How Vertical Dramas Are Reinventing the Studio System

Vertical dramas are more than a power shift. They are a symptom of the audience’s desire to escape and a return to the most essential promise cinema once fulfilled: entertainment. They also mark the return of the rom-com genre.

As the business model has proven itself, the vertical ecosystem has become an undeniable gold rush that no studio wants to miss.

This 2026 HAMA exclusive panel will gather experts from the vertical drama production world to discuss how vertical storytelling took the stage without waiting for permission, and what opportunities the current production slate represents for performers, as well as directors, producers, and independent filmmakers.

Lead Producer @goodshortdrama

Head of Talent and Casting @flareflowapp | Emmy Award Winning Casting Director

Jr. Development Executive at @DramaBox

Director of Studio for Performing Arts LA | Podcast host @lightscameraconversation

Actress - Aaron Sorkin’s Being the Ricardos - & Producer

Festival director

The event takes place at the , 5636 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90038.

2:45pm: Doors

3pm: Welcoming remarks

3:05pm: Opening short films

3:30pm: QnA

3:45pm: Scriptwriters Talk

4pm: Vertical Panel "Short, Creative, Profitable: How Vertical Dramas Escaped—and Are Reinventing—the Studio System"

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Paris Art and Movie Awards