S2E1 | Forum 25Q3 — Roundtable #1：From Basics to Future Vision

「Roundtable」From Basics to Future Vision

What defines short drama in today’s entertainment world — and where is it heading next? In this exclusive roundtable, we bring together four leading voices from Los Angeles, New York, and beyond to discuss the rise of vertical dramas, new storytelling formats, and how global creators are shaping the future of entertainment.

Guests:

• Anina Net — internationally working actress in film and television and former top model, known for her standout short drama roles in “Makeup Sex” and “Pregnant with my Infertile Alpha King” playing Lind Smith.

• Cayman Cardiff — a U.S. actor known for Mated to My Savage Alpha. Originally from the South, he began in musical theatre and now works professionally in Los Angeles, with experience in commercials and ongoing training.

• Irvin Gelb — a veteran producer and talent manager with 30+ years in the industry, from studio films like Chaplin to global short-form consulting. He’s now a leading voice in vertical content and helps develop original projects with emerging talent.

• Wendi (Paddy) Ma — Wendi (Paddy) Ma is a film producer and director who has been active in the New York City film industry for over a decade. His notable short drama works include No Escape from My Ruthless Alpha and Twin's Love Trap For Billionaire Dad.

Key Topics We Explore:

• 📱 What makes short dramas unique — vertical format, mobile-first storytelling, and dopamine-driven pacing

• 🌍 Cultural trends: How Chinese short dramas are influencing global storytelling

• 🎭 Behind the scenes: How actors and producers adapt scripts for different markets

• 🚀 The future of short drama — AI, interactive storytelling, and cross-border collaborations

• 🔥 Tips on creating viral hits and understanding audience behavior

Whether you’re a creator, producer, or content strategist, this episode dives deep into the business, creative trends, and technology reshaping the industry.

🔔 Subscribe for more insights from Short Drama Decode and join the conversation about where storytelling is headed.

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