Night Train Media and Spirit Studios are launching a new vertical micro-drama series, entering into funded development with plans to distribute the production globally through Night Train Digital. The series will be one of the first of its kind developed in the UK and will feature a curated collective of emerging British writers and actors.
Short-form vertical video is the fastest-growing segment in the global video market, with platforms such as ReelShort, DramaBox, and ShortMax experiencing rapid expansion. Industry forecasts project that vertical drama will generate $14 billion in global revenue by 2027, making it a strategic target for content studios looking to engage younger audiences.
Herbert L. Kloiber, CEO of Night Train Media Group, commented, “The global explosion in vertical content is something we’ve followed closely and our aim is now to elevate the quality in this space by bringing top class writing and acting talent to the production. NTM’s core business of scripted drama development, combined with the expertise in digital exploitation that we’ve been growing at Night Train Digital, makes this the perfect marriage for us, and we’re so excited to be doing it in collaboration with the team at Spirit.”
The production will experiment with cross-platform storytelling tools, including companion podcasts, behind-the-scenes content, and new forms of viewer engagement tailored to mobile-first platforms. Matt Campion, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Spirit Studios, said, “We’re hugely excited to launch our first vertical drama at Spirit Studios. Entertainment is increasingly being consumed vertically, and as a multi-platform production studio we’re perfectly placed to create scripted content designed for the platforms people watch on. We’re embracing the challenge of pushing the boundaries of short-form storytelling and experimenting with companion podcasts, behind-the-scenes content and new audience experiences, with the ambition of building mobile-first brands that grow into books, films and other global cultural touchpoints.”
Neil Francis, Managing Director of Night Train Digital, added, “This project aligns perfectly with our vision to not only exploit traditional rights but also to develop digital-first content that can form a key part of our future growth. Off the back of our ‘Virtually Parkinson’ AI podcast, this development enables NTD to continue to push boundaries and experiment with formats that evolve the distribution landscape.”
Recruitment for creative talent is currently underway. Further details of the project will be revealed at the Mipcom Creative Hub panel titled “Inside Vertical Drama: Next Gen Storytelling,” taking place on Wednesday, October 15, in Cannes.