Shadow Hollywood: Vertical drama and cross-cultural writing – How new models of drama production are impacting current screen industry practice.

This article focuses on the emerging format of Vertical drama series—scripted short-form entertainment designed for mobile viewing in portrait orientation—and its rapid growth, particularly through Chinese-financed productions targeting global audiences. It examines the author’s experience co-writing six Vertical series, highlighting the cross-cultural collaboration between Australian creatives and Chinese app providers, and the adaptation of storytelling techniques to meet the fast-paced, episodic demands of Vertical content. Key aspects include the importance of blending Chinese narrative elements with Western audience preferences, the necessity of rapid creative workflows, and the opportunities Vertical offers for Australian screenwriters amid shifting industry landscapes. The article also discusses ethical and practical challenges in this evolving digital drama sector and the potential for Vertical to influence broader screenwriting practices.