Vertical Storytelling

Course Details

Screen Alliance Wales (SAW) has been developing a pilot Vertical Drama training and production initiative, funded by Media Cymru, aimed at building practical skills and creative pathways around this rapidly emerging storytelling format.

The programme is intended to combine open-access training, writers’ room development and practical production experience, creating opportunities for emerging and early-to-mid career writers, crew and producers across Wales.

Vertical Drama is evolving rapidly as a global content format, particularly in relation to mobile-first viewing, fast-turnaround production and audience engagement. The ambition behind this pilot is to ensure Welsh creatives and companies are part of that conversation early, while also creating accessible and practical routes into production experience and creative progression.

The programme has been designed to retain the collaborative, industry-facing ethos of SAW while creating opportunities for genuine partnership between broadcasters, production companies, education and emerging talent.

Programme Overview

Understanding Vertical Storytelling (an introduction)

Date: Tuesday 13^th October, 09:30 – 17:30
Venue:  Cornerstone, Charles Street, Cardiff, CF10 2GA
Places Available:  50

Morning Session (09:30-13:00)

An open-access introductory masterclass exploring the Vertical Drama landscape and the opportunities it presents creatively and commercially, with a keynote address from leading micro drama consultant, Jen Cooper (Vertical Drama Love).

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Have an overview of the production landscape for micro dramas and vertical series
• Differentiate vertical storytelling from traditional film and tv
• Understand the market and commercialisation opportunities
• Gain practical insights into audience growth, platform strategy and monetisation
• What it takes to develop, perform and produce original micro-drama content
• Identify future opportunities

The aim is for this to be broad, accessible and practical, and perfect for film makers, new and established, looking to expand their audience through mobile-first storytelling, writers interested in creating vertical micro-dramas and creatives and performers looking to explore the next frontier in storytelling.

Afternoon Session (14:00 – 17:30)

A second open-access masterclass focused on the practical / technical side of making Vertical Drama, with insights from producers, directors and actors who have hands on experience of working within this new genre.

Sessions would include:

• Camera, lighting and sound demonstrations
• Editing and post-production
• AI and rapid-production tools
• Acting for Vertical Drama masterclass

The emphasis would again be on accessibility and practical application showing how high-quality content can be developed using agile and scalable production approaches.

This workshop would also act as preparation for early career participants keen to progress onto our upcoming production training.

Writers’ Room Development (2 x 1 day writer’s rooms)

Date: Tuesday 3^rd November, 10:00-18:00
Venue:  Wolf Studios, Cardiff (English Language) | Aria Studios, Llangefni (Welsh Language)
Places available: 10

Ten shortlisted writers would take part in two collaborative writers’ rooms developing:

• One English-language Vertical Drama mini-series, in partnership with Bad Wolf (5 places)
• One Welsh-language Vertical Drama mini-series, in partnership with Rondo (5 places)

The rooms would be overseen by experienced script editors/showrunners, with each writer contributing one episode draft under first-draft agreements and NDAs.

IP ownership would initially sit with SAW, with the understanding that any future commercial development would proceed under standard Writers’ Guild terms and agreements.

More importantly, the rooms would give writers direct experience of collaborative story development and rapid-turnaround content creation within a professional environment.

The 10 shortlisted writers would also be required to attend the ‘Understanding Vertical Storytelling’ training on Tuesday 13th October. 

Training Provider(s) & Industry Partners

Screen Alliance Wales is a not-for-profit organisation that recognises the global potential of the film and TV industry in Wales.  It grows and promotes the talent, crew and services of the film and TV industry in Wales. SAW provide training & development opportunities to equip Welsh crew with the necessary skills for production – utilising both our unique studio and online learning platform.

Jen Cooper is an experienced and engaging public speaker whose website Vertical Drama Love is the UK “bible” for fans and producers of vertical drama. Jen is regularly invited to share insights on the rise of vertical dramas and digital storytelling, and has been featured on national and international platforms including BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, as well as at live industry events.

Delivery Details

How this Works

This programme is fully funded by Media Cymru and is delivered in partnership with Screen Alliance Wales, and supported by industry partners including Bad Wolf, Rondo Media and Fivefold Studios.

Who can apply?

The training is open to any Welsh or Wales-based emerging, early-to-mid-career TV creatives, freelancers and writers interested in creating vertical micro-dramas and creatives and performers looking to explore the next frontier in storytelling.

Numbers for the ‘1. Understanding Vertical Storytelling’ day will be capped at 50.  All attendees must attend both the morning and afternoon sessions.

10 writers will be shortlisted for the ‘2. Writer’s Room Development’ opportunity in either North or South Wales.

Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for participants travelling from locations more than 30 miles outside the training catchment area.

In addition, each writer participating in the Writers Rooms sessions will receive a £200 training stipend.

All sessions will be in person.

When and where?

• Application deadline 17:00 Tuesday 1 September 2026
• Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 11 September 2026

We ask that you ensure, you can commit to the relevant training dates:

• 13th October, 09:30-17:30, Cornerstone, Cardiff CF10 2GA
• 3rd November 10:00-18:00, Aria Studios, Llangefni, North Wales OR
• 3rd November 10:00-18:00, Wolf Studios, Cardiff (Writers only)

NB: All writers will be expected to attend the introductory training day at USW

Access and Accessibility

If you have any specific requirements that would make this application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language) please email: media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact:  media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk