Intro To Vertical Filmmaking: Platform-First Content Creation

A hands-on introduction to vertical, mobile-first filmmaking centered on the creative language of the 9:16 frame. Students learn how composition, blocking, performance, pacing, sound, captions, graphics, and editing change when stories are designed for phones rather than adapted from landscape formats. Through a sequence of small exercises that build toward one original vertical series or body of work, students move from understanding vertical language to development, production, critique, packaging, distribution, and audience analysis. Platform strategy, branded content, analytics, monetization, and responsible AI use are introduced after students have created work, allowing business decisions to grow from creative practice rather than drive it.