We spoke with Cecilia Gomer, a Micro Drama Producer and co-founder of Crazy Stone Studio, known for creating engaging vertical show content for digital platforms. Drawing from her experience in short-form storytelling, Cecilia Gomer explains how vertical shows are changing digital storytelling. In this conversation, she shares how clear planning, fast pacing, and focused storytelling improve vertical formats. She also discusses how simple and smart production methods help creators connect with modern audiences and deliver strong, impactful content in a short time.
Interviewer: Today, we’re joined by Cecilia Gomer to talk about how vertical shows are changing digital storytelling and how stories are now made for mobile viewers. Thank you for being here.
Cecilia Gomer: Thank you for having me. Vertical shows are changing digital storytelling by making it more direct and easy to watch on phones. Stories are now shorter, faster, and more focused. Every scene needs to grab attention quickly. This format helps creators connect with viewers in a simple and clear way. It also supports new storytelling styles that match how people watch content today.
Interviewer: What do you mean when you say vertical shows are changing digital storytelling?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical shows are changing how stories are told on screens. People now watch more on phones, so stories are made to fit that format. This makes viewing easy and more natural. It also changes how scenes are planned and shot. Creators now think about shorter attention spans and fast pacing. Vertical shows bring stories closer to the viewer, making them feel more direct and personal in a simple and effective way.
Interviewer: Why are vertical shows becoming so popular today?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical shows are popular because they match how people use their phones daily. Most people hold their phones upright, so vertical content feels comfortable. It saves time and effort. Also, short and quick stories fit busy lifestyles. People can watch anytime, anywhere. This format is easy to share and works well on social media platforms, which helps it grow faster and reach a wider audience.
Also More: Interview With Alcide Honoré on Why Busy Teams Need Better Systems
Interviewer: How do vertical shows change the way stories are written?
Cecilia Gomer: Writing for vertical shows is different from traditional formats. Writers must keep stories short, clear, and engaging from the start. Each scene needs to hold attention quickly. Dialogues are simple and direct. There is less space, so every moment must matter. Writers focus on strong hooks and quick emotional impact. This style makes storytelling faster and more focused without losing meaning.
Interviewer: What makes vertical storytelling unique compared to traditional formats?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical storytelling is unique because of its format and viewing style. It focuses on close visuals and strong emotions. Since the screen is smaller, details like facial expressions become very important. It feels more personal and direct. The story moves faster and avoids long scenes. It also connects better with mobile users, making the experience simple and engaging in a new way.
Interviewer: How does audience behavior influence vertical shows?
Cecilia Gomer: Audience behavior plays a big role in shaping vertical shows. People today prefer quick and easy content. They like stories that start fast and keep them engaged. If something feels slow, they move on quickly. This pushes creators to make content more exciting from the beginning. Audience feedback also helps improve future shows, making them more relevant and enjoyable.
Interviewer: What role does pacing play in vertical storytelling?
Cecilia Gomer: Pacing is very important in vertical storytelling. Since the content is short, the story must move quickly. There is no space for slow buildup. Every scene should add value and keep the viewer interested. Fast pacing helps maintain attention and makes the story feel exciting. It also ensures that the message is clear in a short time.
Interviewer: How do visuals change in vertical shows?
Cecilia Gomer: Visuals in vertical shows are designed for a narrow frame. Creators focus more on close shots and centered subjects. Background details are limited. The goal is to keep the viewer focused on the main action. Lighting and framing are adjusted to fit the vertical space. This makes visuals look clean, simple, and effective.
Interviewer: How are emotions shown differently in vertical storytelling?
Cecilia Gomer: Emotions are shown more directly in vertical storytelling. Close-up shots help capture facial expressions clearly. This makes emotional moments feel stronger and more real. Since the screen is smaller, subtle actions become more noticeable. This helps the audience connect with characters quickly and easily.
Interviewer: How does micro drama fit into vertical shows?
Cecilia Gomer: Micro drama fits very well with vertical shows. Both focus on short and impactful storytelling. Micro dramas tell stories in a very limited time, which matches the vertical format perfectly. They are quick, engaging, and easy to watch. This combination makes content more accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences.
Interviewer: How do vertical shows and micro dramas work together?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical shows and micro drama work together naturally. Both aim for short, engaging content. Micro drama provides the storytelling style, while vertical format provides the viewing experience. Together, they create content that is simple, fast, and effective. This combination helps reach more people and keeps them interested.
Interviewer: How do creators keep viewers engaged in vertical shows?
Cecilia Gomer: Creators keep viewers engaged by starting strong and moving quickly. They use clear storytelling and strong visuals. Each moment must add value. There is no room for slow scenes. They also focus on relatable themes and emotions. This helps viewers stay connected and interested throughout.
Interviewer: What challenges come with vertical storytelling?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical storytelling has some challenges. Limited screen space can restrict visuals. Creators must adjust framing and composition. It also requires a different approach to writing and editing. Keeping the story clear and engaging in a short time can be difficult. But with the right planning, these challenges can be managed.
Interviewer: How do vertical shows improve viewer experience?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical shows improve viewer experience by making content easy to watch on phones. Viewers do not need to rotate their screens. The format feels natural and comfortable. It also allows quick viewing, which fits modern lifestyles. This makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Interviewer: How important is storytelling quality in vertical shows?
Cecilia Gomer: Storytelling quality is very important in vertical shows. Even though the format is short, the story must be strong. Good storytelling keeps viewers engaged and makes content memorable. Simple but clear ideas work best. Quality storytelling builds trust with the audience.
Interviewer: How do vertical shows affect digital content trends?
Cecilia Gomer: Vertical shows are shaping digital content trends in a big way. More creators are now focusing on mobile-first content. Short and engaging videos are becoming more common. This trend is changing how stories are planned and produced. It is also influencing platforms and audience expectations.
Interviewer: What future do you see for vertical storytelling?
Cecilia Gomer: The future of vertical storytelling looks strong. As mobile usage grows, this format will become more common. Creators will explore new ideas and improve quality. It will continue to evolve and reach global audiences. Vertical storytelling will remain an important part of digital media.
Interviewer: Why should creators focus on vertical shows today?
Cecilia Gomer: Creators should focus on vertical shows because they match current audience habits. This format is growing fast and offers many opportunities. It allows creators to reach more people easily. It is also flexible and creative. By focusing on vertical shows, creators can stay relevant and connect better with modern viewers.
Interviewer: Thank you, Cecilia Gomer, for sharing how vertical shows are shaping digital storytelling. Your thoughts clearly show why this format is growing so fast.
Cecilia Gomer: Thank you for the opportunity. I believe vertical shows are helping digital storytelling grow in a new direction. They make stories easier to watch and understand. With strong planning and clear ideas, creators can tell powerful stories in a short time. This format fits modern viewing habits and helps content reach more people in a simple and effective way.
