Technology
Hollywood actors and creators enter rising mobile microdrama market
Prominent entertainment figures are starring in, producing, and funding short-form vertical video series as mobile platforms expand.
The short version
- A growing number of Hollywood actors, producers, and investors are entering the short-form mobile microdrama sector.
- Market research firm Omdia projects U.S. revenue for microdramas to reach $1.5 billion this year.
- Union adoption has begun, with projects such as James Franco's Shortical series utilizing SAG-AFTRA's new low-budget verticals agreement.
- Celebrities are participating through multiple avenues, including platform investments by Kim Kardashian and new production ventures by Taye Diggs.
Key facts
- Omdia estimates U.S. revenue generated by mobile-first microdramas will reach $1.5 billion this year.[TechCrunch]
- James Franco starred in Shortical's 'Love, Lies & Frank,' marking one of the initial microseries produced under SAG-AFTRA's new verticals contract for low-budget microdramas.[TechCrunch]
- Issa Rae's Hoorae Media partnered with TikTok's PineDrama app to produce 'Screen Time,' which accumulated over 150 million views.[TechCrunch]
- Taye Diggs executive produced and starred in a series for CandyJar and established Microhouse Films, a mobile-first vertical platform.[TechCrunch]
- Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner invested in the microdrama startup platform GammaTime.[TechCrunch]