From Actress to Producer: Inside the Evolution of Short Drama

In this interview, Carin Smolinski shares her journey into short drama (vertical drama) — from actress to producer, writer, and director. With a background as an entrepreneur in Asia, primarily Japan, where she built a seven-figure business, Carin brings a strong business mindset into the short drama industry. She entered vertical dramas about a year and a half ago as an actress, initially unfamiliar with the format, and has since completed 26 series while remaining active on set. As the industry evolved, Carin began stepping into producing, directing, and writing, driven by a desire to create higher-quality stories that align with her values — particularly around safety, professionalism, and the portrayal of women. In this conversation, she discusses: • What short drama (vertical drama) really is and why it hooks audiences • How sets have become more professional over time • The key differences between short drama and traditional film or TV • Acting techniques for exaggerated, fast-paced storytelling • Writing hooks and keeping audiences engaged every 1–2 minutes • Why she believes the genre is evolving beyond shock value • Diversity, representation, and new opportunities in short drama • Advice for actors entering the vertical drama industry This interview is part of our ongoing online interview series exploring the global short drama ecosystem.