Screenwriting : Vertical Dramas by Vikki Harris

Screenwriter

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7 months ago

Vertical Dramas

I just read an article about the emerging genre "vertical drama". Sounds interesting. Does anyone have any experience in this genre? Or has written a screenplay for this genre?

Pat Alexander

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2 people like this
- Vikki Harris
- Maurice Vaughan
7 months ago

Vikki Harris Vertical dramas are definitely an emerging and fascinating format for many reasons! They're essentially full-length narrative content specifically designed for mobile viewing - shot vertically (9:16 aspect ratio) rather than traditional horizontal formats.

Key Characteristics:

- Mobile-first storytelling optimized for phones/tablets

- Intimate, character-driven narratives that work well in close-up vertical framing

- Episodic structure often released on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, or specialized apps

- Shorter episode lengths (typically 3-10 minutes per episode)

- Visual storytelling that embraces the constraints of vertical space

Popular Examples:

- Snapchat Originals like "The Dead Girls Detective Agency"

- Instagram's IGTV series

- Various TikTok serialized content

- Specialized apps like Hooked or Episode

Screenwriting Considerations:

- Framing limitations - everything happens in a narrow vertical space

- Close-ups and single characters work better than wide ensemble scenes

- Text/messaging integration often becomes part of the visual storytelling

- Quick cuts and dynamic editing to maintain mobile attention spans

This format is particularly popular in Asia and somewhat among younger Gen Z audiences. It requires rethinking traditional cinematography and storytelling approaches.

For writers: The format demands extremely tight, visual storytelling - every scene needs to work within that vertical constraint while maintaining dramatic tension.

I have a friend who's been working on numerous of these vertical dramas for a Chinese company all year (the checks clear), so we've talked a lot about the creative process on them. While the story quality is incredibly, incredibly low and extremely clickbait-y (like think of the most obnoxious concept you can - i.e. My Wife Led my Brother's Girlfriend's Sister Into A Cult!), some people watch them I guess? Right now they are also really sloppily filmed and edited together with messy cinematography and cheap, quick cuts, which is nauseating for more sophisticated palates or people who don't want to spend all day on their phones. But I suppose it would be interested to see what a very stylish, sophisticated director could do in this unique format.