Letter from the Editor
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Welcome to the first post of Behind the Verticals. We are launching with a wide range of curated content focused on vertical drama, including interviews, news stories, job postings, events, surveys and studies, and investment and funding opportunities.
It is an exciting time to follow this industry, and with Behind the Verticals we want to provide both a comprehensive roundup of the latest news and opportunities as well as original reporting and interviews that offer a behind-the-scenes look (hence our name).
While vertical drama (and microdrama for that matter) is currently synonymous for many with soapy content and, to some extent, adaptations of Asian intellectual properties, the landscape is evolving rapidly and the opportunities are vast. I am particularly excited to report on brand-funded ventures into vertical drama. We are also witnessing the first forays into unscripted verticals, which is another space worth watching closely.
As someone passionate about romantic storytelling and the iconic romantic comedies of years past (the kind Hollywood studios no longer fund), I am eager to see vertical dramas fill that void. Naturally, the storytelling will evolve beyond telenovelas and content that at times features very triggering themes.
The industry is moving quickly both on set and off, and we look forward to highlighting the executives, creators, and makers in this space while building a community around it.
Beyond reporting, we aim to share opportunities with our community. Have a job posting, casting call, press announcement, or project you are working on? Want to collaborate or partner with us? Send us an email at hello@behindtheverticals.com. Join our new LinkedIn group for Vertical Drama Professionals and interested parties here, and follow our company page on LinkedIn for regular updates.
Make sure to subscribe to receive regular news. All posts are currently free as we build momentum, but we encourage you to consider a paid subscription (including Founding Member options) to support our work. Share Behind the Verticals with your friends, colleagues, and peers, and explore the archive of existing posts.
— Sandra Turkiewicz, Editor and Founder at Behind the Verticals. Media & Marketing industry veteran. Lover of romance novels & rom-coms. First ever vertical drama watched: Beautiful Mistake on CandyJar.
I am currently scheduling virtual coffee chats and interviews for December 8-12 and in-person meetings and interviews in London December 16-17. If you are interested, please send me a message and I will share my calendar with you.
👀 Spotted:
SAG-AFTRA’s new verticals agreement.
Quibi died but Puck asks: Can microdramas live?
BBC to try out vertical dramas.
Who’s who in microdramas: The power players reshaping short-form entertainment.
How microdramas became Hollywood’s next big bet.
UK-originated vertical series in the works.
Disney and Fox are investing in microdramas.
Vigloo releases first AI-realized vertical micro dramas.
More than 50 vertical movies were filmed in Ukraine over the past year.
If you are looking to learn more about the industry and how to write vertical dramas, Isabel Dréan’s seminar is worth a watch.