In this episode, we feature a conversation from the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q3 Edition with Steph, 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

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 storytelling
• Kate’s approach to crafting emotionally rich narratives
• The rise of female-led teams in short drama productions
• How cross-cultural experiences shape creative perspectives
• What makes vertical dramas different from traditional formats
• Opportunities and challenges for women in the global content market

Whether 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 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.

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 Vision

What 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 behavior

Whether 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!