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.

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