Ep 6: What the HELL is a Vertical?

What exactly are vertical microdramas—and why is everyone suddenly talking about them? 📱🎬In this episode of The Indie Playbook, the Flashback Pictures team dives into the rapidly growing world of serialized, phone-first storytelling: short episodes, constant cliffhangers, and an evolving business model that’s already generating serious revenue.Drawing from our experience making Pizza Guys vs. Vampires, we break down what it actually takes to write, produce, finance, and distribute a vertical series—and why creating great content is only half the battle. From paywalls and TikTok distribution to brand partnerships and reaching the right audience, we explore where the opportunities are for independent filmmakers.We also look ahead at where vertical storytelling could go next. Will platforms like TikTok help microdramas break into the mainstream? Can indie filmmakers compete with major vertical studios? And as AI makes it easier to adapt content for different formats, could the future of filmmaking be less about what screen you create for and more about how quickly you can adapt?Plus, Daniel takes us behind the scenes of Kong: Skull Island for this week's set story, sharing what he learned while working with the second unit on massive practical stunts, helicopters, explosions, and more.Are vertical microdramas the next major evolution of entertainment—or just another format waiting for its moment?Tune in to The Indie Playbook and decide for yourself. 🎥