25Q4 | From Viral Roles to Producing: Kasey Esser on Shaping the Future of Vertical Dramas

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Kasey Esser — an actor and producer recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the breakout stars of the vertical drama industry. Kasey shares how he entered the U.S. vertical-drama space early on, what he’s learned from starring in viral hits like Fated to My Forbidden Alpha and Love in the Shadows , and why pacing, romance, and emotional clarity matter so much on a mobile screen. We also talk about the rise of action-adventure verticals, how to hook viewers in the first few seconds, and why he believes fan feedback should directly shape the next generation of micro-drama production. Let’s dive in. 📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas? Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 126-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists. 👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz 🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work? Try my online course — Short Drama Writing 101 for Everyone — designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way. 👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI