VertFest 2025 – Creative Information & Income Guide

Thank you for your interest in Vertfest
VertFest is a global online celebration of vertical dramas. Your involvement will make it truly special — whether through live or pre-recorded content, fan meet & greets, or behind-the-scenes panels.

There are several ways creatives can make money through VertFest 2025:

1. Panel Participation (Standard Payment)

  • What it is: Be part of a live or pre-recorded panel discussion on vertical drama topics.

  • Payout: Fixed honorarium of $250 per panel.

  • Details: Relaxed, moderated discussions streamed to fans.

2. Optional Fan Engagements (Flexible & Profitable)

These are extra ways to earn — you choose what fits your schedule and style:

  • Group Meet & Greets

    • 30-minute casual chats with up to 10 fans

    • Professionally moderated

    • Earn $100 per session

  • 1-to-1 Fan Chats

    • 3-minute private, moderated conversations

    • Ideal for personal thank-yous or mini-interactions

    • You set your own fee (e.g., $40–$80) and keep 75% of the income

  • Video Messages

    • Short, personalized fan shoutouts or name drops

    • You set the price (typically $35–$75)

  • Trivia Game Show

    • Join a relaxed live quiz event (e.g., “Fans vs Creatives”)

    • Earn $250 honorarium

Learn more details about each option below

If you have any questions, please email us at info@thevertfest.com

VertFest Panels

Panels are the heart of VertFest — vibrant, themed discussions where creatives and fans explore everything from acting, writing, and directing to character tropes, regional styles, and genre trends. They’re a great way to share your expertise, connect with audiences worldwide, and help fans understand more about the craft behind vertical dramas.

All panels are hosted online, professionally moderated, and streamed via our event platform.

Panel Format & Structure

  • Panel Duration: 45–60 minutes

  • Participants per Panel: Ideal size is 3 to 4 creatives, plus 1 trained fan moderator

  • Style: Relaxed, engaging conversation guided by set questions and audience Q&A

  • Format: Live or pre-recorded (your choice)

  • Compensation: Fixed honorarium ( $250) for confirmed panel appearance

You may contribute live or via a pre-recorded segment if scheduling or time zones are a challenge.

Note on Pre-recorded Panels: If you opt for pre-recording, your panel will still be recorded as a group with the host and fellow creatives, just at a mutually convenient time ahead of the event weekend. This is not a solo recording — it’s the same fun, guided panel experience, just recorded in advance.

Please expand the below to see suggested panel ideas for VertFest 2025. Final selections will depend on interest and availability. We’d love for you to look through and choose one that excites you! We’ll do our best to make it happen and will arrange the schedule to accommodate your time zone wherever possible.

  • 📚 Industry Insight Panels

    Writing for Vertical Dramas

    ·        Story structure, pacing, cliffhangers, and episode length

    Directing in a Vertical Frame

    ·        Blocking, movement, and visual storytelling for mobile-first content

    Stunts, Action & Fight Choreography

    ·        Designing and shooting action in limited space

    Hair, Make-Up & Costuming on a Budget

    ·        Creating character looks with low-budget constraints

    Acting for the Vertical Screen

    ·        Challenges and techniques for conveying emotion in close-up shots

    The Future of Vertical Storytelling

    ·        Where is the medium headed?

    ·        What platforms and formats are shaping its evolution?

    Casting for Chemistry

    ·        How directors cast for high-intensity, short-form drama

    ·        Chemistry reads, micro-expression, and fan feedback

    Verticals in Los Angeles: Hollywood Goes Vertical

    ·        How LA-based studios and creators are embracing the format

    ·        Industry crossovers from film/TV into short-form verticals

    Verticals in Canada: Vancouver & Beyond

    ·        The rise of Vancouver as a vertical drama hub

    Verticals in New York: City Grit Meets Short-Form Style

    ·        How NY’s indie spirit shapes vertical storytelling

    Australia’s Vertical Scene

    ·        Unique perspectives from down under

    UK & European Creators Roundtable

    ·        Fusing theatrical heritage with TikTok-style innovation

    Working in China & Korea

    ·        K-dramas, C-dramas, and global crossover appeal

    The Ukrainian Vertical Industry

    ·        Spotlight on a growing creative scene under unique pressures

    ·        How Ukrainian creators use short-form to tell urgent, human stories

    ·        Resilience, resourcefulness, and global reach in vertical storytelling

    🎭 Character & Genre Panels

    Playing the Villain or Villainess

    ·        Fan-favourite antagonists and misunderstood motivations

    Bit-Part, Big Impact

    ·        How side characters steal scenes and shape stories

    The CEO’s Assistant and Other Iconic Roles

    ·        Celebrating vertical drama archetypes

    Romantic Leads & Emotional Storytelling

    ·        Making fans swoon in 30 seconds or less

    Verticals We’d Like to See

    ·        Dream pitches and wishlist genres from creatives and fans

    Leading Women of Vertical Drama

    ·        Female characters who are more than love interests

    ·        Navigating “soft” vs “strong” roles

    ·        Actors discuss range, roles, and writing that uplifts women

    Male Archetypes Explored: From Brooding CEOs to Protective Brothers

    ·        Exploring the range of masculinity in verticals

    ·        Why layered male leads connect with fans

    ·        How actors reinterpret familiar tropes

    Sports Verticals: Rivalries, Triumphs & Team Feels

    ·        From locker room banter to emotional underdogs

    ·        Building tension and momentum in a mobile frame

    ·        Physical acting and stunt choreography in tight spaces

    The Werewolf Panel: Claws, Packs & Power Struggles

    ·        Exploring the enduring popularity of werewolf verticals

    ·        Alpha dynamics, transformations, and loyalty in under 3 minutes

    ·        Acting primal in close camera setups

    Mafia Drama: Suits, Secrets & Slow Burns

    ·        Why the mafia boss trope never dies

    ·        Power plays, forbidden love, and family betrayal

    ·        Fan-favourite lines and unexpected softness

    Comedy in Verticals: Timing, Tropes & TikTok Energy

    ·        How punchlines land in under a minute

    ·        Physical humour, expressive acting, and fan-favourite comic characters

    ·        Writers and actors unpack what makes vertical comedy work

    Dual Roles, Doppelgängers & Disguises

    ·        Identity games in vertical drama

    ·        Exploring double acting, gender swaps, and hidden truths

    Vertical Parents & Grandparents: Scene-Stealing Support Crew

    ·        The evolving role of older characters

    ·        From comic relief to emotional anchors

    ·        Storytelling across generations in 3-minute segments

What You Need To Know

Global Scheduling

To ensure fans around the world can attend live, panels are:

  • Scheduled across multiple time zones over two full days (Aug 30–31)

  • Grouped by topic and accessibility

  • Available to all attendees via catch-up recordings after the event

We’ll match your panel times to your time zone as best we can.

About Your Host

Each panel is moderated by a trained fan host who:

  • Will introduce each speaker and keep the conversation flowing

  • Will be briefed in advance and supported by our team

  • Will handle timekeeping and questions from the audience

You will never be expected to host or lead the session yourself — just show up and share your thoughts!

Safe & Supportive Environment

  • Every panel has a backup team member in the chat to assist

  • Fan questions are filtered and moderated

  • We maintain a strong code of conduct to ensure a respectful space for all participants

If anything feels uncomfortable, just flag your moderator — we're here to support you.

Fan Questions in Advance

As part of their ticket, attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for panels in advance.

  • We’ll collect and shortlist the best submissions

  • Moderators will include selected questions in the live panel

  • This keeps panels dynamic while ensuring thoughtful, fan-driven discussion

You’ll be provided with the list ahead of time where applicable.

What You Need to Do

By July 1, please send us:

  • Your availability across the event weekend

  • Topics or panels you’re especially interested in

  • Whether you’ll appear live or pre-recorded 

If live, we’ll schedule a short tech check & rehearsal in early August.

FAQs

Do I need to prepare a speech or script?
Not at all. Panels are conversation-style and guided by a host.

What tech do I need?
A webcam, microphone or headset, and a quiet space. We’ll test everything in advance.

Will I see the questions in advance?
Yes — hosts will share a rough guide ahead of time, including selected fan submissions.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@thevertfest.com

Fan Meet & Greets at VertFest

Meet & greets are a fan-favourite feature of VertFest. They give you the chance to connect directly with your audience, share fun moments, and generate additional income — all in a respectful, well-managed environment.

There are two formats to choose from, both fully moderated:

1. Small Group Meet & Greets

  • Duration: 30 minutes

  • Size: Up to 10 fans per group

  • Structure: Casual chat format, with a moderator present throughout

  • Fee: Fixed rate ( $100 per session)

Fans get to ask questions and interact with you in a friendly group setting. Think of it like a relaxed roundtable conversation.

2. One-to-One Meet & Greets

  • Duration: 3 minutes per fan

  • Structure: Private session (but still fully moderated)

  • Fee: You set your own price (e.g., $40–$60 per session)

These short sessions are ideal for personalised thank-yous, quick chats, or special fan moments. They’re like digital photo ops — but with more meaning.

Safety & Moderation

Your comfort and safety are our top priority. Here’s how we ensure that meet & greets are safe and stress-free:

  • Every session is moderated by a trained volunteer or staff member

  • Moderators will:

    • Introduce the session

    • Keep track of time

    • Gently step in if a fan becomes inappropriate, overly emotional, or off-topic

    • Help reset the tone if needed

  • You’ll never be alone on camera with a fan

  • Fans agree to our Code of Conduct when purchasing meet & greet tickets

  • Moderators will end any session early if necessary to protect your wellbeing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do meet & greets?
No! They’re completely optional. But they’re popular with fans and a great way to boost your income.

Can I do both group and 1-to-1 sessions?
Absolutely. You can choose one, both, or none depending on your preference and availability.

Do I need to prepare anything?
No prep needed! Just be yourself. Moderators will handle intros, timekeeping, and transitions.

Will I be paid directly?
For group sessions: VertFest pays you a flat fee post-event.
For 1-to-1s: You set the price. We’ll either pay you directly or arrange a system you’re comfortable with.

What if I’m not comfortable with a fan’s behaviour?
Let the moderator know (even mid-session) and they will step in. You can also end a session early.

Do I need to be on for the full event?
No — we schedule meet & greets around your availability. Each session is booked in advance and clearly scheduled.

Next Steps

  • Confirm your interest in doing meet & greets by July 1

  • Choose your format(s): Group, 1-to-1, or both

  • Set your pricing for 1-to-1s (if applicable)

  • Let us know your time zone and preferred availability for August 30–31

We’ll then create your fan booking page and ensure you’re matched with a moderator for every session.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@the vertfest.com


Merchandise Options

As part of VertFest, you have the opportunity to share and sell your own merchandise with fans. We offer two flexible options:

Option 1: Promote Your Existing Merch or Business

  • As a creative, you will automatically be offered an Exhibitor’s Stand free of charge (worth $500). This allows you to promote and sell your own work. Read more here

  • You retain full control over products, orders, and pricing

Option 2: Collaborate on a VertFest Capsule Collection

  • We co-create a limited-edition product or bundle using your image, likeness, or catchphrases (e.g., prints, digital art, fan bundles, exclusive apparel)

  • Designed in-house or in collaboration with your designer

  • Fulfilled by Vertical Drama  Love shop on Printify

Financial Split for Capsule Merch

You will receive 75% of profits on any capsule merch created in partnership with VertFest
“Profits” = net revenue after production costs (printing, shipping, platform fees, taxes, etc.)

We’ll provide a breakdown of sales and costs after the event, with your payout included

Why this split works:

  • VertFest covers production, hosting, design, fulfillment, platform fees, customer service, and VAT/sales tax

  • You receive a generous royalty per item sold without needing to invest time or money

  • We track all sales and issue a royalty statement with your payment post-event

Next Steps for Merch Involvement

  • Indicate by July 1 if you’d like to:

    • Take an Exhibitor’s Stand

    • Explore a capsule collab

  • For capsule collections:

    • Provide high-res image(s) you’re happy for us to use

    • Approve final design by August 1

    • We'll handle the rest — production, fulfillment, and promotion!

FAQ

How and when will I be paid?
We will confirm rates with you via contract and pay via your preferred method (e.g., Wise, PayPal, bank transfer) after the event.

Can I sell my own merch or use my online shop?
Yes! We’ll help promote your merch during the event — just share your links and assets by August 1.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@thevertfest.com

Fans vs Creatives: The Vertical Showdown!

🔸 Format Overview

Duration: 60 minutes, held midway through Vertfest

Participants: 4 creatives vs 4 fans (or 2v2 with a rotating “hot seat”)
1 professional moderator to run the show and keep the energy high
We will use the event platform’s interactive tools like polls, timers, and chat for audience participation
Scoring: Light-hearted, with points or digital tokens and a fun virtual trophy

Game Rounds Format

🔹 Round 1: Vertical Drama Trivia

A quick-fire mix of rapid and multiple-choice questions.

🔹 Round 2: Behind-the-Scenes Bluff

Creatives each describe a strange or hilarious on-set incident — but only one story is real.

  • Fan Task: Guess which one is the truth.

🔹 Round 3: Fan Fact or Fiction

Fans submit real-life confessions about their drama obsessions.

  • Examples:
    “I once pretended to be sick to binge a show during school.”
    “I married someone I met in a drama fan group.”
    “I’ve watched the same scene 100+ times.

    Creative Task: Decide — True or False?

End Segment: Victory Speech

The winning team gives a silly and heartfelt "thank you" speech

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@thevertfest.com

We would love to have you

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