Observed Signal · Sep 9, 2026 · Production · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Victus Films Produces Vertical Drama Series 'Yes!'
Victus Films, led by actor and producer Ben Blaskovic, has completed filming a 60-episode vertical drama series titled 'Yes!' in five days at Lake Schliersee. The series, written by Blaskovic and Anna-Sophia Christmann, follows a wedding planner managing three weddings and blends drama with mystery. It is set to premiere in Q4 on the emerging platform 'EiLiN' by Munich-based startup Vertical Minds. The low six-figure budget is financed by deferred cast fees (one third) and the rest from private capital and brand partners, including champagne brand Taittinger and jewelry retailer Glambou, secured via the agency Brandplace. Revenue is shared based on viewed minutes. The series marks the start of Victus Films' new business vertical, 'Victus Verticals', with international licensing sales planned.
Highlights the growing vertical drama trend and monetization through brand integration, relevant to content production and ad-supported platforms.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Victus Films produced the 60-episode vertical drama series 'Yes!' in five days at Lake Schliersee.
- Ben Blaskovic wrote the series with Anna-Sophia Christmann and stars in it.
- Brand partners Taittinger and Glambou are integrated into the series, secured via agency Brandplace.
- The series will be released in Q4 on the 'EiLiN' platform by Vertical Minds.
- The budget is in the low six-figure range, financed by deferred fees, private capital, and brand partners.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Producers Debate Vertical-Video 'Hochkant' Hype
German producers, platforms and agencies are debating the commercial potential of vertical-format fiction ('Vertical Drama' or 'Hochkant') amid growing global demand. The article reports industry views heard during Berlinale and an AI-focused event hosted by Fieldfisher Germany: some see the format as highly efficient and suited to low-cost, AI-assisted production and branded entertainment, while others argue monetization requires mass-reach apps and platform infrastructure currently lacking in Germany. Examples include Constantin Entertainment's strategic investment into Vertical Drama, US vertical platform Crisp Momentum's app launch (Nov 2025) and European startups like Vertical Minds planning the EiLiN app. Public broadcasters and producers (e.g., Radio Bremen, Banijay, Black Forest Studios) are experimenting with short-form vertical series and TikTok distribution. The piece highlights a perceived infrastructure gap (local distribution apps and monetization models) as the main barrier to scaling vertical fiction in Germany.
Black Forest Studios Builds European Vertical Microdrama Hub
Black Forest Studios, founded by Nina and Sebastian Weiland, has converted a former Kurhaus in Kirchzarten (near Freiburg) into a 3,000 m² production campus with seven studios, postproduction and event space. Since founding in 2020 the studio has grown its services (including work for Netflix and feature/documentary shoots) and in early 2025 pivoted toward producing short-form vertical 'microdrama' series for app distribution. The Weilands claim a 40-episode season (2–3 minute episodes) can be shot in seven to eight days for roughly €100,000–€150,000. The studio is developing a consumer app with Munich partners to distribute vertical series internationally, is testing clips on social platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook), and aims to scale to about 10–15 series per year by 2027.
Rise of Vertical Short-Form Drama Series
Vertical, short-form scripted series — often called microdramas — are scaling rapidly as a global content and monetization format. Hollywood creators like Issa Rae are releasing multi-episode vertical thrillers on platforms such as TikTok, while specialized apps (DramaBox, ReelShort, GammaTime and others) have built business models mixing free trial episodes, coin-based micropayments and subscriptions. The format is characterized by 1–2 minute episodes, high episode counts per season, low production cost and fast turnaround. China remains the dominant market (DataEye and Media Partners Asia data show multi‑billion euro revenues and a large share of global earnings), but Western players including Disney and Fox have started investing, launching in-app vertical features or partnering with vertical-drama apps. Market research (Omdia) indicates meaningful monthly active user bases in the US, India, Brazil and Mexico, while Europe remains smaller.
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