Micro-drama Intense Course

October 3 to 6 |See the full schedule and register here!

Learn, in practice, how to create, write, produce, direct, and develop stories for the world of vertical microdramas, the new trend in the entertainment market!

Presented by the Ibero Asia Filmmaking Alliance (IAFA) and Dalynn Studio, the course brings together professionals with experience in the Asian, Latin American, European, and U.S. markets for a five-day immersion into the new generation of mobile-first storytelling.

Throughout the course, participants will follow every stage of microdrama development: from concept creation and screenwriting to production, directing, acting, and analysis of the material produced.

WHO IS IT FOR

The course is designed for screenwriters, directors, producers, actors, content creators, advertising and audiovisual professionals, executives, and anyone interested in new storytelling and production formats, with English fluency.

An opportunity to gain an inside perspective on the microdrama market and, in practice, develop a story designed for the audiences and platforms of the next generation.

Companies and groups can purchase the package and designate one professional to participate each day!

SCHEDULE

10/03, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM — Day 1 | Screenwriting: Theory and Development

The first day introduces the fundamentals of vertical microdrama storytelling: concept creation, character and conflict development, emotional hooks, episode structure, pacing, and cliffhangers. Through practical exercises, participants will begin developing the concept and narrative arc of a 10-episode series.

With Mary Lynn and Marta Cámara.

10/04, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM — Day 2 | Screenwriting: Writing the Series

From concept to script. This module focuses on creating concise, visual, and emotionally engaging scenes, as well as dialogue, episode openings and endings, hooks, cliffhangers, and strategies for maintaining audience attention. By the end of the module, participants will have developed a complete 10-episode script.

With Mary Lynn and Marta Cámara.

10/05, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM — Day 3 | Production: From Script to Screen

How do you turn a story into a production? The third day covers pre-production, budgeting, scheduling, locations, casting, crew, props, costumes, shot planning, and production workflow. Theory is put into practice through the development of a shooting plan and the production of a pilot/teaser.

With Winnie Tang, based in Hangzhou and New York, founder of Spring Reel.

10/06, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM — Day 4 | Directing and Acting: Bringing the Story to Life

A deep dive into visual language and performance for short-form formats. The module covers blocking, camera language, actor direction, emotional construction, pacing, and on-set dynamics. Participants will also explore acting techniques specific to microdramas and put their knowledge into practice during the production of the pilot/teaser.

With Kaibo Xu, director and screenwriter trained at the New York Film Academy, and Angie Li, a filmmaker and creative strategist based in Los Angeles.

10/10, 5:00 PM — Day 5 | Screening and Feedback

The course concludes with a screening of the pilots/teasers and selected episodes. The projects will be reviewed by the instructors based on aspects such as screenwriting, directing, acting, production, and audience engagement, with professional feedback and insights for further project development.

With all instructors.

WHO’S PARTICIPATING

Mary Lynn — Uruguay / Shanghai, China

Nikon award-winning filmmaker, CEO of Dalynn Studio, and co-founder of IAFA. She works to connect the Asian and Ibero-American markets, with experience in AI, mobile cinematography, and cultural heritage documentaries.

Marta Cámara — Spain / Asia and Europe

Screenwriter, published author, and intellectual property specialist, as well as co-founder and CEO of IAFA. With more than 20 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, she works with original series, period dramas, and adaptations for the vertical format.

Winnie Tang — Hangzhou, China / New York, USA

Founder of Spring Reel, a microdrama production company operating between China and the United States. Her productions have been released in seven languages and reached more than 1 billion views across five countries.

Kaibo Xu — China / United States

Bilingual director and screenwriter with a degree in Film from the New York Film Academy. His work includes productions for CMG, iQIYI, and Tencent Video, as well as award-winning projects at international festivals.

Angie Li — Los Angeles, USA

Filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, and creative strategist working across the U.S. and Chinese markets. She specializes in vertical cinematography, visual storytelling for mobile plat