ReelShort Pioneers Vertical Storytelling in the Digital Era
ReelShort explores the future of vertical storytelling in an exclusive interview with The Hype Magazine, discussing innovation, collaboration, and cultural storytelling.
The post-production team of ReelShort, a trailblazing production company specializing in vertical television series, hosted The Hype Magazine at their home base, Crazy Maple Studios in Culver City, CA, for an in-depth discussion on the evolution of short-form storytelling. I got to moderate an engaging and informative junket-styled live session interview at the facility, which featured key team members, including director Yinghui Li, visual effects production manager Xyner Xu, and post-producer Adam Xing. Together, they shared insights into the creative and technical aspects of crafting content for platforms like TikTok, where audience engagement hinges on speed and innovation. The team introductions and company backstory were conducted by post-production producer Runyun “Martin” Li, who facilitated the exclusive conversation! I’ve shared some highlights of the conversation below, and the full session audio is available below this recap!
(l-r) Post-producer Adam Xing, Marketing Director, visual effects production manager Xyner Xu, Dr. Jerry Doby, director Yinghui Li, post-production producer Runyun “Martin” Li
Shaping the Future of Vertical Storytelling
ReelShort has positioned itself at the forefront of digital entertainment by producing content specifically for vertical viewing. With mobile-first consumption rising, the team emphasized adapting narratives to fit this new format.
“The ability to tell compelling stories in a condensed and visually engaging way has become more and more important in the new digital era,” said Director Yinghui Li.
She continues, “In traditional filmmaking, you have the luxury of time to slowly build up emotions over a 45-minute episode or a 2-hour movie. However, in vertical storytelling, you have much less time (sometimes only a few seconds) to emotionally engage your audience before they scroll away on their phone. Our goal is to tell stories that feel immersive and emotionally gripping within that limited time frame.”
To achieve this, ReelShort employs a combination of fast-paced storytelling techniques, innovative shot compositions, and engaging sound design to captivate viewers instantly. Yinghui stressed that although the format is short, the quality of storytelling should not be compromised.
Challenges and Innovations in Short-Form Production
Unlike traditional filmmaking, short-form vertical content demands a rapid production cycle and precise execution. The ReelShort team highlighted the challenges of capturing audience attention within seconds, making seamless collaboration across directing, visual effects, and post-production essential.
- Fast-Paced Creativity: The team works under tight deadlines to produce high-quality, engaging content that resonates with modern audiences.
- Visual Effects as a Storytelling Tool: Xyner explained how VFX plays a crucial role in crafting immersive narratives, elevating simple concepts into visually striking experiences.
- Cultural Influence in Storytelling: Adam discussed how diverse backgrounds shape the team’s approach to storytelling, making their content relatable to a global audience.
“Visual effects aren’t just about adding spectacle—they’re about enhancing storytelling,” said Xyner.
She added, “People often think of VFX as explosions, monsters, or sci-fi landscapes, but it’s much more than that. Even subtle effects, like adjusting lighting in post-production or blending practical and digital elements seamlessly, can completely change the feel of a scene. Our job is to make sure that every effect serves the story and doesn’t overshadow it.”
Meanwhile, post-producer Adam highlighted the importance of balancing creative ambition and the limitations of the vertical format.
“We have to think differently when editing for vertical screens,” Adam explained.
Continuing, he states, “You can’t rely on traditional cinematic techniques like wide establishing shots or long takes. Instead, you focus on close-ups, fast cuts, and movement that keeps the viewer engaged. Every edit and transition must be intentional—there’s no room for wasted frames.”
Collaboration and Audience Engagement
Success in digital content hinges on teamwork. The session underscored how effective communication between directors, editors, and post-production teams streamlines the creative process.
Beyond production, audience feedback is a driving force for content development. The team closely monitors engagement metrics, using real-time data to refine storytelling techniques and cater to evolving viewer preferences.
“We don’t just create content—we listen to how audiences respond,” said Yinghui.
“The way people consume content today is very different from before. We take viewer feedback seriously and try to have a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t. It’s a continuous effort of learning and improvement,” she emphasized.
The Road Ahead for Vertical Entertainment
As digital platforms continue to evolve, ReelShort remains committed to pushing the boundaries of vertical storytelling. With their innovative approach and dedication to high-quality production, the company is redefining how stories are told in the mobile-first era.
“More and more people are consuming content on their phones than ever before. There’s still a lot more to explore about vertical storytelling in the new digital landscape.” Yinghui closed
For a deeper dive into this fascinating discussion, listen to the entire #LiveSession interview below and hear directly from the ReelShort team about their creative journey and vision for the future of storytelling.
ReelShort also has thriving communities on Instagram @reelshortapp, Facebook @ReelShortApp, YouTube @ReelShortApp, and TikTok @ReelShortApp
Here’s a shortcut to getting connected via our custom ReelShort IG feed below
TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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