S2E12 | Forum 25Q3 — Cracking the Code: Localizing Chinese Short Dramas for the U.S.

📘 New release: Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 36-page practical guide on short dramas. Covers audience psychology, social trends, scriptwriting methods, paywalls, and ad-driven business models. Available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese 👉 Get your Eng copy here: 🔗 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz 👉 Available in multiple languages: payhip.com/ShortDramaAlliance In this episode, we talked with Brandan Dennehy , a pioneer in serialized audio and vertical storytelling, and the founder of Stratagem Content . With over a decade of experience shaping the future of scripted entertainment, Brandan has led the development and production of more than 10,000 hours of audio series , most notably during his time as Head of U.S. Content at Pocket FM , where he helped scale the platform into a global serialized audio leader. Brandan’s career spans multiple intersections: from working as a writer and development executive in Hollywood to launching multi-language audio IPs , optimizing AI-powered story workflows , and spearheading mobile-native storytelling strategies. He’s worked closely with major tech platforms, brand partners, and international studios to transform bold ideas into engaging, binge-worthy series. At Stratagem Content, Brandan now collaborates with creators and companies to bridge the gap between story, technology, and monetization. His current projects span vertical dramas, cinematic audio series, and AI-assisted storytelling pipelines that redefine how global audiences consume serialized fiction. This conversation dives deep into: How Brandan helped shape the U.S. fiction audio market Lessons from scaling high-volume audio IPs and webnovel adaptations Why vertical drama is the next frontier for global entertainment The role of AI and data in story development What emerging writers and producers need to know today If you’re curious about where storytelling is headed next — from your headphones to your phone screen — you won’t want to miss this episode.