Vertical dramas — short-form, mobile-first series designed for the vertical screen — are reshaping how audiences discover, watch, and engage with fiction. Within this broader movement, micro-dramas have emerged as one of its most visible expressions, driven by their explosive rise in China and rapid international expansion. This online program explores the vertical drama ecosystem as a whole: its formats, narrative codes, production models, distribution strategies, and audience dynamics. Participants will discover how the European series industry can embrace vertical storytelling to create high-quality content tailored to local audiences, while staying true to its own storytelling traditions.
Objectives
- Understand the origins of vertical dramas and the key factors behind the explosive growth of micro-dramas on mobile-first platforms.
- Explore the characteristics of vertical storytelling, including narrative rhythms, episodic structures, and techniques for creating binge-worthy short episodes.
- Identify how the European series industry can embrace the vertical format to create high-quality content tailored to local audiences.