Vertical Drama-Series Panel
Short-form drama series have become a global viewing phenomenon, gaining massive popularity on social media platforms and specialized apps. Defined by concise, fast-paced storytelling, these mini-series are designed for mobile audiences, with episodes ranging from a few seconds to fifteen minutes.
They feature tight plots, quick emotional payoffs, and cliffhangers, often shot in vertical format optimized for smartphones. Compared to traditional television, short-form dramas allow creators to experiment with genre, pacing, and visual style at a fraction of the cost — while reaching millions of viewers through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram Reels, DramaBox, and ReelShorts.
This panel examines how creators, producers, and innovators are shaping the next frontier of cinematic storytelling for the small screen.
Panelists: TBC
Moderator: Sabine Daniel
SABINE DANIEL
Sabine Daniel (she/her) is a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised award-winning bilingual producer, on-air personality, and founder of Play Productions. She creates bilingual series for vertical and traditional platforms, spotlighting diverse Canadian stories with cultural depth and global appeal.
With over 20 years in media and public relations, she has worked with CBC/Radio-Canada, Bell Media, TFO, TVO, and the City of Ottawa, amplifying Francophone, BIPOC, and women-identified voices through impactful storytelling. Her credits include Suivez-Moi, Suivez-moi: Le Rendez-vous, Sunny’s Quest, La quête de Lumie, and the award-winning podcast The Incredible Story of Afro-Canadians.
Twice nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and winner of the Youth Media Alliance Award, Sabine is also National Program Manager for Black Women Film Canada, championing gender equity and inclusive storytelling nationwide.
MELISSA ITWAR
Melissa is makeup artist of colour, with over a decade of experience working in Ontario and Quebec. Specializing in film, tv, and special fx makeup, Melissa's work can be seen worldwide in productions including Ainsi Va Manu (Hogtown), Love You to Death, Good Wife's Guide to Murder, and an array of vertical drama series.
As a graduate of the Canadian Beauty College Toronto Campus, Melissa was trained by veterans from The Food Network, HGTV, Much Music, and their various celebrity clients. Melissa has worked as key makeup artist and assistant in film & tv, commercial ad campaigns, fashion editorials, music videos and runway. She also offers private, on-site appointments and lessons for weddings and special events, portraits, headshot makeup, and more.
Melissa caters to all skin tones + types, ages, and orientations. Having been raised in a family business, she takes special care assembling equitable teams , and advocating for clients and fellow crew members.
JAMES MICOLTA
James Micolta is a content creator and freelance video producer with a passion for storytelling and visual communication. He has collaborated with a range of clients, brands, and influencers to produce engaging content across film, photography, social media, and Twitch.
James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts from Yorkville University, where he honed his skills in cinematography, video editing, and audiovisual production. He also studied Communication at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where he co-founded ZUA Films, a production company that allowed him to explore creative storytelling and collaborate with other studios and companies.
With additional experience in production and sponsorship at Dyaz Entertainment and a background in marketing and trade, James brings both creative and strategic insight to every project he undertakes.