Private, interactive lab on Zoom with a veteran executive who has developed vertical content for the world's biggest platforms

Write TWO complete, pitch-ready episodes and get TWO private one-on-one feedback sessions tailored to your work

Only 10 spots available

Payment plans available at checkout or email edu@stage32.com for more info!

Vertical micro-dramas are booming — and buyers are actively looking for writers who know how to create them! This is a 5-part live Zoom lab where you'll develop, write, and polish two full vertical micro-drama episodes from the ground up — guided by an executive who has acquired and developed this content at the highest levels.

This format isn't just shorter screenplays. It's a completely different discipline. Hooks, pacing, episode-to-episode escalation — all of it has to be engineered deliberately to keep mobile viewers watching. Most writers guess their way through it. This lab gives you the framework — then puts it to work on your project.

Your instructor is Ammon Lyle — formerly of The Walt Disney Company, Amazon Prime Video, and Audible, and a content acquisition executive at ReelShort, one of the leading vertical micro-drama platforms. Today he's SVP of Production & Partnerships at Mansa, leading their Vertical Originals Division. He's not studying this market. He's actively working with the platforms and buyers you want to reach.

Over five sessions you'll go from concept to two polished episodes — learning the rules of mobile-first storytelling, developing your concept, building your story engine, and writing your pilot plus a second episode. Two private one-on-ones with Ammon give you personalized feedback exactly when you need it.

You'll walk away with a pitch-ready project, two finished episodes, and the skills to write bingeable content buyers are acquiring right now.

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

Testimonial from Ammon Lyle:

“Vertical storytelling isn’t a passing trend—it’s the next frontier of entertainment. I can’t wait to dive in with the Stage 32 community and share how to develop, structure, and launch content that thrives on the platforms where audiences live, scroll, and engage every day.”

Praise for Ammon's Education:

"Very well done, very informative webinar. I really enjoyed learning about this exciting new platform." - Richard H.

"It was very informative as a general overview of the Verticals market & expectations." - Paul D. 

Session 1: Understanding the Format & Generating Concepts

• What makes vertical micro-dramas work (hooks, pacing, retention)

• How short-form structure differs from traditional TV/film

• Anatomy of bingeable episodes

• Developing ideas built for rapid storytelling

Assignment: Create 2–3 strong concepts with clear hooks and stakes

Session 2: Building Your Series Engine & Episode Flow

• Choosing your strongest concept

• Creating a protagonist that can carry multiple episodes

• Designing a story engine that sustains momentum

• Breaking Episode 1 and Episode 2

• Understanding how each episode escalates and hands off to the next

Assignment: Finalize your concept, logline, and outlines for Episodes 1 & 2
(You now have dedicated time to begin writing before your first 1:1)

Session 3: One-on-One Mentorship Session #1 (Structure + Early Pages)

Private 1:1 with your educator

• Review your concept, outlines, and early pages

• Get targeted feedback on pacing, hook strength, and episode flow

• Ensure Episode 1 and Episode 2 feel connected but escalating

• Adjust your approach before completing drafts

Assignment: Complete drafts of Episodes 1 & 2

Session 4: Writing, Pacing & Episode-to-Episode Momentum

• Strengthening openings and endings for both episodes

• Building cliffhangers that force the next watch

• Tightening dialogue and visual storytelling

• Avoiding repetition between episodes while maintaining flow

• Making each episode feel complete and addictive

Assignment: Revise both episodes and submit for final feedback
(You’ll have time to polish before your second 1:1)

Session 5: One-on-One Mentorship Session #2 + Packaging Your Series

Private 1:1 with your educator

• Detailed feedback on both episodes

• Final polish notes to elevate your writing

• How to present your series (pilot + continuation) to buyers

• Where vertical content is selling and how to position yourself

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A fully developed vertical micro-drama concept

• Two completed and polished episodes

• A clear understanding of episodic flow in short-form storytelling

• A stronger ability to write fast, engaging, bingeable content

• A pitch-ready project aligned with today’s mobile-first marketplace

• Two personalized mentorship sessions with a working industry professional 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

• This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class held on Zoom where you will be interacting with your instructor.

• This class consists of 5 sessions roughly two hours in duration and offers significantly more in-depth content than a standard Stage 32 webinar.

• ***Your instructor will be available on email during the entire duration of the lab to answer any questions you have about your project.***

• To stay motivated and inspired you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge post where you can meet, connect and communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the class and beyond. Let Stage 32 help you find your tribe!

• Can't make it live? Don't worry, each session will be recorded and you can watch it on demand at your convenience. 

• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.

• Payment plans are available at checkout through Shop Pay

• Screenwriters and storytellers who want to break into one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand content formats in the industry
• Writers who have traditional TV or film experience but want to learn how short-form vertical storytelling differs — and how to make the transition
• Emerging writers looking to build a pitch-ready project that is aligned with where the market is actually buying right now
• Content creators and digital storytellers who are already producing short-form content and want to elevate their writing with professional structure and technique
• Producers and development executives who want a deeper understanding of what makes vertical micro-dramas work so they can better identify, develop, and pitch projects
• Anyone who has an idea they believe could work as a vertical series but doesn't yet know how to develop, structure, or write it for the format
• Writers at any level who want personalized, one-on-one mentorship from a working industry professional with real acquisition and development experience in the vertical space

Testimonial from Ammon Lyle:

“Vertical storytelling isn’t a passing trend—it’s the next frontier of entertainment. I can’t wait to dive in with the Stage 32 community and share how to develop, structure, and launch content that thrives on the platforms where audiences live, scroll, and engage every day.”

Praise for Ammon's Education:

"Very well done, very informative webinar. I really enjoyed learning about this exciting new platform." - Richard H.

"It was very informative as a general overview of the Verticals market & expectations." - Paul D.