Inside Vertical Short Dramas

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

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

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

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 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.

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

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.

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

In this special prelude to the Short Drama Forum 2025 Q3 Edition, I sat down over Zoom with Bogdan Nesvit, co-founder and co-CEO of MyDrama — the leading vertical streaming platform in the U.S. and Europe.

With 70+ original shows and a recent Webby Award for Best Streaming Service, MyDrama is redefining how vertical dramas are created, distributed, and monetized.

In our conversation, Bogdan shares:

• How MyDrama blends book IPs, AI-driven production, and vertical streaming
• Why dopamine-driven hooks capture Gen Z attention
• The evolving monetization models — subscriptions, IAPs, and ads
• What gives MyDrama its competitive edge in the global race for short drama leadership

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

「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.

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

In this episode of Inside Vertical Short Dramas from Short Drama Decode, we talk with Jen 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.

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

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!

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

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 it
• Key lessons from the early-stage startup journey: building teams and attracting talent
• Empowering creators with generative AI tools
• Why creator-led platforms differ from traditional webtoon models
• Global expansion strategies: from launching in India to scaling internationally
• Why vertical storytelling and episodic formats resonate with modern audiences
• Monetization challenges and the role of performance marketing
• Observations on China’s short drama and digital comics ecosystem

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

🎧 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.

🌍 Short Drama Alliance — Learning Resources & Industry Insights

📘 Essential Industry Book

Short Drama Writing 101: Write What Platforms Want

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX45ZXK7

📙 Self-Paced Online Course

Short Drama Writing 101: A Practical Course with Real Case Studies

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp-1?preview_theme_id=2166150379

🎬 4-Week Online Bootcamp (with Real Feedback)

Short Drama Bootcamp

https://maggie-han.mykajabi.com/short-drama-bootcamp

🌏 Industry & China Market Insights

Future Playbook: China’s Short Drama Ecosystem and Insights for Global Business

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX5QBY3Y

🎧 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!