Vertical Dramas Open New Opportunities for Indonesia's Creative Industry
The vertical drama format is seen as opening new opportunities for the growth of the creative industry in Indonesia, following changes in public consumption patterns that increasingly rely on mobile-based digital platforms.
Actor and content creator Ryan Goutama stated that the presence of vertical dramas is not merely an alternative form of entertainment, but also expands the space for collaboration among actors, production houses, scriptwriters, and content creators to adapt to digital technological developments.
“The change in content consumption patterns forces the entertainment industry to continuously adapt. Vertical dramas have very high growth potential because they are capable of packaging stories in a short, concise manner, while still maintaining emotional depth,” Ryan said in a written statement in Jakarta.
CHALLENGENT OF VERTICAL DRAMA
According to Ryan, the vertical drama format presents its own set of challenges for performing artists. The short duration requires actors to build characters, present conflicts, and convey emotions to the audience within a limited timeframe without compromising the quality of the story.
He believes that the ability to adapt is key for entertainment industry players amidst the development of digital technology. The shift in how the public accesses entertainment via mobile devices is driving the industry to provide more concise yet engaging content formats.
“The entertainment industry always moves in tandem with technological progress. Digital transformation triggers the birth of content distribution that is more flexible and easily accessible via mobile phones. The key is how industry players can adapt quickly without lowering the quality standards of their work,” he added.
Ryan is not a new name in the entertainment world. In addition to starring in various vertical drama titles, he has also appeared in several soap operas, including Terpaksa Menikahi Tuan Muda, Dilema, Jendela Rumah Kita Reborn, and Biarkan Hati Bicara. On the big screen, he appeared in the films Ketindihan (Sleep Paralysis), Kita Butuh Bahagia Walau Sesaat, and Apa Itu Cinta.
Before pursuing a full career as an actor, Ryan had experience in the corporate world. An alumnus of Indonesian Idol 2020, he previously worked in the banking sector, the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry as a Modern Trade Marketing Analyst, and handled Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and Influencer Marketing.
That experience, according to Ryan, helped him understand market dynamics and digital consumer behaviour, enabling him to read the direction of the entertainment industry, which is now increasingly oriented towards digital platforms.
BUILDING INTERACTION
Outside of filming activities, Ryan is also active in building interaction with his followers through TikTok and Instagram. Through these platforms, he shares behind-the-scenes activities, daily life, and various information regarding the creative industry.
Ryan hopes that the growth of vertical dramas can be accompanied by stronger collaboration between production houses, digital platform providers, and local talent. In his view, such synergy is essential to creating a more independent and competitive digital entertainment ecosystem that can also create more job opportunities for the younger generation.
“Strong collaboration between all industry players will be an important asset in building an Indonesian digital entertainment ecosystem that is capable of competing while providing new opportunities for domestic creative talent,” said Ryan.