DECEMBER 2026 · LIVE ON ZOOM

Write the vertical series producers and platforms are seeking, in 10 days.

Live, hands-on, with vertical expert and digital visionary Isabel Dréan: 5 vertical series produced in 12 months, 4 of them #1.

December 4–6 & December 11–13, 2026 · Live on Zoom · 8 AM PT
Waitlist price: $2,997 (payment plan available)
Isabel Dréan, screenwriter, producer and director
ISABEL DRÉAN'S
VERTICAL
INCUBATOR
DEC 4–6 & 11–13, 2026
5 in 12
5 series produced in 12 months
4× #1
4 #1 series In the US
Sold Out
All Incubators of 2026
48%
Of our writers produced or hired within a year
NYT
Featured in The New York Times Magazine

What you'll get in the Vertical Incubator

6 live sessions in 10 days.

An immersive, fast-paced incubator built to get results: 6 live sessions over 10 days, with expert coaching and structured milestones.

Vertical Incubator live workshop

Personalized feedback

Stay on track with direct notes, your chance to build with real industry guidance.

A proven system to write vertical series fast

Use the exact process behind 5 vertical series produced in 12 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 day 10.

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.

Live on Zoom

December 4-6 and 11-13, 2026. Starts 8 AM PT, with a second group at 10 AM PT. Sessions up to 5 hours, and replays for life.

Six sessions. 10 days. Your sample, done.

Yes, I'm inDecember 4-6 & 11-13 · Live on Zoom

This Incubator is for you if:

01
You are ready to get hired and paid as a writer.
02
You want a process to keep audiences engaged.
03
You want to finish a script fast.
04
You have a vertical idea but don't know how to execute it.
05
You want a reliable method to write marketable scripts.
Craving My British Cowboy poster
Build a Boyfriend poster, GammaTime

New on GammaTime

Build a Boyfriend hit #1 in the US.

Isabel's newest vertical series, a romantic comedy for GammaTime. Brilliant AI engineer Quinn Anderson builds the perfect man: kind, loyal, and incapable of lying. Then he starts making choices no code can explain.

HURRY! SIGN UP TODAY!

Alumni spotlight

Award winners and firsts.

Swipe Left poster
Vertical of the YearThe VERTIES 2026 · 5 awards

Swipe Left by Natalie Gergely

Developed in the Incubator. At the 2026 VERTIES it won Vertical of the Year, Best Script and Best Edit, and Natalie won the Visionary Pen award. She also won an Apollo Award for writing it at the LA Vertical Drama Market.

Circle of Lies posterFirst Gold review on aTwist

Circle of Lies by Nicole Jones-Dion

A microdrama thriller produced in partnership with Kevin Hart's Hartbeat. The first series on aTwist to receive a GOLD review from Vertical Drama Love.

SuperFan posterThe All-American Rejects

SuperFan, revisions by Natalie Gergely

The first-ever microdrama series from a musical act, on CandyJar. The All-American Rejects made it to launch Sandbox, their first album in 14 years.

Write the series that gets you hired.

Join the December IncubatorDecember 4-6 & 11-13 · Live on Zoom

Our writers aren't practicing. They're getting produced and hired.

The Sweetest Challenge poster
The Sweetest Challengeby Dena Dizdar Plumer · DramaShorts
Love Score poster
Love Scoreby Alison Bonn
Revenge From the Dead poster
Revenge From the Deadby Dena Dizdar Plumer · DramaShorts
The Mutation Wave poster
The Mutation Waveby Luis Calvo Ramos · Inkitt
The Secret Billionaire Garbageman poster
The Secret Billionaire Garbagemanby Alison Bonn · MyDrama
Vampires Always Knock Twice poster
Vampires Always Knock Twiceby Dena Dizdar Plumer · ReelShort
Unmasked poster
Unmaskedby Victor Ho · Inkitt
The Christmas He Found Me poster
The Christmas He Found Meby Dena Dizdar Plumer

Your series could be on this wall next.

Save my spotDecember 4-6 & 11-13 · Live on Zoom
Deal
First-look deal with Embr Entertainment
Produced
Craving My British Cowboy, written by alum Octavia McKenzie (Onset Octopus, on ReelShort)
Produced
Claimed by the Galaxy King, by alum Natalie Gergely (DramaBox)
Produced
My Penpal is a Prince, by alum Asmaa Jamil, 10 episodes produced as a proof of concept
Produced
She Fell From Space, by alum Seriina Covarrubias, hit 1.2 million views in one week on TikTok and Pine Drama
Top 5
Circle of Lies, by alum Nicole Jones-Dion, hit #4 in aTwist's Top 5
Premiere
The Mutation Wave, by alum Luis Calvo Ramos, premiered with Inkitt's Ironblood team
Hired
Bianca Santos Mendes, historical romance for Inkitt's CandyJar app
Hired
Nicole Jones-Dion, staff writer on the FOX drama The Interrogator
Hired
Suzanne Riley Moneymaker, staff writer at Crazy Maple Studios
Hired
Seriina Covarrubias, Senior Staff Writer at DramaWave and vertical microdrama director at FUEGO Shorts
Hired
Embr Entertainment hired alumni Eileen Alden, Victor Ho and Sarah Teres to develop original vertical series
Hired
Alison Bonn, member of the 2026 DramaBox Writing Pool
Hired
Octavia McKenzie, writer on a romance micro series for EverBrite Studios
Hired
Lisa Steadman, hired to write an original series for VIGLOO, vertical writer for Stoked Brothers Media and localization editor for NetShort
Hired
Aletta Cooke, localizing vertical microdramas for Crazy Maple Studio
In development
Queens of the Beach, by alum Eileen Alden, with producer Jose Mateo Prado
In development
A haunted comedy vertical series by alum Suzanne Riley Moneymaker
Coming soon
And so much more to be announced.

Alumni on stage

On panels, on podcasts, in the room.

Seriina Covarrubias on a panel at the Latino Vertical Summit
Seriina CovarrubiasSenior Staff Writer at DramaWave, speaking at the Latino Vertical Summit.
Octavia McKenzie on the New Video Frontiers panel
Octavia McKenzieHead of Script Development at Onset Octopus, on the New Video Frontiers panel on microdramas.
Natalie Gergely and Alison Bonn at the LA Vertical Drama Market
Natalie Gergely & Alison BonnAt the LA Vertical Drama Market.
Natalie Gergely and Alison Bonn recording VertiGals live
The VertiGals PodcastNatalie Gergely and Alison Bonn recording live at the LA Vertical Drama Market.
Dena Dizdar Plumer teaching a class on microdramas
Dena Dizdar PlumerTeaching a class on vertical microdramas at her alma mater.
The Vertical Reach Podcast with Pauline Gray and Luis Calvo-Ramos
The Vertical Reach PodcastPauline Gray's podcast, here with fellow alum Luis Calvo-Ramos.
Breaking Boundaries in Vertical Screenwriting panel at LA Vertical Fest
LA Vertical FestAlison Bonn and Natalie Gergely with Isabel on the Breaking Boundaries in Vertical Screenwriting panel.

From the Incubator to the panel stage.

Claim my seatDecember 4-6 & 11-13 · Live on Zoom

Be ready to put yourself in front of producers and platforms that are hiring.

A logline and synopsis
Your first 10 episodes written, with notes
An outline of the rest of your series
Your poster
Multiple rounds of notes to make sure your sample is ready
Lifetime access to the replays
The alumni group
Open calls only for Incubator alumni
Personal introductions to the people hiring in verticals
Isabel Dréan, screenwriter, producer and director

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

A working writer who gets other writers produced.

Isabel Dréan is a Canadian screenwriter, producer and director based in Los Angeles. Five movies produced in 18 months, then 5 vertical series in 12 months, 4 of them #1.

Her mission is simple: help writers get produced, with a method you can run again and again.

#1 vertical series poster 1
#1 vertical series poster 2
#1 vertical series poster 3
Build a Boyfriend poster

The New York Times Magazine called “The Summer I Turned My Sexiest” a representational breakthrough on the order of Brokeback Mountain or Roots.

- The New York Times Magazine

What writers walk away with.

“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, writer of Love Score

“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, produced alum

“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, produced alum

“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, staff writer at Crazy Maple Studios

“Isabel's ten-day incubator was INCREDIBLE. It's already changed the way I work. I've been a traditional screenwriter for over 10 years with features and TV shows at major studios, so I assumed writing verticals would be so easy! I was very wrong. It's really hard and such a different skill. But after ten days with Isabel, I feel genuinely equipped. The way she breaks down the structure, the nuance, the rhythm of what makes a vertical work, is next level. I felt like I had to retrain my brain from traditional writing and at a point I didn't think I would get it. But because of Isabel's incredible teachings, I finally did. But beyond the content itself, what made this experience stand out was her. She brought so much attention to each student, made us feel seen, and created a space where real learning could happen. Not only was she a great teacher, but she genuinely wants to help each and every student. The amount of thought and time she put into each and every student's work was unparalleled. She was available to me anytime I needed her and was so inspiring. She made me not want to give up, and pushed me to want to be better. She herself is a hustler. She works really hard and I found that to be a true motivation. Not only do I feel prepared to get into the vertical space after taking this course, I also feel like a better writer in general. I thought I couldn't learn anymore about writing but I truly did. The students were all so friendly and supportive, as was Isabel herself. I'd recommend this incubator to anyone looking to get into the vertical space or just genuinely level up their writing, without hesitation.”

- Brandy Finmark

“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, produced alum

“I've been writing professionally for years, but verticals are a different beast. Isabel gave me the exact structure that turns 'I have an idea' into 'I have a series ready.' The incubator keeps you accountable and moving. Isabel goes above and beyond to share detailed insights and notes that are super clear and easy to follow so you can get up to speed quickly. If you want to build a real portfolio in this format, start here.”

- Eileen Alden, produced alum

“Isabel Drean's vertical incubator was one of the best decisions I've ever made to take my writing to the next level. Isabel challenges her students to elevate their storytelling with craft and heart. I've learned so much from her. Thanks to Isabel, I write vertical dramas with confidence. I can't recommend her enough as a mentor and guide!”

- Octavia, produced alum

“Isabel's vertical incubator has changed the way I write. And I'm not speaking only about verticals. What I've learnt about the ruthless economy of dialogues and descriptions, the constant delivery of high emotions, remembering that every second wasted is an invitation to the public to disconnect... These lessons will travel with me whether I'm writing a vertical, a thriller TV pilot or a Christmas movie.”

- Luis Calvo Ramos, produced alum

“I cannot say enough about Isabel Dréan and her fabulous Vertical Incubator class! The level of detailed, informative, and down-right industry-solid knowledge is unbeatable. If you want to be a working writer in this space, grab a spot in her next session. I seriously don't know any other professional leader willing to give so much of her personal time and attention to screenwriters. I learned a ton in this class!”

- Missy Cohen-Fyffe

“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

“Isabel doesn't just teach you how to write a vertical series, she changes the way you think about narrative, pacing, and what it actually means to hook an audience in the first ten seconds of a one-minute episode. Writing for Vertical Reels demands more precision, more emotional economy, and more structural instinct than anything I've ever written, and Isabel taught me how to deliver all three. Isabel is the real deal. She's not teaching theory, she's teaching from the trenches of a format she helped build. Three of the top ten vertical series carry her name for a reason. Her book, How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 Days, is the only resource I've found that actually translates traditional screenwriting craft into the specific, requirements of the vertical reel space, and during Isabel's incubators, you're given the keys to a Kingdom that is radically transforming the entire entertainment industry. Isabel's incubators rewired everything I thought I knew about storytelling, so if you're a writer who isn't in her world yet? You're already behind.”

— Sarah Teres

“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'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.”

— Tina Sia

“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

“Isabel doesn't train you to write in some cookie-cutter "vertical style." Her incubator sharpens your writing. No fluff. Every note hits. Scenes move faster. White space works. Dialogue tightens. Stakes clarify. Cliffhangers land, sharp, punchy, wired cleanly to the next episode. You come for verticals. You leave a better writer.”

— Reenita Malhotra Hora

“Where is branded storytelling going? Same place I am, and Isabel Dréan is getting me there. Isabel not only introduced me to the world of vertical micro-dramas; she's also helped change the way I approach storytelling across the board. Her vertical incubator is an intense, immersive workshop I cannot recommend highly enough. Isabel gives you everything you need to create an entire vertical series in 10+ days. It's hard. It's overwhelming. But man, it's a blast. With a 20-year career in advertising, the incubator allows me to finally use my screenwriting skills to help brands tell stories people want to watch. Isabel is the real deal. Check her out, you won't be disappointed.”

— Michael Joiner

“Isabel DREAN is the new generational force of Vertical Series. Not only is she the author of the best selling book, "How to Write A Vertical Series In 10 Days," she's a mentor, and coach whose two-weekend Incubator will blow your mind. She deepened my understanding of VS structure and sharpened my writing by selling home the critical importance of the all-mighty cliffhanger. She is a refreshing, welcoming, and essential new face in the industry.”

— Gail Joy Stewart

“The Incubator with Isabel Drean is fast-paced and packed with info and insights that will save you hundreds of hours on developing and selling your Vertical microdramas. As a teacher, Isabel is smart, funny, and generous. She is focused on preparing the next wave of Vertical storytellers that will elevate the genre of microdramas. I'm so glad I invested in the Incubator.”

— Betsy Murphy

“Working with Isabel was a game-changer. She has a unique ability to be incredibly fair while remaining refreshingly direct, a combination that forced me to step up my game. She pushed me to explore the deeper layers of my storytelling, helping me uncover a vertical voice that is authentic and sharp. I can't recommend her class enough for anyone serious about this medium.”

— Donna Cartia

“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'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
How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 Days
Isabel Dréan

#1 Amazon Bestseller

She wrote the book on vertical.

Isabel is the author of How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 Days, the #1 Amazon bestseller writers and producers use to learn the format. In the Incubator, you get her method live, with her, on your own series.

Write the vertical series producers are seeking, in 10 days.

December 4–6 & December 11–13, 2026 · 8 AM PT

HURRY! SIGN UP TODAY!

Questions, answered.

Do I need experience?+

No. Beginners and pros are both welcome. The method works whether this is your first script or your fifteenth.

How much time does it take?+

Two weekends plus the week between them. Sessions can run up to five hours and start at 8 AM PT (with a second group at 10 AM PT).

What if I miss a session?+

You get lifetime access to the replays, so a conflict never derails your progress.

Why is the Masterclass required?+

It's the foundation the Incubator builds on — and it's discounted when you sign up, so you get both at the best value.

Do you offer refunds?+

No refunds. The program is built to get you to a finished, marketable sample — commit with that in mind.