Charles Band’s Full Moon Features Joins Forces with Microdrama Stars to Launch New Vertical Video Label FMA Productions
EXCLUSIVE: Indie horror veteran Charles Band has joined forces with prominent figures in the U.S. microdrama scene to launch a new vertical video label, Full Moon Artists (FMA) Productions.
Band’s existing company, Full Moon Features, will house FMA, which he will co-lead alongside notable vertical entertainment stars: Eric Guilmette, Sarah Moliski, Felix Merback, and Rebecca Stoughton. Together, they aim to create a lineup of microdramas for platforms like ReelShort and other vertical video applications, as well as alternative horizontal feature versions for services such as Prime Video and Tubi.
The first of twelve planned films from the new venture is set to begin production this spring in Los Angeles, with future projects slated to be filmed in California, Cleveland, and Italy.
Microdramas originated in China, where the industry has flourished into a multi-billion-dollar entity. The U.S. market for this genre has quickly expanded, now recognized as the second-largest globally. This growth has been driven by a youthful generation of actors committed to the fast-evolving sector, drawing attention from established industry names, including Band.
"As a veteran pioneer in new media, from home video to streaming, I am extremely enthusiastic about the possibilities and potential in the Vertical micro-drama arena," Band stated. "Working alongside this team, all of whom are among the biggest names in their field, to form this new venture has been both exciting and eye-opening. These creatives are on the cutting edge of the Vertical world, and we have big plans to develop some truly incredible entertainments for some of the most relevant Vertical platforms out there, while also making innovative inroads into the independent feature film markets."
Having founded Full Moon Features in 1988, Band has produced, distributed, and directed numerous indie horror films, including notable titles such as Re-Animator, Ghoulies, and Evil Bong. He is widely recognized for the direct-to-video Puppet Master franchise and boasts over 50 years of experience in entertainment, contributing to more than 400 films.
Last year, Band ventured into the vertical video space with the ReelShort thriller Dungeons of Ecstasy, filmed in Rome and the surrounding countryside. Starring Guilmette and Merback, the project followed a release model similar to what FMA Productions aims to replicate, debuting as a multi-episode series on microdrama platforms before landing on conventional distribution channels like Amazon, Tubi, and the Full Moon Features streaming service.
This year, Band collaborated again with ReelShort for Models Vs. Werewolves, which showcases talents Moliski, Stoughton, and Dee Wallace, having been filmed in Los Angeles.
The formation of FMA brings together Band’s extensive indie filmmaking background and the rising stars of the U.S. vertical video landscape. Guilmette, an actor, producer, and poet, has been recognized for his achievements within the medium, winning the 2024 Vertical Legend and Best Actor in a Drama at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards.
Moliski, a well-known figure in the vertical video space, has starred in several projects and is also recognized for her work as a microdrama casting director and consultant. Stoughton has appeared in popular TV shows and films, while Merback has gained acclaim for his roles in various microdramas and recently starred in Dead Janitors Club, set for international distribution.
Collectively, this team aims to not only capitalize on the microdrama trend but also make a significant impact on the independent film market.
