How to Break Into the Vertical Drama Industry as a Screenwriter
Part two of our interview with Isabel Dréan
Happy New Year! Behind the Verticals is very excited to start the year off with the second part of our interview with Isabel Dréan. She has recently released her bestselling book, How To Write A Vertical Series in 10 Days: The Complete Guide to Microdrama Storytelling. If you missed part one of the interview, have a look here.
Find out what’s next for Isabel, her tips on breaking into the industry, what to watch out for, and her thoughts on the current and future state of vertical drama. Plus, as always, check our Spotted section below for the latest vertical drama news and opportunities.
Industry Insights: What's Working Now
Isabel Dréan’s success isn’t just theoretical. She’s actively working in the vertical space and pushing boundaries.
“In March, I asked for five thousand and they were like, ‘Whoa, nobody gets five,’” Dréan recalls. “Now everybody gets five. And I’ve been saying I want to get 10k+ because if somebody does, then we’re pulling the industry up.”
Her approach has worked. By advocating for better writer compensation and speaking out against predatory contracts, she’s helping establish fair standards in an emerging industry that lacks established norms.
The Future of Vertical Storytelling
Looking ahead to 2026, Dréan predicts significant evolution in the vertical space:
