Story Development Studio
Original IP, novel adaptations and serialized story architecture built for the fast-moving world of vertical drama.
Original stories · IP adaptation · Series architecture · Vertical screenwriting
The Approach
Vertical drama isn’t simply a feature screenplay cut into one-minute pieces. The format rewards a different architecture: a hook that lands in the first fifteen seconds, escalation in every episode, and a story engine strong enough to carry sixty to a hundred episodes without repeating itself.
The studio develops concepts and adapts existing IP from the story engine outward — the central want, the pressure against it, and the reveal structure that keeps an audience paying to find out what happens next.
Original IP
Original high-concept properties developed specifically for serialized vertical drama — built around immediate hooks, escalating emotional stakes and expandable story engines.
Original conceptSix months after burying her husband, Mara sees him alive at another funeral — and after chasing him through the cemetery, discovers a nearby grave bearing a different name and his photograph.
Original conceptRomantic Mystery / Relationship Thriller
Vertical serialized drama
Seven days before her wedding, Sophie Mercer receives an anonymous message connecting her fiancé to her sister’s death. Each day brings another secret—and by the wedding, someone she trusts may be exposed.
Original conceptFor three years, Maeve has been the secret love of an immortal vampire. Then he survives an assassination attempt with every memory of her erased. To him, she’s a stranger. To his enemies, she’s the woman who knows how to kill him.
Collaboration
Vertical Story Studio works with platforms, production companies, producers, authors and publishers from first concept through pitch-ready property — either originating new IP or developing material already in your slate.
Full story bibles and additional sample episodes are available upon request. Public portfolio material is intentionally limited.
Start a ConversationServices
01
From concept through story bible and pitch-ready property.
02
Transform existing novels and stories into mobile-first serialized drama.
03
Episode structure, major arcs, reveals and cliffhanger progression.
04
Characters, world, conflict engine, season structure and long-form planning.
05
Short-form scripts built for fast pacing and episode-end hooks.
06
Developmental work, revisions, restructuring and producer notes.
07
AI-led vertical video production for proof-of-concept episodes, book marketing, character scenes and serialized short-form storytelling.
08
Adapt existing stories for English-language and Western audiences.
FAQ
Vertical drama — also called microdrama or short-form serialized drama — is scripted series storytelling made for a phone held upright. Episodes are short-form — often around one to two minutes — and a season may contain dozens of episodes or more, depending on the platform and series format.
It is the work of building the story before production: the engine, the season architecture, the characters, the reveal schedule and the cliffhanger progression — delivered as a story bible, pitch materials and sample episodes.
Yes. Original IP can be developed from scratch or to a platform brief, from initial concept through series architecture, pitch materials and a full story bible.
Yes. Full episodic development and screenwriting are available for commissioned projects. Initial development can also include series architecture, pitch materials and sample episodes before a full season moves into production.
Yes. Vertical Story Studio works remotely with platforms, producers, production companies, authors and publishers internationally.
Rights and licensing arrangements are discussed individually, per project. Original concepts shown here are unoptioned unless stated otherwise.
Begin
Whether you're looking for original IP, developing a new concept or adapting an existing story for vertical drama, start the conversation with Vertical Story Studio.
