How We Brought Our First Vertical Drama to Life (And Why International Clients Are Looking to the UK)
Written by Alfie Peter
The world is watching vertical
From Instagram Reels to TikTok to dedicated streaming platforms, the way we consume stories is changing and at Moonshine Film, we’re leaning in. This summer, our in-house team produced our first fully vertical short film, designed from the ground up for mobile-first storytelling.
It wasn’t just a technical exercise. It was a creative leap, one that showed us how powerful vertical drama can be when done right.
Why Vertical?
Vertical drama is no longer a trend. It’s a format with real narrative punch, intense, immediate, and made for the small screen in your pocket. For younger audiences in particular, vertical content isn’t a compromise. It’s the expectation.
Whether it’s a five-part thriller or a one-shot emotional punch, vertical filmmaking forces you to think differently. Frame tighter. Move quicker. Be bolder.
Our First Vertical Short: What We Did
This project came from our own desire to experiment with format and tone. We kept the team lean, the energy high, and the shots intimate, every frame built for vertical. Here’s what made it work:
Purpose-built story: Written specifically for vertical framing. No cropping, no compromise. Shot in full-frame Open Gate.
Crew with instinct: Directors, DOPs and editors who understood the rhythm and visual language of vertical drama.
Gear that flexes: From our housed kit to lightweight rigs, we adapted our usual cinematic workflow to meet the agility of vertical production.
A Call to International Clients: Come Shoot in London, UK.
We’ve already been approached by international producers exploring vertical drama, especially those looking for UK-based crews with real experience in the format. If you're one of them, here's why Moonshine Film is a perfect partner:
London-Based. Global Reach.
We’re based in the heart of London, but we work with production teams from across Europe, the Middle East, and the US. Whether you’re sending a producer/director over or need full local crew support, we’ve got it covered.
Kit + Crew, All In-House
No need to juggle multiple vendors. We’re a hybrid rental and production house, which means we can handle your shoot from script to screen. Cameras, lighting, sound, edit, all here.
Vertical-First Mindset
We’ve already navigated the quirks of vertical production, from framing and blocking to editing and delivery. That means less trial-and-error on your side, and more confidence in the final product.
Scalable Teams, International Quality
Need a full drama crew for five days? Or a micro team for a two-day shoot? We can scale to meet the needs of the project, always with High-quality results.
Meet Our Vertical Drama Producer & Director: Thalia Kent-Egan
We’re thrilled to welcome Thalia Kent-Egan to Moonshine Film as our in-house Vertical Drama Producer and Director.
Thalia has directed and produced over a dozen vertical dramas for major platforms including Reelshort, Dramawave, Linmon and FlexTV, and brings a dynamic storytelling style rooted in emotion and character using backed data to see what is most popular & trending in the vertical realm.
Her background includes a Master’s in Directing Fiction (Distinction) from Goldsmiths University and a BA in French and German from Oxford University, combining cinematic precision with rich narrative understanding.
Thalia’s work is known for its high-energy party sequences, bold emotional arcs and nuanced intimacy direction — ensuring every scene feels both authentic and captivating.
Her recent credits include:
Billionaire Husband for Hire (SeaStar) – Director
Forbidden Affair (Linmon) – Director
Here Comes Mr. Right (Dramabox) – Director
Dying Wish or Fated Love? (DramaBox) – Producer
My Royal Secret Lover (DramaBox) – Producer
With Thalia leading our growing Vertical Drama division, Moonshine Film is doubling down on cinematic storytelling made for mini-drama audiences. High-impact, fast-paced, and emotionally charged.
Ready to Shoot Your Vertical Drama?
Whether you’re a creative agency, production company, or platform looking to produce short-form scripted content in the UK, we’re ready to help.
Get in touch with our production team to learn how we can bring your vertical story to life with cinematic quality, fast turnaround, and a crew that knows how to make mobile-first magic.
Explore our Vertical Drama Production Package