Every Second Is Drama: Behind the Scenes with ReelShort

The entertainment landscape is shifting, and the future is vertical. In a recent live event, we sat down with the creative powerhouse behind ReelShort, the app that has taken the Western world by storm by bringing “bite-sized” serialized dramas to our phone screens.

The discussion was led by Lori Rosa, Manager of Entertainment Industry Relations and Career Development for The Los Angeles Film School, who sat down with the team to explore how this new medium is creating fresh opportunities for filmmakers and creators alike.

Launched in August 2022 by Crazy Maple Studio, ReelShort has successfully adapted the Chinese duanju (short-drama) model for a global audience. The result? Ultra-short, high-stakes stories designed for the “scroll-and-watch” generation.

The panel featured key leadership from the ReelShort team:

• Bofan Zhang, Executive Producer
• Annine Zhang, Creative Producer
• Yang Qian, Creative Producer
• Rachel Bencosme, Head of PR

What Makes Vertical Drama So Addictive?

According to Executive Producer Bofan Zhang, the platform is defined by its intensity. “We make bite-sized, serialized shows that are emotional, fast, and addicted,” Bofan explained. “It’s impossible for people to stop watching.”

While romance remains the bedrock of the platform, the team revealed they are actively expanding into new territories, including horror and suspense. The goal is to capture every spare minute of a viewer’s day with high-octane storytelling where every second counts.

A Production Pace Like No Other

For those used to traditional film sets, the ReelShort production pipeline is a revelation. Lori and the panel discussed the breakneck speed required to keep up with audience demand:

• Hundreds of Jobs: ReelShort is currently offering hundreds of jobs in Los Angeles, keeping crews busy even when traditional Hollywood production slows down.
  
• Production Speed: While the average is 10 pages a day, they recently set a shooting record of 29 pages in a single day for a dialogue-heavy script.
  
• Efficient Budgeting: Most projects land between $130k and $200k, focusing on “grit” and strategic spending to maximize quality.
  
• The Vertical Mindset: Creating for a 9:16 aspect ratio isn’t just about cropping the frame. It requires a complete shift in how you block actors and maintain momentum.
  

Skills to Master for Vertical Storytelling

Success in the vertical space requires more than just rotating a camera. The panel highlighted specific technical and creative skills that translate-and some that don’t:

• The Visual Hook: In a world of infinite scrolling, you have to hook the viewer in the first three seconds.
  
• Strategic Directing: Techniques like rack focus work beautifully in vertical to direct the eye, while others, like the dolly zoom, lose their impact because of the narrow background compression.
  
• Essential “Below-the-Line” Roles: There is a high demand for trained Script Supervisors, DITs, and Assistant Directors who can handle the rapid pace and meticulous notes required for 70–90 micro-episodes.
  

Advice for the Next Generation of Creators

For students and aspiring filmmakers looking to break into this fast-growing space, the panel offered a clear message: Adaptability is everything.

“I came from a traditional background, and when I heard what they were doing, I said, ‘Okay, this is the future,'” shared Rachel Bencosme. “This is putting creator economy, the changes in social media, and new ways of innovation all in one product.”

Creative Producer Annine Zhang emphasized that success in this field is “more about a mindset. Be open-minded and embrace whatever opportunities you can get. Never stop networking.”

Watch the Full Interview

Are you ready to learn how to master the art of the vertical drama? Check out the full video above to hear more about the production pipeline, from the 7–10 day shoot schedules to the in-house post-production process, and see why vertical storytelling is the next major disruption in entertainment.

Want to dive into the world of ReelShort? Download the app at ReelShort.com or follow their latest updates on Instagram @reelshortapp.