by FilmInk Staff
Australian filmmakers and content creators are being invited to take part in the inaugural Vertical48 Challenge — a fast-paced 48-hour filmmaking event challenging teams to write and create the first episode of a vertical microdrama in one weekend.
Koala Reels (a division of Star Rae Productions, Tasmania) announced at the recent Australian Microdrama Forum, Australia’s first Vertical48 Microdrama Episode Challenge to be held from 11–13 September.
Microdramas (short-form, episodic dramas designed primarily for mobile viewing) have become one of the fastest-growing forms of screen entertainment worldwide. Designed to hook audiences quickly and keep them watching episode after episode, microdramas combine the addictive storytelling of serial drama with short, mobile-first episodes.
The Vertical48 Challenge will give Australian filmmakers, writers, actors and content creators the opportunity to experiment with this rapidly emerging format and test their skills under the pressure of a 48-hour deadline.
Teams will be required to write and create the first episode of an original vertical microdrama (up to a maximum of three minutes), with entries judged on their creativity and ability to embrace the unique demands of vertical, short-form drama with an enticing opening hook and ending cliff-hanger.
A $250 cash prize will be awarded to the winning team, with entries judged by Australian microdrama industry professionals working within the international microdrama space.
“Microdramas are rapidly becoming a major new form of screen entertainment internationally, but there are still relatively few opportunities in Australia for filmmakers to explore and develop skills in this format,” said Racheal Leigh, organiser of Vertical48. “The Vertical48 is about giving creators the opportunity to experiment, collaborate and discover what it takes to create an addictive microdrama that captures an audience from the very first episode.”
The challenge follows Australia’s growing interest in vertical storytelling and the emerging global microdrama industry.
Teams must register by 6 September to take part.
The Vertical48 Challenge takes place 11–13 September.
For those unfamiliar with the microdrama format, recordings from the recent Australian Microdrama Forum are available to access online (for a small fee), offering insights into the rapidly growing world of vertical storytelling and can be found at https://www.microdramaforum.com.au
Vertical48 Challenge Details
Registration deadline: 6 September 2026
Event dates: 11–13 September 2026
Where: Online, Australia-wide
Prize: $250 cash prize for the winning microdrama episode. Entries judged by industry professionals from the microdrama industry
Registration Fee: $10 per team
Registration & full details: www.vertical48.com.au
For updates, follow our socials: Facebook: @koalareels Instagram: @koalareelstv TikTok: @koala.reels
About Racheal Leigh & Koala Reels
Racheal Leigh is an Australian vertical microdrama screenwriter, producer, and director with Star Rae Productions. Founder of the Tamar Valley Film Festival, Vertical Drama Scripts & Koala Reels. She was the only Australian microdrama screenwriter to be accepted into the Anamana 100 Creators Program, as well as the Sundance TikTok Micro-Series Incubator. Her recent microdrama, Circle of Secrets, is now available to watch on the Anamana App (on Google / Apple).
Koala Reels is a new Australian platform dedicated to championing vertical video storytelling, including the emerging microdrama format. Through events, education and the upcoming Vertical48 challenge, Koala Reels supports Australian screen creatives exploring new formats and platforms for short-form drama.
