The Evolution of Vertical Dramas

posted on July 30

A New Wave in VertiLand?

Have you ever found yourself tired of toxic romances, misogyny, constant humiliation, and violence in Vertical Series? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not overreacting.

In today’s FanTalk, we’re diving into how the Vertical Drama space has evolved, the growing concerns among fans, and the creatives who are actively working to build a better VertiLand.

📈 The Rise of VertiLand: A Rapid Timeline

It’s wild to think that this space is still so young — yet has changed so much in so little time:

2022: The very first US vertical, The CEO’s Contract Wife, premiered on ReelShort.
2023: Two major platforms, ReelShort and ShortTV (now ShortMax), began launching original content.
2024: An explosion of new apps and endless verticals flooded the internet.
2025: A thriving fanbase emerged across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and beyond.

That’s just three years since it all began — with 2024 marking the real boom. But with so many series released daily, the overwhelm is real, and not every trend has been welcome.

😓 From Escapism to Exhaustion

When I started watching Verticals in early 2024, most were sweet, fun, and full of chaotic drama queens and flirty CEOs. But lately?
The tone has shifted.

We’re seeing a rise in violence, toxic relationships, body shaming, and constant humiliation of female leads. It’s exhausting — especially when we came here for the cheesy pickup lines and over-the-top declarations of love.

Many of us use Vertical Dramas as escapism, not to be emotionally drained by content that glamorizes abuse. Talking with other fans, I realized I’m not alone — a lot of us feel disappointed, even disillusioned, especially by the biggest apps who don’t seem to hear us.

🚫 Why I Stopped Reviewing Toxic Verticals

After realizing how little viewer feedback affects the platforms, I made a personal choice:
I no longer review or promote toxic series — not even to criticize them.

Because attention is still attention. Even if people watch out of curiosity, a view is a view — and the platforms only see the numbers. Once you finish a series, it’s too late. They already got what they wanted.

It’s disheartening. But not hopeless.

🎬 Meet the Creatives Fighting Back

Thankfully, there are creatives who see the same issues we do — and they’re using their power to make change.

✨ Alexandria Watts wrote Frozen Hearts and Fiery Love (ShortMax)
✨ Adam Santa Cruz wrote A Hollywood Match (ShortMax) and wrote and co-produced Campus Rivals (Vigloo)
✨ Eric Guilmette & Noemi VanSlyke co-produced the highly anticipated Love & Blood
✨ Kylie Karson is working on a new platform: CheraTV

These are just a few examples of artists taking storytelling into their own hands.

🎥 Spotlight: WEC Films & Carin Smolinski

One of the most exciting initiatives is WEC Films (pronounced “We See Films”), a production company founded by Canadian actress Carin Smolinski.

Carin is an actress and Meisner-trained performer who returned to her passion after years of building seven-figure businesses and raising a family. With over 20 Vertical Series under her belt, she now steps into new roles as writer, director, and producer with her upcoming project Tides of Desire, co-created with her son, Director of Photography Indiana Wilson. Together, they’re making waves with the first tropical surf-themed Vertical Series.

And who better to share her vision than Carin herself?
That’s why I had the chance to ask her a few questions about WEC Films.

🎭 Q&A Session with Carin Smolinski: Building Something New, The Vision of WEC Films

You’ve acted in over 20 Vertical Series — how have you seen the space evolve since you started?

Carin:
First and foremost, I want to share that I absolutely love VertiLand! It has been such a wonderful experience for me over the past year to have the opportunity to work with so many great companies and talented actors. That passion is what drives me to help evolve the genre in a positive way.

We work HARD in this industry, and we want to be proud of what we create and the stories we tell. As an actress, I’ve definitely seen the writing improve significantly, and there are better conditions on most sets. The production quality has also increased, and we’re starting to see some evolution in storylines and themes. However, it sometimes feels like we take two steps forward and one step back.

What do you think are the biggest strengths of the Vertical format right now? And the biggest challenges?

Carin:
The biggest strength of the vertical format is its mass appeal. It’s a fantastic opportunity for actors to build large followings quickly, and the fans are absolutely AMAZING — as demonstrated by fan pages such as vertical advocate and fan Aline of @i.love.verticals!

There’s also the fun escapism Verticals offer. But challenges persist: oversaturation in the market can push content to become more extreme just to grab attention. The rising costs can drive away die-hard fans, which is concerning. And of course, some toxic tropes and problematic storylines are holding the genre back. I remain hopeful and committed to helping shape a more positive future.

As someone who’s seen both sides — toxic plots vs. healthier ones — how does it affect you personally and professionally?

Carin:
Despite the challenges, I believe we can continue to push for better diversity, representation, and storytelling in the Vertical space.

It’s important to address harmful tropes — like the misconception that these shows are soft porn — which makes it harder for actors who don’t want to participate in overly sexualized content.

There are also clickbait titles that get changed after filming, making it difficult for actors to include them on their resumes. Not to mention the reality that non-lead actors and background performers may be earning minimum wage (or less) for long, demanding days.

As an industry, we can and should strive for equity, whether that’s pay parity between male and female actors or fair compensation for Canadian talent vs. U.S. imports.

I think of this phase as VertiLand’s “Wild West” era — still chaotic, but evolving. Organizations like VFSSA, led by Alicia Love and Monika Dalman, are doing amazing advocacy work to push the space forward.

What inspired you to create your own production company, WEC Films?

Carin:
I started WEC Films because I wanted to bring together a group of passionate creatives and tell stories we could truly be proud of — whether in vertical or horizontal format. “We See Films” is about amplifying diverse perspectives and telling stories that resonate.

Getting to work alongside my son, Director of Photography Indiana Wilson, has been a dream. Filming Tides of Desire in Costa Rica was a life-changing adventure and an incredibly collaborative experience. It’s all about making something fresh, real, and cinematic.

How do you approach balancing authentic messaging with the fast-paced, dramatic tone VertiLand is known for?

Carin:
It’s all about finding the sweet spot. In the fast-paced, short-form format, we need to keep viewers hooked while still offering emotional depth. I focus on creating multi-dimensional characters whose arcs intertwine with the drama.

That way, even in 1–2 minute scenes, we can still explore big themes and heartfelt moments. The goal is to entertain and resonate — to be dramatic without losing authenticity. It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it.

Do you see WEC Films as a space for collaboration with other Vertical actors and creatives?

Carin:
Absolutely! WEC Films is just getting started, and I see it as a collaborative hub for vertical actors, writers, and producers who share this vision.

We’ve got several exciting projects in the works — including a sequel to Tides of Desire, some passion projects, and even an independent film. I’m thrilled to keep building this with Indiana and a growing team of creatives who are just as passionate about changing the space.

What advice would you give to emerging creatives who want to write or produce in the Vertical space — but don’t know where to start?

Carin:
Start with your voice. Figure out what stories matter to you and create from that place. Don’t be afraid to experiment — Vertical is still new, and there’s room to invent and shape what it becomes.

Embrace the challenges, and push for narratives that inspire. And most of all… just DO IT!
You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. Focus on the experience, not the outcome — and let your passion shine through in everything you create.

🙏 Huge thanks to Carin Smolinski for taking the time to answer my questions and share her vision for the future of VertiLand. Your passion, honesty, and creativity are truly inspiring — we can’t wait to see what’s next! 🌊🎬

🌊 Final Thoughts

VertiLand may still be in its messy growing phase, but change is happening — and Carin Smolinski is proof of that.

With Tides of Desire, she’s not just telling a story — she’s helping lead a movement: one that values integrity, beauty, collaboration, and a future where love isn’t built on pain.

This is the kind of evolution VertiLovers have been hoping for — and it’s only the beginning.

✨ Want to know more about Tides of Desire?
Stay tuned — part 2 of the interview with Carin dedicated to Tides of Desire is coming to the blog in just a few days. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.