EXCLUSIVE: French microdrama platform Shorts has teamed with L.A.’s Fumero Films for 40 vertical video projects for 2026.
Fumero’s bosses, Adriana Santos and Alejandro Fumero, claim the deal is one of the largest ever international slate orders in the emerging microdrama industry to date.
Shorts is one of several microdrama platforms emerging across Europe, as the medium continues to build. The app’s creative partnership with Fumero is being billed as “landmark, with Shorts exec Sylvain Daressy saying: “What Alejandro and Adriana have built at Fumero Films is extraordinary, but even more powerful is what we’ve built together.
“Their precision, creativity, and cultural authenticity elevate the vertical format in a way that resonates worldwide. Collaborating with a Latino-led studio of this caliber sets a new global standard for short-form storytelling.”
Microdrama episodes tend to run for between 60 and 90 seconds, and follow melodramatic themes in genres such as romance, sci-fi and thriller. Top apps include ReelShorts, Dramabox, Goodshort and Candyjar, with the earliest ones originating from China and Korea.
Shorts and Fumero have been working together over the past year on their slate, which they say has helped to develop “narrative rhythm,” refine production speed, and elevate “the emotional intensity that defines modern microdramas.”
They are sharing the financial risk on the productions, giving Fumero a production pipeline and Shorts a slate of new series. Episodes previews will be made available through teasers and unlock entire series for fees ranging from $15 to $50.
AJ Letterel, Head Creative Producer at Shorts said: “Fumero Films brings a cinematic boldness that is rare in fast-turnaround formats. Their ability to innovate under pressure, their emotional instinct, and their respect for craft make them essential partners. This 40-project slate is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
Santos and Fumero claim to be the first Latino-led studio to strike a vertical video deal of this scale. They plan to focus on diverse voices and cross-cultural storytelling – the lack of which has been one consistent criticism of the medium.
“Representing the next generation of storytellers is at the core of everything we do,” said Alejandro Fumero. “Vertical films allow us to connect with global audiences instantly and intimately. We’re honored to help shape this new medium—and to do so alongside Shorts, a partner who believes just as deeply in authentic, impactful stories.”
“Our collaboration with Shorts has shown what happens when diverse perspectives and strong creative alignment come together,” added Santos. “We hope this opens doors for more Latino writers, directors, and performers across vertical cinema.”
Having originated in China in 2020, the microdrama industry is worth upwards of $10B, with several analysts pegging its worth by 2030 at around $25B. The excitement has led to several Hollywood and international executives to launch production businesses around the apps, and many actors to move into the space to find work.
