Direct pipeline to an active studio producing for ReelShort, MyDrama, AltaTV, and Fox partners
First-look priority so your scripts are read before the open market
Classroom to hiring pathway with real opportunities for paid assignments
Format-native training so you write exactly what vertical platforms buy
Proven results with incubator writers already hired and produced by Embr
Faster entry into the industry in a high-volume, script-hungry market
Ongoing studio relationships that can lead to repeat work
Professional positioning as a writer inside a studio-recognized pipeline

EXCLUSIVE: UK microdrama producer Onset Octopus is claiming to the first British producer to independently finance and make a vertical video series for international distribution.

Cowboy Before Dark (working title) is the studio’s latest production, following a queer love story between two friends who reunite. Octavia McKenzie is the writer, with Elliot Eason – best known for Dramabox’s Mafia Obsession – and U.S. microdrama actor Adam Santa Cruz starring.

Onset Octopus founder Ben Pengilly is the producer, with his studio financing from development through to post, and Dan Lowenstein is the director. Read more...

EXCLUSIVE: John Lewis is launching muVpix, a new U.S. made vertical entertainment app, with two original series, the animated drama Whispervale, and the live-action thriller Swipe Left.

Swipe Left follows a sharp, ambitious young professional escaping a toxic relationship with her tech-CEO ex – only to download a dating app called LOVEZAP, which promises perfect AI-driven matches. When every man she connects with begins dying in increasingly brutal “accidents,” the line between algorithmic perfection and predatory design begins to blur. The series is directed by Casey Jackson and stars Sarah Moliski, Tyler Scherer, and Felix Merback, with production beginning this week. Read more...

Swipe left is written by Natalie Gergely.

📱 What You’ll Get in the Vertical Incubator:

✅ 6 Live Sessions Over 2 Weekends : This is an immersive, fast-paced incubator built to get results—3 days each weekend, with expert coaching and structured milestones.

✅ Personalized Feedback : Stay on track with direct notes—your chance to build withe real industry guidance.

✅ A Proven System to Write Vertical Series Fast: Use the exact process that got 2 vertical series greenlit in just 3 months. We’re not here to talk theory—we’re here to get it done.

✅ Targets that Keep You Moving: You’ll follow daily, doable goals that lead you straight to your completed draft by the end of the second weekend.

✅ Insider Access to What Producers Actually Want: Learn the emotional pacing, format tricks, and structural flow of vertical-first storytelling—and how to pitch it to the people who buy.

✅ A Focused, High-Velocity Creative Environment : Join a cohort of driven writers building bold, sellable series—together. It’s fast. It’s intensive. And it’s made for writers ready to break through.

"I’ve been writing screenplays for over five years, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I landed my first professional writing job less than six months after taking Isabel’s Vertical Masterclass. Isabel’s practical perspective on what it truly means to be a professional writer—and how to become one—is both invaluable and deeply insightful. Her enthusiasm for vertical storytelling is contagious, and her early recognition of the microdrama wave, along with her encouragement for students to jump in immediately, was genuinely inspiring.

Since then, I’ve taken her Vertical Incubator as well as her Christmas Masterclass, and I’ve gained something meaningful from every program. Her honest insights, practical approach, and straightforward advice make her a rare and exceptional teacher in the screenwriting world."

- Alison Bonn

"If you want to get into the vertical space, Isabel’s incubator is a must. She breaks down everything you need to know and if you do the work, you will walk away with a polished, complete first 10 episodes and outline. I learned so much, and I feel completely empowered to launch my vertical career. She gives you tips and tricks, solid advice, and her book is a manual that will answer all your questions that come after. The incubator totally demystifies the process and teaches you exactly what you need to do!"

- Kaci Hamilton

"I entered Isabel Drean’s Vertical Incubator as an experienced screenwriter, but I quickly realized I was learning a totally new language—the language of vertical storytelling. What sets this program apart isn’t just the deep dive into structure, hooks, and cliffhangers (though that’s incredibly valuable). It’s that Isabel trains you to think and work like a vertical professional. The intense pace of the program mirrors the industry itself: fast, focused, and deadline-driven. You don’t just learn how to write for the vertical format—you learn how to deliver creative results quickly, the way studios and platforms expect. If you’re serious about writing micro-dramas, this isn’t just a course—it’s a trial by fire. I came out of this program with not only a stronger portfolio, but with the confidence to thrive in this fast-moving space.
I can’t recommend it highly enough."

- Nicole Jones-Dion

"I've attended Isabel's free webinars, paid courses and a live course and one thing is consistent: each time, I have walked away with usable, actionable information that I was able to implement immediately!
She breaks down the screenwriting business in a way I have rarely seen. She teaches in a style that removes the 'overwhelm' factor and eliminates needless complexity to get you writing and writing quickly. On top of this, she shares tips, feedback, and helpful hints based on her own experience as a currently working screenwriter. Every time I complete one of her classes, I learn new things that help me gain more confidence in my ability to write screenplays.
I consider her teaching to be extremely value-packed because of the amount of detail she includes in every class. In fact, I often go back and rewatch the course recordings because there is so much detail that you rarely catch everything in the live session or the first course viewing."

- Participant

"I can't recommend this vertical microdrama incubator highly enough. Isabel truly knows her stuff, and her reputation precedes her. What stood out most was how genuinely invested she is in her students' success—she gave so generously of her time, insight, and encouragement, offering detailed feedback that improved my work. The course gave me both the skills and confidence I needed to produce compelling vertical content. If you're serious about giving your journey into vertical microdrama the best possible chance of succeeding, this course isn't just helpful, it's essential."

- Rebecca Colby

"I joined Isabel's incubator program after watching her webinar on "verticals." It was immediately clear that she is not only an expert and a leader in the field, but also a genuinely caring mentor. I signed up for the program on my birthday as a gift to myself, and I am so thankful I made that choice.
I am now well on my way to mastering this fast-moving narrative feature form. Isabel goes above and beyond, providing thorough classes and detailed notes on our work. I particularly appreciated the one-on-one coaching and live project reviews, which offered practical suggestions and creative ideas. Her goal is truly to develop the best writers in this rapidly growing community.
I highly recommend Isabel’s class to anyone who wants to learn how to write verticals effectively. You won't find a better value or instructor."

- Suzanne Riley Moneymaker

“I had never heard of Verticals until I joined Isabel’s Vertical Masterclass. I immediately knew it was for me and signed up for the Vertical Incubator. In just two weeks, I refined my logline, wrote my synopsis, built a poster, created an outline for 40 episodes and completed a 70-page script. Every word was reviewed multiple times until it was pitch perfect. After the incubator, I wrote another Vertical and within weeks I had a shopping agreement.
Isabel genuinely cares about the writer’s journey and knows how to make stories stand out. She consistently provides opportunities, guidance, and advice whenever we need it. Her investment of time and expertise in our writing is truly unique in the industry. I continue to take her courses because the value she provides is unmatched.”

- Asmaa Jamil

"During my time in the March Vertical Incubator, Isabel was booking paid assignments, premiering two vertical series, on speaker panels, and somehow preparing a masterclass for a group of writers from another country. Meanwhile, she was still giving every single student detailed feedback and helping us build strong outlines and a writing sample like a true master. I’m convinced she gets high on caffeinated mints. She’s not just teaching it. She’s in it! A real, working writer with her finger on the pulse of the vertical micro drama world. She can spot a cliffhanger from a mile away and will make it drive harder. Whether you are a beginner or experienced writer, it doesn’t really matter. You might think you know what you are doing, until Isabel expertly challenges you to level up. If you’re serious about becoming a vertical writer, this is it. Don’t overthink it. Don’t circle back. Join the waitlist. Yes, I said waitlist because it might already be sold out by the time you finish reading this testimonial. So join the Vertical Incubator now. Seriously."

- Victor Ho

“I’ve never had an experience like this before. It’s a fully immersive experience keeping you on the hook, day after day, paired with loads of encouragement. Isabel broke down writing vertical into clear, manageable steps that you had to take at speed - perfect for the overthinking, perfectionist mind. She was able to direct our strengths and weaknesses and give constructive advice on how to move forward in strength. It was an honour to be taught by a seasoned screenwriter who pours so much heart, time and energy into her students. From where I started in skill and knowledge of (vertical) writing to where I left her class was exponential. I’m pretty sure this incubator has entirely changed the trajectory of my career.”

~ Gusty Vong

"I was very nervous about starting the incubator because teachers matter so much and good ones can be hard to find, but Isabel was incredible. She was tough but helpful, generous with her time, and so determined to see us succeed. She extended herself in any way she could if it meant helping us improve and she worked so hard alongside us to push our projects to the best version they could be. The incubator was intense but I learned so much--lessons I'll take with me into vertical writing and beyond. Thank you Isabel!"

~ Eleonora Saravalle

“I am in awe of Isabel’s laser-focused ability to see story structure, unravel plot tangles, and most importantly, motivate writers to push through, even when it feels impossible. Between her practical, no-nonsense approach, great sense of humour, and deep understanding of the needs of this rapidly evolving industry, Isabel’s mentorship itself is pure gold. The Incubator is not for the faint of heart – but it’s definitely for those who want to go all in and push themselves to be better writers. Ten thumbs up!”

~Ali Gordaneer

Ready to Break Into the Vertical Series Boom?

Wondering how to create something that’s fast-paced, addictive, and sellable?

🎯 I’ve got you covered.

NEWS UPDATE: First Look Deal with Embr Entertainment

Onset Octopus Claims UK Vertical Video First With ‘Cowboy Before Dark’ Drama Business Model

‘Den Of Thieves’ Actor John Lewis Launches Vertical Entertainment App muVpix

Love Score

This incubator is for you if...

📱 What You’ll Get in the Vertical Incubator:

Testimonials

Ready to Break Into the Vertical Series Boom?Wondering how to create something that’s fast-paced, addictive, and sellable?

🎯 I’ve got you covered.

NEWS UPDATE: First Look Deal with Embr Entertainment

Onset Octopus Claims UK Vertical Video First With ‘Cowboy Before Dark’ Drama Business Model

‘Den Of Thieves’ Actor John Lewis Launches Vertical Entertainment App muVpix

Love Score

This incubator is for you if...

📱 What You’ll Get in the Vertical Incubator:

Testimonials

Ready to Break Into the Vertical Series Boom?

Wondering how to create something that’s fast-paced, addictive, and sellable?