25Q4 | Actors in the Vertical Era: Liyanne Marie on Casting, Performance, and the Rise of Vertical Drama

Today’s episode features a conversation from our 2025 Q4 Short Drama Forum with Liyanne Marie — a Casting Director (CDA) and Head of Casting at Onset Octopus, working across film, TV, commercials, theatre, and especially vertical dramas in the UK and internationally. In this interview, Liyanne shares how casting for vertical dramas differs from traditional screen work, what she looks for in actors in a fast-paced mobile-first format, and why authenticity and emotional clarity matter more than ever. We also talk about:· how vertical dramas are reshaping casting pipelines,· the rapid demand for new talent across global platforms,· and the skills actors need to succeed in this emerging format. If you’re a creator, producer, or actor navigating the vertical-drama space, her insights offer a clear, practical look at how the industry is evolving behind the scenes. Let’s dive in.---📘 Want to dive deeper into the storytelling logic behind global short dramas?Check out my book — Short Drama Writing 101: From Industry Logic to Social Psychology — a 135-page guide for producers, writers, and platform strategists.👉 https://payhip.com/b/K82oz🌿 Just starting out or curious about how short dramas work?Try my online course — f— designed for grassroots creators and newcomers who want to understand short-drama storytelling in a fun, accessible way.👉 https://payhip.com/b/oMALI