A Wishlist for Vertical Drama Writers
Or Some Cool Things I Would Like To See On Screen
Vertical writers are amazing, they bring us all the thrills and spills. And the variety of what is being shown on the screen at the moment is really being pushed, thanks to production companies like Reelshort and actors turned writers like Adam Santa Cruz.
As the writers of vertical dramas experiment and play with the genre, I of course have lots of ideas of things I would like to see on screen. A lot of these come from my beloved Chinese and Korean Dramas, which were my route into finding verticals. So without further ado here we go:
More Friends To Lovers
I love this trope. Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables is my ultimate literary crush. There is something about one-half of a couple having yearned for the other one for years, and silently doing lots of acts of service for them, but never being noticed. Until finally, finally something changes….
Bring In The Special Forces
The female medic and male soldier/fireman/police officers is a staple of Chinese dramas and always works well. Think of the high-stakes situations that both can risk life and limb in: suicide attempts, hostages, earthquakes, pandemics, and even training expeditions that go wrong. Then the challenges of being posted abroad, going missing in action, being trapped in a cave - there are so many ways that our writers can keep our beloved couple apart. We need more of these - plus is means male leads in uniforms, ladies!
Bodyguard Romances
I have long been a sucker for this one, perhaps best done on screen with Jasper and Eleanor in The Royals. There are a few around in vertical land, we need more. It’s the perfect setup for heroic rescues, bickering, longing glances, cross-class tension, and breaking the rules. I'm very much hoping that we don’t disappear down the Hallmark Royal romance route though. There are other options!
Ghostly Romances
Verticals are brilliant at werewolves and some more vampire ones are appearing. But what about ghosts? It is the ultimate can’t be together love story! Is this an option? I always loved the Mediator series by Meg Cabot.
Take Advantage of the Sarah J Maas / Fae Fandom
Talking of fantasy genres, verticals need to cater to the legion of Acotar fans. We need the vertical take on this genre, and I know the amazing crews are up to this challenge.
Some More Specific Suggestions
I’ve covered some of my general ideas, the rest get more and more specific!
More Rain Scenes
I am sure they are a pain to fill but we love a good rain scene. Whether it is being heartlessly abandoned by your ex in the rain and then rescued by the hero, or a heartfelt love confession, it always works. There is a reason that the ending of Four Weddings And A Funeral is iconic.
Use This Plot Line For A Villain
The worst thing I have seen a jealous female villain do was in the Chinese drama The Love Equations. The male lead’s mother had severe mental health problems (which were portrayed and dealt with really well). Once he gets together with the female lead he gets himself tested to see if he is likely to develop the same illness. The jealous female villain SWAPS THE RESULTS. Our poor male lead breaks up with the female lead so he doesn’t drag her down, and disappears off for a few years in depression. She doesn’t even get her man. This one is awful. And so satisfying when it finally all gets sorted out.
The Drunk Piggyback Carry
Thank you for all the excellent princess carries in verticals. The male lead carrying a drunk female lead on his back is a staple of Chinese dramas. It is always cute. Please can it be included?
Vertical Drama Love is a fan site celebrating and promoting Vertical Dramas, run by Jen. All thoughts, articles, and opinions are my own!
