Inside the Microdrama:
Crafting a Binge-Worth Story
VFS IN-PRODUCTION BOOTCAMP
CREATE A MICRODRAMA EPISODE AND EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF SHORT-FORM STORYTELLING.
Collaborate with industry writers, actors, directors, and producers to create the first episode of an original microdrama in an immersive 2-day bootcamp.
MONIKA DALMAN
Producer and Casting Director
From non-union commercials to UBCP/ACTRA and SAG features, Monika Dalman's casting expertise knows no bounds, especially in the rapidly evolving vertical storytelling space. As a Co-Founder of the Vertical Film & Short-form Storytelling Alliance (VFSSA), she has been a trailblazer in this revolutionary format, championing the rise of mobile-first narratives and uniting creators, platforms, and talent to redefine how stories are told and consumed.
DOM CUTRUPI
Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Dom Cutrupi is an Italian-Canadian director, screenwriter, and producer. In 2024, he began directing for the fast-growing vertical series format and has since directed approximately 30 verticals. His micro-drama Mafia’s Tender Torture became the most-watched vertical series in the world (outside of China) in 2025. His work includes series for ReelShort, DramaBox and DramaWave, establishing him as a leading voice in vertical storytelling.
ALICIA READ
Actor and Producer
Alicia Read is an American-Canadian actor and producer whose screen work has reached more than 450 million viewers across leading vertical microdrama platforms including ReelShort, GoodShort, and DramaWave. In fall 2025, she produced and co-starred in the first Canadian ReelShort Original. Known for broad performance range and professional advocacy, she has emerged as one of the defining faces of the vertical microdrama format.
KENDYLL TWA
Actor
A Vancouver Film School Acting for Film & Television graduate, Kendyll Twa began performing in musical theatre and stage productions before moving to Vancouver in 2022. Known for her captivating screen presence and emotionally driven performances, Kendyl has emerged as one of the leading faces in the growing world of vertical films. Her credits include The Billionaire’s Fake Wife (2026), Love Reset Game (2026), and The Deal with Love (2024).
JULIA VYSHENVSKA
Actor
Julia Vyshenvska is a Ukrainian actress and filmmaker. She studied Acting for Film at Ukraine’s National Film School and has appeared in more than 10 film projects and 15 theatre plays. In Ireland, she played the leading role in the short film Melody by Samuel Crystal. In 2021, she played leading roles in five plays: Warmwoods, Death of the government clerk, Station, Miss Julie and A month in the village. She wrote and starred in Ukrainian short film Experiment which won a UNESCO award in 2021.
How It Works
A microdrama is a bite-sized, vertically formatted video series designed for smartphone viewing. Episodes typically run one to two minutes and hook audiences with fast-paced storytelling and cliffhanger endings. Throughout this bootcamp, you'll collaborate with industry professionals to develop and produce the first episode of an original microdrama.
The event kicks off on Saturday, July 11 with an Industry Panel on creating microdramas across all departments, followed by hands-on workshops. Production day takes place on Sunday, July 12. Select acting participants will perform on camera, while all other participants will observe & assist with production. By the end of the event, you’ll have completed a rough cut of the first episode, which will be publicly shared to YouTube at a later date.
In-Production Bootcamp:
Industry Panel and Workshops
Saturday, July 11 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PDT | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street
Microdrama Production Day
Sunday, July 12 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PDT | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street
*Register as an Observer (no hands-on work) OR as a Participant (actor, writer, or director)
Observer: $50
Participant: $150
Ensure that you scroll through the entire registration form below for all options.
What to Expect at the Bootcamp
Register as an actor, writer, or director – your choice! On Saturday, all participants will attend an Industry Panel, hosted by VFS’s Head of Acting Omari Newton and featuring Monika Dalman, Alicia Read, Kendyll Twa, Dom Cutrupi, and actor Yuliia Yvshnevska. The panelists will share anecdotes from their careers, as well as provide insights into the making of successful microdramas and the state of this growing industry, followed by a Q&A.
Then, you’ll break into groups for hands-on workshops. Actors will receive 1-on-1 coaching with Monika and Alicia on auditioning & performing for microdramas, while writers & directors will work with Dom to write & pitch their version of the scene. Based on your audition/pitch, select actors will be chosen to perform in the production, while one script will be chosen to shoot, and one director will be chosen to shadow Dom.
Sunday is production day! Participants that are not selected will gain valuable insight by observing and assisting with the production process. The completed scene will be edited after the event and shared on YouTube for all participants to view and share.
FAQ
1. Do I need prior experience?
No. This bootcamp welcomes aspiring actors, writers, directors, and creators who want hands-on experience with the microdrama production process.
2. What registration options do I have?
You can register as either an Observer or a Participant. Observers attend the Industry Panel and watch the workshops and production process but do not take part in the hands-on activities. Participants choose to register as an actor, writer, or director and actively collaborate in the workshops and production experience.
3. Will everyone perform or direct the final production?
No. Select actors, one script, and one assistant director will be chosen for the filmed production. Other participants will observe and assist throughout production, gaining behind-the-scenes experience.
4. What will I create during the bootcamp?
Participants will collaborate to produce the first episode of an original microdrama, resulting in a rough cut that will later be edited and shared publicly on YouTube.
5. Is the Industry Panel included with registration?
Yes. All registered participants attend the Industry Panel before breaking into their respective workshops.
6.Where does the bootcamp take place?
The event is held at the VFS Film Campus at 151 West Cordova Street in Vancouver.
7.Will I receive a finished copy of the project?
Yes. Once post-production is complete, the finished microdrama will be uploaded to YouTube for participants to watch and share.
8.Is this bootcamp suitable if I'm interested in the film or television industry generally?
Absolutely. The skills explored – including storytelling, directing, acting, collaboration, and production – translate across many forms of screen-based media.