Turn The Screen? Vertical & Microdrama and the Future of Storytelling

Vertical storytelling and microdrama are rapidly redefining how series are created, distributed and consumed. But both follow very distinct rules. This Fish Bowl session explores the key differences between vertical social content, shaped by algorithm-driven platforms and open distribution, and microdrama, designed for dedicated, paywalled ecosystems with their own narrative logic and business models.

Building on these distinctions, the discussion turns to the broader industry implications. Are these formats becoming entry points and testing grounds for “classic” series development? Can they function as iterative labs for storytelling, driven by data and audience feedback loops? Or are they establishing themselves as entirely independent business models with their own value chains and production infrastructures?

At the same time, the session addresses the creative dimension. Vertical formats are deeply shaped by platform logic from the “hook economy” of engagement to algorithmic retention and standardized aesthetics while microdrama relies on hyper-compressed storytelling, cliffhanger-driven narratives and genre industrialization. What does this mean for creative freedom? Are these formats limiting what can be told through curation, censorship and audience expectations — or do they open up new forms of innovation and narrative experimentation?

Bringing together keynote perspectives, panel discussion and active audience participation, this Fish Bowl invites an open exchange on whether vertical and microdrama are simply new formats or early indicators of a deeper transformation of the audiovisual storytelling ecosystem.

In cooperation with Network Movie Film- und Fernsehproduktion GmbH.