Vertical Drama Series Production | Sydney
Australia’s Vertical Drama Production Company
The Story Mill is a Sydney-based, award-winning production company specialising in vertical drama series for streaming platforms. We develop and produce premium English-language vertical dramas — romance, thriller, and elevated genre storytelling — built for mobile-first audiences and global platform distribution. We partner with international and domestic platforms, studios, and IP holders to bring compelling vertical content to life, from script to screen.
9:16
Aspect Ratio
90s
Per Episode
50+
Episodes / Series
EN
English Language
The Vertical Drama Format
Vertical drama series are short-form scripted shows produced natively for portrait-mode (9:16) viewing. Episodes run 60–90 seconds each, with series arcs typically spanning 20 to 100+ episodes — designed for binge-watching on dedicated platforms like ShortTV, DramaBox, ReelShort, and FlexTV.
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Aspect ratio: 9:16 — shot natively for portrait-mode mobile viewing
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Episode length: 60–90 seconds per episode
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Series length: 20–100+ episodes per season
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Language: English-language content suited to international markets
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Delivery: Platform-compliant files for global streaming distribution
Our work is character-driven, emotionally engaging, and built to hook audiences in the first few seconds while sustaining narrative momentum across long episode arcs. Every series is produced with platform performance in mind.
What We Produce
Romance & Drama
Mini telenovelas, forbidden love, family conflict, and relationship drama — built for maximum emotional bingeing.
Thriller & Suspense
High-stakes plots, cliffhanger endings, and fast-burn tension designed to keep audiences locked in episode after episode.
Elevated Genre
Crime, supernatural, and romantic comedy — fresh genre storytelling that travels across international streaming platforms.
Our Production Services
The Story Mill offers full-service vertical drama production in Australia, covering every stage of the process:
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Script development and adaptation for vertical format
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Casting and talent management
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Fast-turnaround production schedules
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Vertical-first cinematography and directing
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Post-production optimised for mobile viewing
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Platform delivery and technical compliance
Whether you need a full-service production partner or a specialist crew to execute your own creative, we have the capability and experience to deliver.
Our Production Process
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Development — Script development, series bible, and creative adaptation for the vertical format
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Pre-Production — Casting, locations, scheduling, production design, and shoot planning
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Principal Photography — Vertical-first cinematography with fast-turnaround production schedules
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Post-Production — Editing, colour grade, sound design, and mobile-optimised mastering
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Platform Delivery — Technical compliance, closed captions, and delivery specs for global distribution
Who We Work With
- Streaming Platforms — Platforms including ShortTV, DramaBox, ReelShort, and FlexTV seeking English-language vertical drama content
- Content Studios — Production companies with vertical IP looking for an experienced Australian production partner
- International Co-Productions — Studios in the US, UK, and Asia-Pacific wanting to produce English-language series in Australia
- IP Holders and Rights Owners — Rights holders with existing stories suited to the vertical drama format
Experienced Storytellers
Led by an award-winning creative team with backgrounds in film, television, and digital production, The Story Mill has already produced a vertical drama series — giving us firsthand experience of what the format demands at every stage.
We approach vertical series with the same storytelling care as long-form productions, combining cinematic quality with the pace and format precision that drives platform performance.
Why Produce Your Series in Australia?
Australia is one of the most competitive and capable production markets in the world for vertical drama:
- Access to world-class crews and talent
- Competitive production costs
- Efficient production workflows
- Strong creative oversight from an experienced narrative team
Australia’s time zone also makes us an ideal production partner for platforms and studios operating across the Asia-Pacific region. We regularly work with international partners to deliver English-language content for global audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes should a vertical drama series be?
Most vertical drama series run between 20 and 100 episodes of 60–90 seconds each. We recommend starting with a 20–30 episode pilot season to test market response before committing to a full run.
Can you handle production from script to delivery?
Yes. We offer end-to-end production covering script development, casting, principal photography, post-production, and platform-compliant delivery.
Do you work with international platforms and studios?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with international studios, platforms, and producers. Australia offers world-class talent, diverse locations, English-language production, and competitive costs relative to the US and UK.
What is the typical production timeline?
A 20-episode vertical series typically takes 8–12 weeks from greenlight to delivery, depending on script availability and post-production scope.
What genres do you specialise in?
We specialise in romance, drama, and elevated genre storytelling — the formats that perform best in the vertical drama space.
Ready to Produce Your Vertical Series?
Whether you’re a streaming platform, a studio with vertical IP, or an international producer looking for an Australian production partner — we’d like to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss your project.