat defines short drama in today’s entertainment world — and where is it heading next? In this exclusive roundtable, we bring together four leading voices from Los Angeles, New York, and beyond to discuss the rise of vertical dramas, new storytelling formats, and how global creators are shaping the future of entertainment.Guests:• Anina Net — internationally working actress in film and television and former top model, known for her standout short drama roles in “Makeup Sex” and “Pregnant with my Infertile Alpha King” playing Lind Smith.• Cayman Cardiff — a U.S. actor known for Mated to My Savage Alpha. Originally from the South, he began in musical theatre and now works professionally in Los Angeles, with experience in commercials and ongoing training. • Irvin Gelb — a veteran producer and talent manager with 30+ years in the industry, from studio films like Chaplin to global short-form consulting. He’s now a leading voice in vertical content and helps develop original projects with emerging talent. • Wendi (Paddy) Ma — Wendi (Paddy) Ma is a film producer and director who has been active in the New York City film industry for over a decade. His notable short drama works include No Escape from My Ruthless Alpha and Twin's Love Trap For Billionaire Dad. Key Topics We Explore:• 📱 What makes short dramas unique — vertical format, mobile-first storytelling, and dopamine-driven pacing• 🌍 Cultural trends: How Chinese short dramas are influencing global storytelling• 🎭 Behind the scenes: How actors and producers adapt scripts for different markets• 🚀 The future of short drama — AI, interactive storytelling, and cross-border collaborations• 🔥 Tips on creating viral hits and understanding audience behaviorWhether you’re a creator, producer, or content strategist, this episode dives deep into the business, creative trends, and technology reshaping the industry.🔔 Subscribe for more insights from Short Drama Decode and join the conversation about where storytelling is headed.#ShortDramaAlliance #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #MiniDrama #ShortDramaDecode

In this episode of Inside Vertical Short Dramas from Short Drama Decode, we talk with Jennifer Cooper, a London-based entrepreneur and cultural analyst who unexpectedly became a devoted fan of Chinese vertical dramas.Jen shares her unique perspective on why these fast-paced, emotionally addictive stories are resonating with Western audiences. We explore how short dramas bypass cultural barriers, the power of “domineering CEO” tropes, and what makes Chinese platforms distinct in shaping global viewing behaviors.Jen is also the founder of Vertical Drama Love and Jennifer Cooper Timesaver, and has been featured by BBC Radio 4 and The Guardian as a leading voice on vertical video culture.

Today’s episode of Inside Vertical Short Dramas from Short Drama Decode features Sarah Gomez, a short drama researcher and fan from the Philippines (IG: @escapismviaverticals). Sarah runs Escape Through Short Dramas, where she shares her love for the genre and global insights.We discuss her journey as a viewer and her take on March 2025’s breakout hits—Baby, A Billionaire and I, Breaking the CEO’s Playground, and The Missing Master Chef. Sarah also reflects on how women worldwide are embracing short dramas as a cross-cultural trend.If you want to know why short dramas are booming globally and which genres resonate across markets, don’t miss this conversation!

In this special in-person interview, recorded during Sam’s visit to China, we explore the rise of Dashtoon — an ambitious AI-powered platform redefining how visual stories are created and consumed.This episode captures Sam’s reflections at the end of his China journey, where he met with short drama producers, creators, and platforms to explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration and storytelling innovation.✨ What we discuss in this episode:How Sam started Dashtoon and the vision behind itKey lessons from the early-stage startup journey: building teams and attracting talentEmpowering creators with generative AI toolsWhy creator-led platforms differ from traditional webtoon modelsGlobal expansion strategies: from launching in India to scaling internationallyWhy vertical storytelling and episodic formats resonate with modern audiencesMonetization challenges and the role of performance marketingObservations on China’s short drama and digital comics ecosystemThis conversation highlights the intersection of AI, digital comics, and short dramas, offering insights for creators, investors, and anyone curious about the future of visual storytelling.🎬 Hosted by Maggie Han, Chinese short drama producer and founder of the Short Drama Alliance.📺 For more global interviews & short drama insights: YouTube @ShortDramaDecode#ShortDramaAlliance #ShortDramaDecode #Dashtoon #AIComics #GenerativeAI #WebtoonPlatform #VerticalStorytelling #DigitalComics #CreatorEconomy #IndiaStartups #GlobalContentTrends #Microdrama #VerticalDrama #Minidrama #CDRAMA #StorytellingWithAI #ContentInnovation #AsianContent #ShortDrama

🎧 Today’s episode features director Mauricio Osaki, a Brazilian-Japanese filmmaker bringing Chinese-style short dramas to global screens.Working with platforms like ShortMax (China) and Vigloo (South Korea), Mauricio directs both localized adaptations of Chinese hits and original stories inspired by the emotional pacing of vertical drama.He shares how he rewrites scripts for Western audiences, softens over-the-top tropes, and focuses on emotional clarity over spectacle.For Mauricio, short drama is a powerful new format — blending cinematic storytelling with cultural nuance.Let’s dive in!

🎧 Today’s episode features a conversation from our YouTube channel, Short Drama Decode, with Jacqueline “Jaxx” van Eijk — a Netherlands-based talent coach and strategist known as The Vertical Godmother, guiding actors through the emotional and professional complexities of short-form drama.In our conversation, Jaxx shares how a coaching request from an LA-based actor led her into the fast-moving world of Chinese-style vertical dramas. Drawing from years of experience in performance coaching, she now works with actors to overcome self-doubt, develop expressive tools like micro-expressions and voice, and navigate career choices in an industry where typecasting and cultural gaps can be real challenges.We talk about the tension between platform data and audience psychology, why over-reliance on metrics can limit creativity, and how regional culture shapes what stories resonate. Jaxx believes vertical drama isn’t just about speed—it’s about emotional impact, cross-cultural nuance, and creating rewards for everyone involved.Let’s dive in!

In this exclusive episode, Canadian director & producer Steph Tablizo brings us into the sizzling world of vertical short dramas. With 15+ years in the film and TV industry, Steph now crafts stories that blend romance, fantasy, and edge — all in under five minutes.From mafia affairs and BDSM dynamics to queer empowerment and spicy CEO fantasies, Steph shares how she localizes Chinese short drama scripts for Western audiences, while keeping the heartbeat of the story alive.💡 What you’ll hear in this episode:Her first steps into vertical storytelling (and why she stayed)Popular genres: why North America is ready for BDSM and queer plotsHow to create “urgency and intimacy” in 30 secondsThe cultural nuances of adapting Chinese dramas for Western screensWhy short drama is a format, not a fad — and who’s getting it right🎬 “Urgency and intimacy — that’s the essence of short drama.” – Steph Tablizo

In this eye-opening episode of Inside Vertical Short Dramas, we sit down with Chris Wicke — a 25-year veteran of the film and TV industry and founder of U.S.-based short drama app Embr Entertainment.Chris takes us inside the making of a $70,000 vertical short drama that helped generate over $10 million in app revenue, revealing the realities of cross-border production between China and the U.S. From adapting “dominant CEO” and “abuse-romance” scripts for Western audiences, to navigating cultural localization, ultra-low-budget filmmaking, and lightning-fast shooting schedules, Chris shares hard-earned lessons from the frontlines.We also explore the untapped genres poised to break out, the potential of AI in short drama writing and production, and why Hollywood storytelling rules don’t directly apply to vertical dramas.Whether you’re a producer, investor, or short drama fan, this episode delivers data-driven insights, production hacks, and a global perspective on the next wave of entertainment.

📘 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 copy here: payhip.com/ShortDramaAlliance In this episode of Inside Vertical Short Dramas, actor Cayman Cardiff shares his journey from aspiring physician to a rising star in the fast-growing world of international short dramas and vertical short-form storytelling. Discovered through Instagram in 2023, Cayman has since acted in numerous microdramas produced by Chinese companies for global audiences.Key topics in this interview include:Career Shift: From pre-med student to short drama actor, recruited via Instagram.First Roles: Collaborations with Chinese company Joy Reels in Toronto, starring in Santa Sent Me a Billionaire Husband and Rejected Heiress.Popular Short Drama Genres: CEO romance, werewolf fantasy (Alpha’s Fated Surrogate), mafia boy-love (My Mafia Pilot Boyfriend), military protection (Forever Begins Now), and comedy-drama (My Savage Alpha).Cultural Localization: How Chinese short drama scripts are adapted for Western audiences by changing expressions, cultural references, and storytelling style.Industry Trends: Rising demand for original stories, cinematic production quality, and genre diversification — including action, fantasy, romance, BL, and thrillers.Audience Insights: The power of escapism, female-centric fantasy, and emotional engagement in vertical dramas.Production Comparison: Differences between Chinese and international short drama productions, and praise for platforms like Vigloo and Drama Box.Future Plans: Cayman’s ambition to expand into writing, producing, and directing in the short drama industry.🎯 Quote from Cayman Cardiff:“Escapism. Viewers want to step out of their everyday lives and experience fantasy, romance, or thrill that they might not get in real life.”Keywords: short drama, vertical drama, microdrama, minidrama, international drama, CEO romance, werewolf fantasy, BL, romance, fantasy, acting career, cross-cultural storytelling, Chinese short dramas, Joy Reels, Vigloo, Drama Box.

📘 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 copy here: payhip.com/ShortDramaAlliance In our very first episode, host Maggie Han interviews Scott Brown — Emmy-nominated director, producer, and creative executive behind some of the internet’s most iconic content.Scott has helped build online powerhouses, including:Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s YouTube channelMrBeast’s main channelComedy projects with Kevin HartOver 750 episodes of Larry King Now on HuluNow, he’s betting on vertical series as the next frontier in storytelling — a format he believes could rival traditional television in both scale and narrative sophistication.In this episode, we explore:Why vertical series are more than just “short dramas”What Western creators can learn from China’s short drama boomHow to balance data-driven production with creative originalityThe role AI could play in shaping the future of vertical storytellingThis is a must-listen for creators, producers, and platform leaders navigating the rise of shortform vertical content.

In this episode, we talk with Daniel Jongma, the founder of @actingvertical, based in Sydney, Australia. Daniel actively explores performance in vertical storytelling, with experience spanning acting in lead and supporting roles, as well as casting, writing, and producing vertical dramas. In our conversation, Daniel shares his journey of entering the short drama industry and his insights on:· How he approaches performance and storytelling designed specifically for vertical formats· The opportunities and challenges for actors in the growing short drama ecosystem· His perspective on global audience engagement and the future of vertical drama production Whether you’re an actor, producer, or simply curious about vertical dramas, this episode offers valuable insights from a creator deeply involved in shaping the future of vertical storytelling.