Can Ozen
DIRECTOR
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
I direct vertical series, focusing on telling stories in a way that feels natural and immersive for today’s audience.
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?.
Burkay from Dramapops introduced me to vertical. We had a lot of conversations about storytelling in this format, and that’s what got me interested. I hadn’t explored it much before, but the more I looked into it, the more I saw its creative potential.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Situationship with My Billionaire Friend is definitely my favorite. It’s a fun, fast-paced rom-com that really took off on Dramapops. The whole best-friends-to-lovers dynamic made it such a great project to work on, balancing humor with those little emotional moments that keep people hooked. I had a blast directing it, and seeing how much people connected with the story has been amazing.
Any funny stories you can share with us?
Mariah Moss, our lead in Billionaire Friend, had this funny moment on set during a bedroom scene. There was this lamp, somehow it kept breaking in four or five different takes, almost like it was cursed. At one point, it even knocked over a fishbowl, and we had a bit of a panic trying to save the little guy. Luckily, we got to it in time, but it definitely made for one of the most unexpected and hilarious on-set moments:)
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Screenwriters deserve far more recognition, especially in the vertical format, where the script is the backbone of engagement. Unlike traditional storytelling, vertical demands a precise balance of pacing, tension, and intrigue—there’s no room for slow builds or wasted moments. Every scene, every line of dialogue, and every narrative beat must be carefully crafted to sustain momentum and keep viewers invested. The ability to hook an audience immediately and maintain that engagement in such a condensed structure is an art in itself, and it’s the script that ultimately determines the success of a vertical story.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
People assume vertical takes away from traditional storytelling, but it actually opens up a new way to experience it. The way tension builds, how emotions land, and how frames pull you in all work differently. It’s more immediate, more personal—less about watching from a distance and more about being in the moment.
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Leif? Haha (Leif Erik Offerdahl)
Last movie you saw at the cinema:
Nosferatu! It was wicked!
Currently reading:
"A life in Letters" V. Van Gogh
Thank you Can 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ Situationship With My Billionaire Friend on Dramapops
🎞️ Saved By The Billionaire on Dramapops
🎞️Secret Heiress Spoiled By Two Rockstars on Dramapops
📸 Can’s Instagram @can_ozen
