Unpacking the Art of Vertical Series: A Creative Exploration of Editing and Production

In the world of entertainment, vertical series have emerged as a fresh and dynamic format, captivating audiences with their brevity and impact. In this blog post, we delve into the nuances of editing and production in vertical series, as discussed in a recent podcast episode, exploring how these unique shows are crafted to maximize viewer engagement.

The Evolution of Vertical Series
Vertical series, often ranging from one to three minutes in length, have gained popularity for their quick storytelling format. Podcast host Meg reflects on her background in video production, expressing her fascination with how these series are edited. She poses essential questions about whether editing for vertical series is completed as a whole or episode by episode. This curiosity highlights the challenges editors face in creating compelling narratives within limited time frames.

The Editing Process: Crafting Cohesion from Disparate Scenes
One of the central themes Meg discusses is the editing process of vertical series. Unlike traditional television shows, which have commercial breaks and longer runtimes, verticals require a different approach. Editors must decide whether to stitch scenes together for a cohesive story or treat each episode as a standalone piece. Meg notes, "It makes me question how they edit these series because they're just small scenes in multiple episodes."

This questioning leads to a deeper understanding of continuity and editing challenges. For instance, Meg cites an example from the series "My Fiancé's Dad Wants Me" where a character's abrupt tone shift between episodes leaves viewers disoriented. Such inconsistencies prompt discussions about how vertical series maintain narrative flow and character development, raising important considerations for future productions.

The Impact of Production Style on Storytelling
The production style of vertical series often resembles that of soap operas and daytime dramas due to the fast-paced filming environment. Meg compares the shooting schedule of verticals to that of traditional TV shows, noting that vertical productions are typically shot in a more hurried manner. She explains, "They're usually doing very few takes and then moving on because they have so much dialogue and content to film."

This rapid filming pace can lead to less polished performances but allows for a more organic storytelling approach. Meg emphasizes the importance of location shooting, where time constraints force crews to work quickly and efficiently. This aspect of production significantly influences the final product, giving verticals a unique flavor that sets them apart from traditional media.

Sound and Visual Challenges in Vertical Formats
As Meg continues her exploration, she highlights the technical challenges faced in vertical series, particularly regarding sound and camera work. She notes that the vertical format can sometimes expose production flaws, such as visible microphone wires, which can detract from the viewer's experience. Meg's keen observation reinforces the idea that while vertical series aim for immediacy and relatability, technical quality remains a critical factor in viewer engagement.

In conclusion, vertical series represent an exciting frontier in modern storytelling, merging quick, impactful narratives with innovative production techniques. As highlighted by Meg's reflections, the editing and production styles of these series present unique challenges and opportunities for creators. Understanding these elements can enhance our appreciation of the art behind vertical storytelling.