Vertical Dramas Open New Opportunities for Indonesia's Creative Industry

The vertical drama format is seen as opening new opportunities for the growth of Indonesia’s creative industry, in line with changing consumption patterns that increasingly rely on digital platforms via mobile phones. Actor and content creator Ryan Goutama stated that the presence of vertical dramas is not just an alternative form of entertainment, but also expands the space for collaboration among actors, production houses, scriptwriters, and content creators to adapt to digital technology developments. ‘Changes in content consumption patterns force the entertainment industry to continuously adapt. Vertical dramas have huge growth potential because they can package stories in a short, concise manner while still maintaining emotional depth,’ he said in a written statement in Jakarta. According to Ryan, the vertical drama format presents its own challenges for performers. The short duration requires actors to build character, present conflict, and convey emotions to the audience in a limited time without reducing the quality of the story. He believes that adaptability is key for entertainment industry players amidst the advancement of digital technology. The shift in how the public accesses entertainment via mobile devices is pushing the industry to deliver more compact yet engaging content formats. ‘The entertainment industry always moves in tandem with technological developments. Digital transformation has triggered more flexible content distribution that is easily accessible via mobile phones. The key is how industry players can adapt quickly without lowering the quality standards of their work,’ he said. Ryan is not a newcomer to the entertainment world. Besides starring in various vertical drama titles, he has also acted 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 films such as Ketindihan (Sleep Paralysis), Kita Butuh Bahagia Walau Sesaat, and Apa Itu Cinta. Before pursuing a full-time acting career, Ryan had experience in the corporate world. The Indonesian Idol 2020 alumnus 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. He said this experience helped him understand market dynamics and digital consumer behaviour, enabling him to read the direction of the entertainment industry, which is increasingly oriented towards digital platforms. Outside of filming activities, Ryan actively builds interaction with his followers through social media platforms TikTok and Instagram. Through these platforms, he shares behind-the-scenes activities, daily life, and various information about the creative industry. Ryan hopes the growth of vertical dramas will be accompanied by stronger collaboration between production houses, digital platform providers, and local talent. He believes this synergy is important to create a more independent and competitive digital entertainment ecosystem, as well as to open more job opportunities for the younger generation. ‘Strong collaboration between all industry players will be an important asset to build an Indonesian digital entertainment ecosystem that can compete while providing new opportunities for creative talent in the country,’ Ryan said.