Think your vertical drama could change the game? Here’s your chance to prove it.

Submit your vertical drama script or your vertical proof of concept and take your shot at the future of storytelling. Finalists will be invited to pitch live in front of executives at the LA Vertical Drama Market, getting the chance to have their project greenlit and produced.

If you wanted to get into the vertical industry, this is your moment!

Categories:
- Full Vertical Script - feature-length vertical script, broken into 50-80 episodes 1-2 minute each.
- First 10 Episodes Scripted - 10 episodes 1-2 minute each.
- Proof of Concept – vertical episodes that demonstrate story, tone, and style; episodes must be produced in 9:16 vertical format.

Judge for online submissions - Dana Protsyshak. She'll select projects for the final in person pitching in front of production and app executives during LA Vertical Drama Market.

Awards & Prizes

Selected finalists will be invited to pitch in person during the LA Vertical Drama Market in front of industry executives, and get a chance to get their vertical projects produced.

Finalists also receive industry recognition, exposure at the LA Vertical Drama Market, and networking opportunities with executives, creators, and production companies.

More about LA Vertical Drama Market - https://laverticaldramamarket.com

Rules & Terms

Submissions must be original works created for the vertical 9:16 format.
- Scripts should be in English and properly formatted (PDF only).
- Proof of Concept entries must include 3-10 completed episodes in the vertical video format (9:16).
- Previously produced or optioned scripts are not eligible.
- All rights must be held by the applicant at the time of submission.
- Multiple entries are allowed, but each requires a separate submission and fee.
- By submitting, you agree that if selected as a finalist, you will be available (in person or via video conference) to pitch during the LA Vertical Drama Market on May 7-10th

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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  • Lisa Steadman

    Kudos to Dana and her entire team for putting on such a value-driven, content-rich, access-to-the-experts event that was practical, tangible, and inspiring! The pitch competition allowed finalists access to share our vertical series ideas with industry insiders. The follow up conversations are incredible! Thank you for the opportunity, Dana!

    May 2026
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  • Jonathan Turner Smith

    Such an awesome event. My first time to pitch a script and although I bombed big time, the judges and all the writers/participants were so kind and supportive. I felt truly honored to be a Finalist with such talented writers. The entire Vertical Market was exceptionally well-planned and executed.

    May 2026
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  • Monique Sorgen

    Amazing to be at the first of it's kind event. The world of Vertical filmmaking is so fresh and exciting and the vibe in the room made it clear that everybody knew they were a part of the next big thing. Our proof of concept "My Hot Ex-Boyfriend Moved Next Door" got an amazing response from both the audience and the jury, and we're looking forward to building on the connections we made, as we hope to become the market's first big success story.

    October 2025
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  • celia xavier

    This is a ground breaking event that I was so happy to be a part of via the Pitch competition. Networking is off the charts great and the connections I made were invaluable. Looking forward to the next one, Dana, good job.

    September 2025
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  • Michael Clifton

    I had a great experience at the L.A. Vertical Drama Market and was thrilled to be selected as a finalist for my micro-drama script House of Hunger. The festival is ahead of the curve in spotlighting this new format, and founder Dana Protsyshak was incredibly responsive, making the entire process feel personal and welcoming.

    September 2025
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