The Human Psychology of Vertical Drama
Behind the lens
Jacqueline van Eyk, the Vertical Godmother, guides actors as a coach and manager. In her LinkedIn newsletter, she shares how vertical drama is transforming the way performers connect, act, and tell stories.
Vertical drama is changing storytelling. The close-up, phone-first format creates an intimate, almost one-on-one experience for viewers, making performances feel personal but also emotionally demanding for actors.
Actors navigate semi-reciprocal relationships with fans. Comments, DMs, and live interactions give the illusion of dialogue, yet algorithms filter and stage these connections. Fans feel involved, actors feel seen, but the closeness is often symbolic rather than social.
This intimacy comes with risks. Rapid emotional cycles, constant attention, and algorithm-driven visibility can cause fatigue, blurred boundaries, and anxiety. Sustainable engagement means setting limits, keeping interactions public, and using de-roling rituals.
Vertical drama is a new mass art form: personal yet staged, rewarding yet draining. Protecting actors’ emotional wellbeing while maintaining storytelling magic is key to the space’s future.
If you want to dive deeper, see Jacqueline’s conversation with director Matt Macedo.
👀 Spotted:
December 3-4 (in-person): Content London has assembled a wide range of speakers for its vertical programming and microdrama lineup.
December 6 (online): Short Drama Alliance’s Wenwen Han is hosting its Q4 Short Drama Forum. Find out more, register, and watch the Q3 replay here.
December 9 (online): Stege 32 is hosting a 'How to write vertical micro drama scripts’ webinar with Ammon Lyle from Crazy Maple Studio. Discounted tickets are available until December 2.
December 16 & 17 (in-person): Behind the Verticals Editor-in-Chief Sandra will be in London. If you are interested in an in-person meeting or networking with peers, get in touch by sending an email to the address listed below.
February 2026: Heading to the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale)? Send us an email to show your interest in meeting Behind the Verticals in person and/or attending a networking event.
Have events, news, or jobs to share with our community? Get in touch: hello@behindtheverticals.com.