Storytellers, I've been talking about vertical dramas for a while — and now Issa Rae just proved the point. She dropped ScreenTime on TikTok and redefined what verticals can be. Different genre, same format, massive success. This isn't a fluke. It's a blueprint. Verticals work across genres, and the barrier to entry is lower than ever. You don't need a studio deal or a massive budget. You need a strong concept, a tight script, and the willingness to execute. I break down exactly how to follow this blueprint in our latest YouTube video — how to make and distribute your own vertical drama on your terms. Ready to build yours? Join the Script & Production Accelerator and create your own vertical drama from concept to distribution.

Essence Film Festival by Essence Studios; Narrative Features, Documentary Films, Shorts, Social Impact, Stories, Screenplay/Teleplay, and Vertical Films! Deadline Apr 30

I want to hear from you. What would you like to see more of inside The StoryTellers Hub? More live sessions? Script feedback? Writing challenges? Breakdown videos? Resources on outlining, character development, or production? This space is for you, so your input matters. Drop your ideas in the comments and let me know what would help you grow the most as a screenwriter or filmmaker.

Four BFI NETWORK Hubs have teamed up with the ScreenSkills Animation Skills Fund to create this new lab for writers to develop, experiment, and expand their skills and understanding of storytelling in animation. Date - 29 Jun, 00:00 - 30 Sept 2026, 00:00 Location - online Price - Free Application deadline - 11 May 2026 Career stages - Early

What are you working on this week? Drop your focus for the week in the comments, and don’t stop there. What are your next concrete steps? Not just the big goal, but the immediate action you’re taking to move your project forward. And if you’re stuck, share that too so we can help you move forward. Let’s make it a productive week.