All actors need to learn about this revolutionary $Billion filming format that hires Union and Non-Union Actors
What it is: So what is vertical filmmaking? Instead of shooting horizontally like traditional film and TV, these shows are shot vertically—specifically for your phone. They started in China around 2017 and now they’re exploding in the US.
The format: These are called micro-dramas. Each episode is 1-2 minutes long, usually in romance or fantasy genres. They end on cliffhangers so viewers binge the next episode. Think of it like TikTok meets a TV series.
The opportunity: Here’s why this matters to you: these productions are hiring constantly. Both union and non-union. Companies like Crazy Maple Studios are cranking out content daily and bringing in a billion dollars annually through apps like ReelShort.
Union details: SAG-AFTRA just created a special contract for vertical content. Productions with budgets under $300,000 can hire union actors at $250 for 8 hours or $468 for 12 hours. Yes, that’s lower than typical union rates, but these are shorter shoots with way more volume.
Non-union opportunities: And if you’re non-union, there are even more opportunities. Most vertical productions are still non-union, which means more roles available for emerging actors.
Where they’re distributed: These shows live on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and specialized apps. ReelShort alone brings in a billion dollars a year just from ads and in-app purchases.
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