Project in funded development with prodco behind the Virtually Parkinson AI Podcast
Night Train Media and Spirit Studios are entering the rapidly growing vertical microdrama business by putting a UK-based show into funded development.
Details of the project are largely under wraps but the companies said it would be “one of the first of its kind” to come out of the UK, with a “carefully selected collective of emerging UK writing and acting talent” attached.
It will be launched by Night Train Digital (NTD) across digital platforms worldwide, with more details set to be unveiled during Mipcom.
Herbert L Kloiber, chief exec of Night Train Media Group, said: “The global explosion in vertical content is something we’ve followed closely and our aim is now to elevate the quality in this space by bringing top class writing and acting talent to the production.
“NTM’s core business of scripted drama development, combined with the expertise in digital exploitation that we’ve been growing at Night Train Digital, makes this the perfect marriage for us, and we’re so excited to be doing it in collaboration with the team at Spirit.”
Matt Campion, creative director and co-founder at Spirit Studios, added: “Entertainment is increasingly being consumed vertically, and as a multi-platform production studio we’re perfectly placed to create scripted content designed for the platforms people watch on.
“We’re embracing the challenge of pushing the boundaries of short-form storytelling and experimenting with companion podcasts, behind-the-scenes content and new audience experiences, with the ambition of building mobile-first brands that grow into books, films and other global cultural touchpoints.”
Neil Francis, managing director at Night Train Digital, said the project fit with its strategy to “not only exploit traditional rights but also to develop digital first content that can form a key part of our future growth.”
Francis added: “Off the back of our Virtually Parkinson AI Podcast, this development enables NTD to continue to push boundaries and experiment with formats that evolve the distribution landscape.”
Short-form vertical video has boomed in China and become increasingly popular in the US, with vertical-specific platforms such as ReelShort, DramaBox and ShortMax among the biggest players.
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