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A group of prominent women working in the microdrama arena have launched Women In Vertical Media, an industry organization that aims to advance the visibility, influence and economic equity of women in vertical entertainment.
Women in Vertical Media is founded by founder and president of Eris Talent Agency and Eris Entertainment Tina Randolph Contogenis and producer, actor and co-founder of the VFSSA Alicia Read.
“Women are already helping build this industry at every level — creatively, commercially and as a powerful audience driving its growth,” Randolph Contogenis said. “Women in Vertical Media is about making sure we also have a meaningful voice in shaping where it goes next.”
The organization is the industry’s first professional vertical entertainment alliance. It will launch with a founding leadership circle representing women across platforms, producing, directing, writing, development, business and other areas of the vertical ecosystem.
Founding leadership includes head of talent strategy and business development at Crazy Maple Studio Sammie Hao, head of development and strategic partnerships at GoodShort Karla Rodriguez, Amy Sullivan, Shannon Taylor, Ira Storozhenko and Isabel Drean. The inaugural leadership roundtable, industry partnerships and upcoming Los Angeles programming will be announced in the fall.
The organization’s initial priorities include advocating for wages and economic equity, safe and equitable working environments, recognition for women working in vertical media, increased representation in leadership and decision-making and creating community, mentorship and professional opportunities.
“Vertical entertainment is still being defined, and that creates an extraordinary opportunity,” Read said. “We have the chance to advocate for equity, professional standards and representation while the industry is being built — not after the structures are already in place.”
