VFS Film: Intro to Vertical Microdrama (On Campus) Sept 10 - Oct 22

A project-based, in-person introduction to vertical Microdrama in which students learn the format while building their own project, leaving
About this Event

Vertical microdrama is the fastest-growing format in screen entertainment, and this course is students' way in. In 7 weeks, we will survey the whole field at an introductory level, what the format is and why it works, how the platforms and the money behave, how stories are built, and how projects are cast and produced.

Schedule: Thursdays, Sept 10 - Oct 22, On Campus, 6-9pm PDT

• Sept 10 (First Class)
• Sept 17
• Sept 24
• Oct 1
• Oct 8
• Oct 15
• Oct 22 (Final Class)

Cost: 850 CAD

Instructor: Monika Dalman

Location: 151 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3

Learning Outcomes:

The first week is devoted to learning the format itself, and from the second week on, each session pairs a short idea with a hands-on workshop that produces one concrete piece of the student's own project. The pieces accumulate into a complete package, and the course ends with each student presenting a finished, ready-to-go pitch. Students leave fluent in how this world works and holding something they made.

Participants will learn to:

• Describe the vertical microdrama format and explain why it holds an audience.
• Identify the major platforms and business models, and position a concept for one.animated scene
• Develop an original vertical concept with a logline, genre, audience, and comparable titles.
• Build a working story bible: season arc and episode map, lead characters, hook and cliffhanger strategy, and the look.
• Apply the basics of casting, performance, and production for the vertical screen.
• Assemble and deliver a polished, presentation-ready pitch (minus a script).

Prerequisites:

• Students are not required to have any previous training or experience.