Are there opportunities for vertical microdramas in NZ?

The vertical microdrama format has taken the world by storm. Short, punchy, shot for mobile, and built for binge-watching, it’s generated extraordinary revenue in markets like China and is quietly gaining ground here in Aotearoa. But what is it? Where do we find them? Who’s watching? Are there revenue opportunities?

Join us for a panel conversation that brings together producers, funders, and an international perspective to dig into the real story behind vertical content in globally.

Whether you’re already working in the short-form space, curious about where the funding is heading, or wondering how overseas models might translate here, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Our Panellists

Amie Mills – Head of Funding at NZ on Air
Amie is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and has overall responsibility for the Scripted, Non-Fiction and Platforms streams of funding, and the Game Development Sector Rebate. Amie has worked in the media industry in Aotearoa and abroad, in a range of creative and digital production roles.

Abba-Rose Vaiaonga-Ioasa – Producer for “I Got You”
Abba-Rose (Samoan, villages of Toamua, Puipa’a) specializes in taking the path less travelled to tell the stories rarely told. Co-founder of Pacific Islands Screen Artists, producer of feature films, Three Wise Cousins (2016), Hibiscus & Ruthless (2018), Take Home Pay (2019), Mama’s Music Box (2020). And factual series Sik Fah Lah (2022), online vertical series I Got You (2022).

Jessica Todd – Producer for “The Sender”
Based between Ōtautahi Christchurch and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Jessica has been working across the media industry in Aotearoa and the UK for 10 years. As as independent producer, she works in production for long form drama projects and TVCs. Most recently, she produced NZ On Air Funded microdrama The Sender (2025).

Date: Wednesday 10th June
Location: Post Production Building, Kōawa Studios, University of Canterbury, 21 Dovedale Ave, Christchurch
Time: Drinks & nibbles from 6pm | Panel 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Free for WIFT members | $20 non-members

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From 24 June to 12 July, Auckland will come alive across various venues with an extraordinary celebration of documentary storytelling.

This year’s festival features world-class screenings, thought-provoking talks, prestigious awards, industry networking events, and an immersive exhibition that pushes the boundaries of documentary art. Plus, the Doc Edge Schools Programme inspires the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.

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Over 500 teams of filmmakers enter each year with just 48 hours to write, shoot and cut a film with a given genre and a collection of assigned elements. Filmmakers compete for awards in their regions, culminating in a grand final event where the national winner takes the title of Grand National Champion.

The Vista Foundation 48Hours aims to create a dynamic event that provides opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers to make short films in an environment that encourages innovation, creative risk-taking, and builds long term collaborations and community. We offer a screening opportunity and an enthusiastic inbuilt audience within the competition for teams to showcase their talent.

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