Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum, with Carin Smolinski — an actress, producer, and director who has appeared in 26 vertical micro-dramas and is now shaping the next wave of elevated, values-driven vertical storytelling.

In this interview, Carin shares how she moved from entrepreneurship in Japan into acting in 9:16 dramas, what she’s learned across chaotic early sets to today’s professionalized workflows, and why she writes and produces projects that champion diversity, safety, and strong female characters.

We also talk about acting technique in exaggerated formats, emotional hooks, audience connection, the evolution of Western verticals, and where she believes the future of the genre is headed.

Let’s dive in.

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