Inside Vertical Drama with One of Its Most Recognizable Stars
Video interview with Jessica Jacoby
A couple of weeks ago, Behind the Verticals had the opportunity to sit down with Jessica Jacoby, who very generously shared what it's like working as an actor on vertical dramas. The highs, the lows, where change is needed, and what tips she has for actors and creators alike.
But first, a roundup of this week’s vertical drama news, plus we’re hosting our first live webinar. More on that below.
👀 Spotted:
Isabel Dréan's Vertical Series Incubator has secured a first look partnership with Embr Entertainment (platform partners include ReelShort, AltaTV, and MyDrama/Fox Entertainment), creating a one-of-a-kind direct pipeline from classroom to production. The March 13-22 cohort sold out immediately, though a few limited spots were just added. The next incubator session after this will run in April 2026. Alumni success stories include Alison Bonn, whose vertical drama series Love Score was recently produced by Embr for MyDrama. You can read our recent interview with Isabel here.
Vertical fan favorites are officially going mainstream. Kirby Ellwood has shot her first network co-star role, while Noah Fearnley appears this week in the highly anticipated Love Story, inspired by John F. Kennedy Jr.’s and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s story.
Watch Club is producing short video dramas and building a social network around them.
L.A. microdrama studio launches with SAG-AFTRA vertical video project.
Telemundo Studios launches mobile-first version of hit series Armas de Mujer on ReelShort. Also, ReelShort enters multi-year partnership with AR to support APAC expansion.
CONECTA Magaluf–Mallorca has opened its international call for vertical projects.
Platform voices wanted for the next next Short Drama Online Forum.
Jill Maxcy is actively looking for the next company ready to test featuring brands in a microdrama.
Holywater acquires AI-assisted VFX Company Jeynix, rebrands as Holywater Tech.
‘Television is dead’: Inside the rise and rise of vertical dramas.
Lots of great vertical drama productions are currently in the works. Some BTS here, and here, and here.
Join Behind the Verticals for a live webinar on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:30pm GMT (4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT), Vertical Drama in the UK: Present and Future, featuring producers, writers, and casting executives working at the forefront of the UK microdrama and vertical storytelling space. More info and the registration link can be found here.
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🎥 Video Interview with Jessica Jacoby:
For nearly two years, Jessica has been on the front lines of vertical drama creation. In our conversation, she pulls back the curtain what is equal parts an exhilarating opportunity and a creative pressure cooker.
From the mental gymnastics of shooting 30+ scenes a day to her vision for bringing genuine character complexity to a medium often dismissed as “snackable content,” Jessica makes a compelling case that vertical isn’t just a format. It’s the future. Just the stories need to change.
Watch the full video interview (46+ minutes) below, where we also discuss her current projects, what it's like to work in vertical and horizontal formats, her vertical-focused agency, and what's next for her.
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