Today’s episode comes from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum, featuring Celia Xavier — an award-winning vertical writer, producer, actress, and a Top 6 Visionary Award finalist in the ReelShorts Vertical Series Competition.

Celia shares how she transitioned from traditional filmmaking into vertical microdramas, the experience of producing her own 10-episode series, and what she learned about hooks, pacing, and emotional impact through the editing process.

We also talk about audience behavior, character design inspired by real life, and where new genres — like thrillers, action, and horror — can push the boundaries of the vertical format.

Let’s dive in.

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