From Slate Magazine · · 1m
Vertical Microdramas Are Saving Hollywood (Until AI Kills Them)
90-second soap operas with pregnant werewolves are keeping the industry afloat, but AI threatens to end the party.
In brief
90-second soap operas with pregnant werewolves are keeping the industry afloat, but AI threatens to end the party. Vertical microdramas are the smartphone era's answer to soap operas, and they're one of the few bright spots in a struggling Hollywood. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Meet the vertical microdrama
These are 90-second soap opera clips made for smartphones. Think pregnant werewolves, surprise quadruplets, and cursed billionaires.
They're keeping Hollywood afloat
During a turbulent time for the entertainment industry, these ridiculous short-form stories are actually sustaining the business.
Fans love the absurdity
Dedicated viewers are tuning in for these poorly-written, over-the-top stories. The ridiculousness is part of the appeal.
“They're ridiculous and poorly-written, and we must protect them at all costs.”
Soap operas for smartphones
Vertical microdramas are the next evolution of TV, designed specifically for how people consume content on their phones today.
AI is already threatening them
This rare good thing in entertainment is facing an existential threat from artificial intelligence before it's even fully taken off.
The one thing
Vertical microdramas are the smartphone era's answer to soap operas, and they're one of the few bright spots in a struggling Hollywood.
