French Microdrama App Partners with Fumero Films for 40 New Exciting Projects
French Microdrama Platform Shorts Partners with Fumero Films for Ambitious Project Slate
French microdrama platform Shorts has announced a significant collaboration with Los Angeles-based Fumero Films to create 40 vertical video projects by 2026. This partnership is being described as one of the largest international slate orders to date in the burgeoning microdrama industry.
Fumero Films’ co-founders, Adriana Santos and Alejandro Fumero, highlighted the magnitude of the deal, emphasizing its importance for the global entertainment landscape. "What Alejandro and Adriana have built at Fumero Films is extraordinary, but even more powerful is what we’ve built together," said Sylvain Daressy of Shorts. He further praised the studio’s "precision, creativity, and cultural authenticity," noting its impact on the vertical format that resonates worldwide.
Microdrama episodes typically range from 60 to 90 seconds and explore a variety of melodramatic themes within genres like romance, sci-fi, and thriller. Leading apps in this space include ReelShorts, Dramabox, Goodshort, and Candyjar, with many of the earliest examples emerging from China and Korea.
Santos and Fumero emphasize their focus on diverse voices and cross-cultural storytelling within this new venture. “Representing the next generation of storytellers is at the core of everything we do,” said Alejandro Fumero. He added that vertical formats allow for immediate and intimate connections with global audiences.
The partnership also aims to share financial risks associated with production, providing Fumero with a robust pipeline while enabling Shorts to expand its series offerings. Teasers and complete series will be available for viewer fees ranging from $15 to $50, allowing for a more accessible entry point into this new medium.
AJ Letterel, Head Creative Producer at Shorts, remarked on Fumero Films’ unique capabilities. “Their ability to innovate under pressure, their emotional instinct, and their respect for craft make them essential partners," he stated, indicating that this 40-project slate represents just the beginning of their collaborative potential.
With its origins in China in 2020, the microdrama industry is valued at over $10 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach approximately $25 billion by 2030. This rapid growth has attracted the attention of numerous executives and talent in Hollywood and beyond, eager to explore opportunities in this innovative format.
Santos concluded, “Our collaboration with Shorts has shown what happens when diverse perspectives and strong creative alignment come together. We hope this opens doors for more Latino writers, directors, and performers across vertical cinema.”
