Blake Studwell
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
Director
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
I was asked to DP a mafia one for Reelshort but pitched myself as a director since I love the mafia genre. My first big hit was Baby Just Say Yes with over 160 million views on Reelshort. I've directed 11 so far for Reelshort, Dramabox, Dramalet, Vigloo, and Serreal+.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
They're all quite special to me, but the most fun one was My Mafia Bodyguard since the villain was so hilarious.
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
We didn't have a handgun needed for a scene so the art department bought an airsoft rifle right before we filmed. The villain using a large rifle made his character even more over the top.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
Sometimes I'll laugh so much I'll end up in tears. A lot of this content is completely ridiculous, we just embrace it and make it the best we can. Often that leads to big laughs.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
I think the position of AD deserves more credit. They are juggling so many moving parts and communicating with every department to keep us on schedule.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
I hope people appreciate the amount of dialogue the actors do and how fast the crew must work to do so many pages yet still retain high quality production values each day.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I would like to see bigger budgets given and more unique stories. I have written my own script, I'm looking to start production on soon.
What are you most proud of?
I'm very proud of developing blocking, lighting and storytelling techniques that make me a strong and efficient director that can excel in various genres.
3 Random Facts:
⭐ I love animals
⭐ I like to scare people
⭐ I play drums
Favourite snack:
Fruit
Current earworm:
Lady Gaga
Thank you Blake🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ Baby Just Say Yes on Reelshort
🎞️ My Mafia Bodyguard
🎞️ Blake’s Website
📸 Blake’s Instagram @Blakestudwell
