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.

Silent Co-Writing sessions are your writing time. NO multitasking. Just focused writting. This Saturday, 10:30 AM EST. Check the Calendar and add it so you don't miss it. Find your local time: - Los Angeles — 8:30 AM PDT - London — 4:30 PM BST - Nigeria — 5:30 PM WAT - Mumbai — 9:00 PM IST - Singapore — 11:30 PM SGT - South Korea — Sunday 12:30 AM KST - Sydney — Sunday 1:30 AM AEST If you're ready for more structure and guided development, explore the Writer's Room/Director's Chair and other memberships in the Classroom.

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

This is a professional development space for writers and filmmakers ready to move their stories forward — whether you’re finishing scripts, pursuing industry opportunities, or preparing for production. Choose Your Path - Introduce yourself in the comments - Visit the Classroom & learn how to use the Hub ✍🏽 FINISH MY SCRIPT Join us for: - Silent Writing Sessions 2x a month - Feedback Friday - Writer’s Room Membership - Read Nominated Scripts in the Resource section If you want accountability + structured feedback, Writer’s Room is your next step. 💼 MOVE TOWARD WRITING WORK Join us for: - Feedback Friday - Writer’s Room Membership - Script Accelerator This path focuses on positioning, pitching, and industry readiness. 🎬 DEVELOP FOR PRODUCTION Join us for: - Production Lab - Production Accelerator - Find Funding & Distribution in the Resource section For filmmakers ready to move from script to execution.

I'm genuinely amazed at how The StoryTellers Hub has grown in just over five months. We started as a small group of writers figuring it out together, and now we're 240 members strong. To everyone who shows up, posts, gives feedback, and keeps this community alive, especially those of you who've been here since day one — thank you. As we keep building, you'll see more videos diving into the topics you care about most. The craft deep-dives, the industry breakdowns, the format explorations — it's all coming. In the meantime, dive into everything waiting for you in the Classroom and lock in your spot for upcoming events on the Calendar. There's a lot here already.