Tides of Desire – A New Wave in Vertical Storytelling
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Vertical web dramas have quickly evolved from novelty content to a full-blown phenomenon, with fans across the globe craving romance, tension, and escapism in bite-sized episodes. But with that growth has also come a rise in toxicity—storylines relying on shock value, abuse, and outdated tropes.
Thankfully, creatives are rewriting the rules.
One of the most promising voices in this movement is Carin Smolinski, the driving force behind Tides of Desire, a new vertical web series that blends breathtaking visuals, meaningful storytelling, and conscious values—all filmed on location in Costa Rica.
💬 What Is Tides of Desire?
Tides of Desire is not just another spicy drama—it’s a bold attempt to redefine the vertical genre. Created, written, and directed by Carin Smolinski, the series dives into love, inner conflict, and the emotional waves that come with real connection.
With a cast and crew representing many nationalities, the show emphasizes inclusion and diversity both on-screen and behind the scenes. Its production was rooted in environmental care, values-driven storytelling, and a commitment to portraying consensual intimacy and healthy relationships—a refreshing contrast to many current titles in VertiLand.
🎬 The Woman Behind the Wave
Carin Smolinski is no stranger to vertical storytelling. As an actress, she’s appeared in over 20 Vertical Series, but her desire to challenge the status quo led her to create WEC Films (“We See Films”)—a production company committed to authentic, collaborative, and respectful filmmaking.
Armed with entrepreneurial experience building seven-figure businesses and a lifelong love for acting, Smolinski decided to self-fund Tides of Desire in order to maintain full creative control. Working alongside her son, Indiana Wilson, as Director of Photography, the mother-son duo captured the spirit of the story in cinematic frames.
🧭 A New Model for Vertical Production
Unlike many vertical series—which are adapted from international scripts and produced under tight creative constraints—Tides of Desire was born from scratch, guided by Smolinski’s personal values.
💡 No coercion, no assault, no glamorized abuse.
🌿 No single-use plastics on set.
🗣️ Accents and diversity embraced, not erased.
This self-written, self-funded, values-based model is a blueprint for where Vertical can—and should—go next.
🎤 Exclusive Interview with Carin Smolinski: Behind the Scenes of Tides of Desire
As part of our special FanTalk on the evolution of Vertical Series, we spoke with actress, writer, director, and producer Carin Smolinski, the visionary behind Tides of Desire. From inspiration to production challenges, here’s what she shared with us.
What inspired you to create Tides of Desire, and why was this the story you wanted to tell first?
Carin:
Tides of Desire was born from my deep desire for more authentic narratives in the vertical space — and a passion project I wanted to create with my son. This story really resonated with me because it explores love, loss, and personal growth, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Costa Rica.
It felt like the perfect project to launch WEC Films. It blends everything I love: rich storytelling, stunning visuals, emotional connection, and values-driven production. We still have that signature “vertical spice,” but it’s told in a way that honors both the masculine and feminine energy of our characters.
What core themes or messages were most important to you while writing and directing?
Carin:
At WEC Films, we’re fully committed to values-based production. That means no gratuitous violence, abuse, coercion, or non-consensual content. Our focus is on consent, emotional depth, and connection.
We want to show that Vertical Series can be dramatic and sexy — without resorting to harmful tropes. Creating an inclusive set and casting actors with diverse backgrounds and accents was also very important to me. These stories should reflect the world we live in.
How did the experience of self-funding and producing compare to your previous work as an actress?
Carin:
This was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Self-funding gave me full creative control — but it also meant I had to manage everything.
We had a 32-person team on set in Costa Rica. Between the weather, wildlife (yes, scorpions!), surf injuries, and logistics, it was a lot. But I’m so proud of how we took care of one another. One crew member even said, “I’ve never felt more cared for on a production.” That, to me, is a success.
And yes… we had a masseuse on set! 😄
What can fans expect from Tides of Desire in terms of tone, characters, and style?
Carin:
Fans can expect a visually stunning, sun-soaked romance full of layered characters, emotional beats, and of course — some surf culture! 🌊
You’ll find:
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🏄♀️ Surf sessions and real wipeouts
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☀️ Sunkissed drama (and real sunburns!)
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🏃♂️ Baywatch-style slow-mo
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🎭 Three parallel love stories with depth
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❌ No slaps, abuse, or humiliation — just storytelling rooted in truth
We’re still giving you the drama and twists Vertical fans love — just with a healthier, more intentional approach.
What’s one thing you hope viewers feel after watching the series?
Carin:
I hope they feel like they’ve been on an unforgettable adventure. Tides of Desire is meant to be immersive — I want people to feel the heat, the heartbreak, the connection.
It’s a story about healing, growing, and diving into life fully. If viewers walk away feeling seen, inspired, or simply entertained, then we’ve done our job.
🙏 A huge thank you to Carin Smolinski for sharing her insight, passion, and vision with us. Your dedication to reshaping the Vertical space through creativity, integrity, and heart is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what’s next from you and WEC Films! 🌊🎬
📢 The Trailer Is Out Now!
The official trailer for Tides of Desire is now live on Instagram, and it’s everything fans hoped for—lush scenery, emotional stakes, and sizzling chemistry without the toxicity.
You can check it out at @tides_of_desire_vertical, or follow Carin’s journey on @carinsmolinski, @wec.films, and @indiana_wilson_films.