You may have heard the term microdrama (also called a vertical drama, short drama or micro-series) and wondered what exactly a microdrama is? Are all microdramas the same? Not quite.

In my journey of learning about microdramas, one thing stuck with me: All microdramas are verticals, but not all verticals are microdramas.

So what is the difference?

Most vertical and short dramas are serialised stories told in short vertical-video episodes (9:16 portrait framing), are typically around one to two minutes each, and made specifically to be watched on a mobile phone. However, a microdrama follows a very specific format. It’s not just a TV or Film production that has been edited into vertical framing. In a microdrama, every episode has required elements including ending on a cliff-hanger that pulls the viewer into the next episode, in a series that can run from around ten episodes to a hundred or more.

I’m Racheal Leigh, an Australian microdrama screenwriter, producer and director. I write and produce vertical dramas, license microdrama scripts to other producers and filmmakers, and teach interested screenwriters how to work in the format. This section brings together everything I’ve learned.