Vertical Dramas: The Future of Short-Form Storytelling

Vertical dramas are transforming the way audiences discover and consume stories, with short, serialized episodes designed for viewing on smartphones and social media platforms. This rapidly growing format is creating new opportunities for filmmakers, writers, producers, and actors while opening doors to innovative storytelling, new business models, and alternative pathways into the screen industry.

This workshop will explore the creative and business opportunities behind vertical dramas, from developing compelling stories and casting talent to understanding production requirements, distribution platforms, and monetization strategies. Participants will gain insight into this emerging format, discover what makes a successful vertical series, and learn how they can position their projects to take advantage of this evolving market.

Founder & Chief Creative Officer-  Visionnaire Productions

For over a decade, Ian David Nsenga has worked in both the film and music industries of Canada, the United States, China, Taiwan, and Europe. His passion for creative arts has helped shape quite a diverse career from acting to writing and running his own production company. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, with Rwandan roots, Ian moved to Hamilton, Ontario in 1993 and to Vancouver in 2005 to study Film & Communications at Trinity Western University. His work has been featured on Amazon Prime Video and festivals in the USA and Canada. With his company Visionary Productions, he aims to create creative and original content.

Producer 

Yuliia Vyshnevska is a Vancouver-based producer and CEO of Visionary Vertical Productions, creating vertical series and microdramas for global audiences. With extensive experience across production coordination, management, and line producing, she oversees projects from development through localization, connecting international partners with local filmmaking talent.

Her credits include Risky Love with My Boyfriend’s Dad and I Hate How Much I Want You. She also pioneers AI production workflows in episodic entertainment, aiming to establish Vancouver as a premier hub for high-calibre vertical screen content focused on cinematic craftsmanship and cross-cultural storytelling.

Casting Director – Monika Dalhman Casting 

Monika Dalman, CDC, is a Canadian-American Casting Director, Producer and Consultant based in Vancouver. Since 2018, she has cast more than 300 projects internationally across film, television, commercials, documentaries, video games and digital entertainment. Her credits include feature films, National Film Board of Canada productions and programming for CBC, BBC and other broadcasters. She is also a leading casting professional in the global vertical microdrama industry, having worked with more than 20 platforms worldwide. As Co-Founder and Director of Industry Relations for the Vertical Film & Short-Form Screen Association, she advocates for ethical casting, performer protections and professional standards across the evolving screen industry.

Casting Assistant – Monika Dalhman Casting 

Tanya Keller is a Canadian casting director, actor, and filmmaker based in British Columbia. Working alongside casting director Monika Dalman, she has contributed to more than 25 vertical micro-drama productions, specializing in principal and background casting.

With experience in film, television, and independent productions, Tanya brings a unique perspective to vertical storytelling and its growing opportunities for Canadian performers and filmmakers. She is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning short film On Gordon Alley and is passionate about innovation, diversity, equity, and emerging talent.