The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. is exploring vertical dramas as it develops a slate of short-form digital series for CBC Gem. Ariel Yang, the network’s new head of digital originals, will take pitches from Canadian producers for homegrown microdramas as part of her commissioning role under Trish Williams, executive director of scripted content.
A CBC spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that Yang’s work will include digital series under 15 minutes for adult audiences, and that the broadcaster is also open to vertical or microdramas if suitable projects are proposed.
Yang previously worked as a creative producer at New Metric Media. Her credits include Rent A Plus-One, a 57-episode Canadian microdrama for iQIYI International, and the digital series Gay Mean Girls for KindaTV, a YouTube channel operated by Shaftesbury Films.
Canadian producers are already making short series in cities including Toronto and Vancouver. The episodes typically run 60 to 90 seconds and are structured around hooks and cliffhangers that encourage viewers to continue to the next instalment.
CBC’s interest comes as Canadians watch short-form dramas on social media and apps such as ReelShort, Dramawave and ShortMax. The broadcaster is seeking to compete for mobile audiences alongside platforms including YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. YouTube currently has the largest ad-supported reach among streaming platforms in Canada, according to the source report.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.