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Vertical Micro-Drama Storytelling

4 weeks

Format: Online Learning + On-Campus Production Intensive
Email: shortcourses@afda.co.za

Create stories for the world’s most powerful screen — the phone.

From TikTok to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, vertical storytelling has become the dominant format of global digital culture. Brands, creators, filmmakers and actors are all producing short-form narrative content designed for mobile-first audiences.

The AFDA Vertical Micro-Drama Storytelling gives aspiring creators the opportunity to develop, produce and premiere their own vertical drama project in just six weeks.

This dynamic short course combines story development, digital culture, and practical production, giving students the tools to create content that travels across platforms and audiences.

Who Is This Course For? 

Perfect for:
Gap year students exploring creative careers

• Emerging content creators and influencers
• Future filmmakers, performers and storytellers
• Anyone wanting to understand how stories succeed online

No previous production experience is required.

 

Overview
Course Structure
Vertical video Story Telling

Tuition fees:

R5 499

Alumni 15% discount R4 999

Apply Now

Overview

Vertical Micro-Drama Storytelling

This course introduces students to the AFDA learning experience, where creativity, collaboration and production meet.

Step Into the Creator Economy.  The world needs new storytellers.  Start creating stories for the platforms shaping global culture.

 

Course Structure

What You Will Learn

Story Development

Develop an original concept for a short-form vertical drama.

Topics include:
• Narrative structure for short-form storytelling
• Story ideation and concept development
• Scriptwriting fundamentals
• Audience-driven storytelling

Digital Production Practice

Bring your story to life through hands-on production training.

Topics include:
• Vertical cinematography and framing
• Smartphone filmmaking techniques
• Directing performers for digital formats
• Editing for mobile-first platforms

Course Experience

Students collaborate in creative crews to take a story from idea to screen.

The course includes:

• Online lectures and tutorials
• Pre-recorded industry insights
• Facilitated discussions
• Collaborative group work
• On-campus production training
• A final project screening and review

Your Final Project

Each student crew will produce a short vertical drama designed for mobile platforms.

Your project becomes part of your creative portfolio, demonstrating your ability to develop and produce platform-ready storytelling.

Why AFDA?
AFDA is Africa’s leading creative institutions, known for industry-aligned training and collaborative storytelling.
This course introduces students to the AFDA learning experience, where creativity, collaboration and production meet.
Step Into the Creator Economy
The world needs new storytellers.
Start creating stories for the platforms shaping global culture. 

Apply now and bring your story to life.

Disciplines

Entry into AFDA Legacy Learning Short Courses:

A relevant undergraduate qualification (NQF LEVEL 7) from an accredited institution: Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma

Modules

Entry into AFDA Legacy Learning Short Courses:

A relevant undergraduate qualification (NQF LEVEL 7) from an accredited institution: Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma